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Dundee Families Welcomed Back to The Yard

A Dundee charity providing play services for disabled children, young people and their families has re-opened after lockdown.

The Yard, which offers creative and adventurous play for children and their siblings, is once again offering bookable sessions to new and existing members.  Family sessions are available on Sundays and Wednesday afternoon.  The Yard is also taking bookings from primary schools throughout Dundee, Perthshire and Angus for play sessions both within The Yard and school premises.

Olivia Hermon-Rice from Dundee, delighted to be back! Credit Alan Richardson, Pix-AR Dundee

The Yard, which opened in 2015, currently operates from temporary, shared premises at Rainbow House, Drumlanrig Place.  Longer-term, The Yard is in the process of preparing a planning application to build a fully-adapted, purpose-built centre and adventure playground at Balunie Drive, Douglas, on the site of the former Douglas House Care Home, replacing the current service. The proposed facility will replicate the services offered by The Yard in Edinburgh which, launched in 1986.

In line with Scottish Government advice, The Yard is encouraging all visitors to The Yard to wear a fac-covering and separate, allocated tables have been created to keep families in their ‘bubble’.

Marta Jastrzab, Play Team Leader said, “We are absolutely delighted to see our families again, and some new faces! Lockdown was extremely difficult for families with a disabled child so parents are thrilled and relieved to be back in the building, to see their child playing with others and to spend time with other parents again.

“Yes, there are some safety restrictions in place but we are doing our best to ensure that families still have a brilliant time when they come here.  We are encouraging children to play outside where possible, with bikes, trikes and even a Jeep, an obstacle course, football, basketball and mud kitchen! We’ve even got a hammock for those looking to lie back and relax and plenty to do inside too, with the return of messy play with foam, sand and water.”

For more information on attending The Yard in Dundee, email familysupport@theyardscotland.org.uk or visit www.theyardscotland.org.uk.

ENDS

NOTE TO EDITORS

The Yard is an award-winning charity, running adventure play services for disabled children, young people and their families in the east of Scotland. It offers creative, adventurous indoor and outdoor play experiences in a well-supported environment. It provides care, support, and opportunities for fun and friendship. Besides informal respite, meeting other parents who face similar challenges lets them build a network of support and understanding that helps ease the difficulties they face. The flagship Edinburgh centre was refurbished by DIY SOS The Big Build in 2012. The Yard Dundee opened in 2015, followed by The Yard Fife in 2016.

The Yard was awarded the Nancy Ovens Positive Support for Play Award 2016 and the Herald Society Award for Improving Young People’s Lives in 2019. Celine Sinclair, Chief Executive of The Yard, was awarded Leading Light at Scottish Charity Awards 2017, Director of the Year at Edinburgh Chamber Business Awards 2018 and Director of the Year – Small Business at IoD Scotland Director of the Year Awards 2018.