RFB Containers has announced its charity partnership with The Yard Scotland.
We’re delighted to announce our new partnership with RFB Containers, who are supporting The Yard in providing safe, inclusive adventure play spaces for disabled children, young people, and their families.
As part of the partnership, RFB Containers is supplying storage containers free of charge at our locations across Scotland. This ensures our outdoor toys and equipment are stored securely, helping us keep our play areas safe and accessible. They were also involved in the opening of our latest Glasgow site, making sure our equipment was safely stored during refurbishment.
The support goes beyond storage — RFB Containers is working with our facilities team to provide appropriate accommodation units for staff, creating safe and fit-for-purpose working spaces.
“We’re really proud of our partnership with The Yard and the positive impact it has on families across Scotland,” said Angus Barraclough, Managing Director at RFB Containers. “It’s about more than donations — it’s about supporting a truly meaningful cause.”
This partnership is helping us expand our services, support our staff, and continue making a real difference in the lives of the children and families we work with.
Next month, a group of 40 parents, children and staff from The Yard Dundee will be taking part in the Kiltwalk to raise vital funds for the refurbishment of our Dundee centre.
The £1.5M upgrade will transform The Yard Dundee into a fully accessible, year-round community hub for disabled children, young people and their families. The refurbishment includes a new roof, sensory room, Changing Places toilet, expanded play areas, communal kitchen and dining area, plus a vibrant outdoor garden.
While our centre is being transformed, we’ve continued to support families from temporary premises at Dundee East Community Sports Club, with summer holiday sessions running at Kingspark School. We’re so grateful to NHS Tayside Charitable Foundation for contributing £100,000 towards the outdoor space and donating two spaces for this year’s Kiltwalk. Most of our amazing walkers will take on the four-mile Wee Wander, while a few brave souls will tackle the full 20-mile Mighty Stride. Among them are families like Cheryl and Rio, who are returning for their second year and inspiring others to join in.
Gill Thomson, our Service Development Manager at The Yard Dundee, will be walking alongside her two sons. She says:
“The fact that so many mums, dads and children have signed up is a real testament to how much The Yard means to them. Four miles may feel like a big ask but we’re a strong and resilient community and are determined to do our best. All the summer fun at The Yard is keeping us fit and fired up for the big day!”
Long-time Yard mum Pamela Donaldson is also walking with her nine-year-old daughter, who has attended The Yard since she was three says:
“The Yard is a place where my daughter can just be herself and feel free. We’re so excited about the reopening and the opportunities the new building will bring. I don’t normally ask for sponsorship, but this is a cause I’m so passionate about. I don’t know what we would do without The Yard, or how we would have managed over the years without their support.”
So far, our wonderful supporters have already raised almost £1,000, but there’s still a way to go. Every donation will bring us closer to opening the doors of a bigger, better Yard Dundee this autumn!
Sponsor our walkers and help us finish the refurbishment of The Yard Dundee below
The Yard named new charity partner for Deloitte in Edinburgh and Glasgow
The Yard has been selected as the new charity partner for Deloitte’s Edinburgh and Glasgow offices. This three-year partnership is part of Deloitte’s 5 Million Futures programme, an ambitious commitment to improve the futures of five million people across the UK by 2030. At The Yard, we believe every child deserves the chance to play, connect and thrive. With Deloitte’s support, we’ll be able to reach even more disabled children and their families with joyful, inclusive play experiences.
The funds raised by Deloitte’s teams will support our four centres and growing outreach programmes across Scotland, helping us provide respite, practical support and a strong sense of community for the families who need it most.
We’re proud to partner with an organisation that shares our values and vision for a more inclusive world. We can’t wait to see what we can achieve together.
Stay tuned to our website and social media channels for updates on what this exciting partnership brings.
Despite facing serious health challenges, Ryan has found a safe, supportive space where he can truly be himself.
Ryan is five years old, and despite his young age, he’s already faced more challenges than most people experience in a lifetime. From birth, Ryan has been battling serious health conditions, including a life-changing illness that left him dependent on a six-foot oxygen tube.
