The Yard is an inclusive organisation and we don't want to see any of our members or potential members miss the chance to come and play with us because of financial difficulty. With that in mind we have created a membership assistance package aimed at people who are genuinely finding it hard to pay for our services.

The document which outlines this policy can be found here:

Membership Assistance Policy

If you feel like you need our help with membership fees, the first thing to do is reach out to us. You can speak to a staff member in the playground, call us on the phone or send an email to [email protected]. Use whichever of these methods you feel most comfortable with. We'll then arrange an informal chat with you to see how we can help. Once we know a little more about your circumstances we'll let our management team know and they'll take time to assess your situation and figure out the best way forward.

We have some limited funds to offer immediate help to those most in need. The budget for that will be assessed annually and assistance offered on a first come first served basis.

We have also built relationships with existing organisations whose aims and objectives are to help disabled people access the services they need by providing advise on things like SDS funding. The table below provides links to their websites and to key documents explaining more about their work.

Self Directed Support Scotland (SDSS)

SDSS champions local Independent Support organisations who provide quality advice and support on Self-directed Support. We campaign for true SDS implementation when it comes to social care delivery throughout Scotland.

 SDSS General Leaflet

Your Support Your Choice_-_SDSS

SDS Factsheet

Lothian Centre for Inclusive Living (LCIL)

is a user controlled organisation which supports disabled people, people with long-term conditions and older people, to live independently in their communities.

 Independent Living Team

Grapevine Leaflet

Minority Ethnic Carers of People Project (MECOPP)

An Edinburgh based charity which help ethnic minority carers to access support including SDS.

MECOPP SDS Legal Rights Project

Independent Living Fund (ILF)

Are you aged 16-21, and living with a disability in Scotland? You could be eligible for up to £7,500 in funding, for 1 year, from the Transition Fund! We can support you to try new activities and experiences that will enhance your independence, confidence and help you to spend more time with other people.

Dundee Carers Centre

We work independently from the local authority to provide support to people in Dundee and Angus. 

 Your Support Your Choice - SDSS

SDS Options Fife

help you understand and explore your options, choose your own outcomes and support you to make your own decisions about self directed support (often referred to as SDS). We also share stories from people who are now in receipt of self directed support who share their experiences, their journey and how it has changed their life.

 Your Support Your Choice - SDSS

VOCAL

Provides support for unpaid carers in Edinburgh and Midlothian to enable carer identification and access to support and services in the community. Vocal can support carers to manage their caring role, manage money including SDS and maintain their own wellbeing.

 Managing your money