Your support can light up lives like Emily’s

This Christmas, we’re asking for your help to light up lives. By supporting The Yard, you can give a child like Emily a safe and joyful space to be themselves, surrounded by friends and fun.

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Emily O’Malley, 15, lives in Penicuik with her mum, dad, sister Abbie, and their dog, Ollie. Emily has ADHD, autism, and learning disabilities, and her sister Abbie, who is 18, also has ADHD and autism.

Christmas in the O’Malley household has always been a special time, but it’s changed over the years as the family has learned more about the girls’ diagnoses. What was once a traditional Christmas now feels a bit more like a regular day, but it’s still special in its own way.

In the past, the family would insist on everyone sitting together for breakfast, opening presents, and enjoying a big Christmas dinner. Now, the approach is more relaxed. “We still come together to open presents and share at least one course of dinner, but after that, if the girls want to chill in their room, that’s fine,” says Emily’s mum. “We don’t insist they stay with everyone the way we used to. It’s about respecting their space and making sure they’re comfortable.”

This flexibility extends to their Christmas meal, too. “Last year, Abbie chose to have haggis, neeps, and tatties for her dinner, while the rest of us had turkey. If they eat, I’m happy—it doesn’t need to be a traditional meal,” adds Emily’s mum. While these changes don’t always sit well with visitors, the O’Malleys are focused on making sure the girls are happy and at ease.

Emily joined The Yard in 2023, and it has quickly become her happy place. “She’s just so different when she’s there,” her mum says. “She’s relaxed, comfortable, and herself without anyone judging her. She happily talks to the staff, something she doesn’t even do with her teachers at school.” Emily loves spending time outside at The Yard, even when it’s cold and dark.

Her mum shares a story of sneaking a peek through the fence and seeing Emily riding around on the bikes and trikes, grinning from ear to ear. “It’s such a joy to see her so happy. She’s not bothered by the cold; she’s just having fun—it warms my heart.”
The connections Emily has made at The Yard have been wonderful. She’s made friends there and even chats with them outside of sessions. “She’s planning to meet up with some of her friends during the play sessions over the holidays,” her mum says.

The staff at The Yard have been incredible in supporting Emily. “They’re all so amazing with her,” says her mum. “She talks about them to us after every session, which is huge because she doesn’t usually open up like that. She trusts them, and that means the world to us.”

Emily’s dad also got involved with The Yard’s fundraising efforts, taking part in our October Firewalk event. Emily was there supporting him and even joined him for his 50km walk/run challenge for his 50th birthday. “When we told people the walk was for The Yard, Emily had this cheeky grin. She was so proud,” says her mum.

Emily is really looking forward to the Youth Club party this year. She’s excited to spend time with her friends and be part of the special event. The O’Malley family knows that The Yard will provide the stability and support Emily needs during the holidays.
“Emily will have a familiar place to go, a safe space to spend time with friends, and the chance to just be herself,” her mum says. “We’re so grateful for everything The Yard does for her, and we can’t wait to see what the Youth Club party will be like!”

For the O’Malleys, The Yard isn’t just another service—it’s a life-changing place where Emily can feel like she truly belongs.

Help us support more children like Emily
Donate now and light up lives

Light up a life