Despite his challenges, Ryan has found a place where he can simply be himself – The Yard Dundee. For Ryan and his family, The Yard isn’t just a play space; it’s a lifeline.
Before discovering The Yard, Ryan’s world felt limited. That all changed when Stacey, Ryan’s mum, found The Yard through a friend’s recommendation. “It was amazing to discover that Ryan could run around with his six-foot oxygen tube, and no one looked at him any differently,” Stacey shares.
The Yard is also a place where Stacey can relax and connect with other parents who understand her journey. “I’ve made lots of friends through the parent/carers group,” she says. “It’s a place I can vent, ask questions, and get the answers I need. The staff are so well-trained and always know how to support us.”
Stacey is also excited about The Yard’s upcoming £1.5 million refurbishment, which will create more accessible spaces for children like Ryan. “It will be wonderful when The Yard has been refurbished and when they can offer even more to families like us,” she says. “There is literally nowhere else for Ryan and the other children to go as they grow. They have a right to be who they are, and The Yard makes that possible.”
Ryan, Stacey, and their family are just one example of the hundreds of children and families who rely on The Yard. With your support, we can create an even better space for children with disabilities and additional needs. A space where they can feel safe, supported, and most importantly, free to be themselves.
By helping us raise the remaining £300,000 for the refurbishment of The Yard Dundee, you’re not just contributing to a building—you’re contributing to the happiness and well-being of children like Ryan who truly need it.
Hear from Ryan’s family
Please Dig Deep
Disabled children in Dundee deserve an amazing, safe space to play. Dig deep for the Yard to help raise £300,000.
We need 1,200 virtual bricks to complete The Yard Dundee’s transformation into a fully accessible, supportive space where disabled children and their families can thrive.
Help us build a lasting space for families in Dundee, so no family feels alone. Your support will bring us closer to creating the community local families need. Let’s Dig Deep!
Sponsoring a playroom, family room, or sensory space puts you at the heart of a generous group of Dundonians who are helping to create a place for families, right here in Dundee.
We’ll work with you to tailor ways your company can support us and meet your business objectives. We’d love to talk to you about the role that your company can play in changing lives.
The Yard is kicking off 2025 with the launch of its Ambassador programme.
The Yard is kicking off 2025 with the launch of its Ambassador programme, aimed at engaging business leaders to support the organisation’s growth and influence as it embarks on a new strategic plan to expand its reach across Scotland.
Ambassadors will act as community champions, promoting The Yard’s work within their networks and supporting the charity’s ambitious income generation targets during this period of growth and expansion.
The first to join the programme is Edinburgh marketing leader, Laith Al-Khamis. With over 18 years of experience in marketing and events across central Scotland, Laith will leverage his extensive network to amplify The Yard’s vision and mission.
The Yard is dedicated to building thriving communities of support that enrich the lives of entire families. Families with disabled children often face significant challenges, including financial strain, isolation, and limited access to services. The Yard champions inclusion through its welcoming environment, dynamic play spaces, and essential resources, fostering resilience and well-being for families across Scotland.
Laith, director of the marketing agency August and the events company EVNT HSE has been a long-time supporter of The Yard. Speaking about his new role, he said:
“I was fortunate enough to be invited to The Yard Ball by a friend and supporter of the charity and was profoundly moved by the incredible work and impact The Yard has on families and children across Scotland. I am excited to be joining The Yard team and supporting its development over the coming years.”
Celine Sinclair, chief executive of The Yard, welcomed Laith to the team, saying:
“I’m thrilled to welcome Laith to The Yard. His warmth, enthusiasm, and commitment to raising awareness of The Yard through his extensive network of contacts is a real asset to the charity. I look forward to working with him to develop new events and initiatives that will raise the profile of The Yard and help us achieve our vision for an inclusive Scotland, where disabled children, young people, and their families enjoy equal opportunities to thrive.
“Laith is the first person to join our new Ambassador programme, which we will be growing across Scotland over the coming year.” – Celine Sinclair, CEO
In 2025, The Yard launched a bold new strategic plan built on four pillars, aiming to grow its reach, influence, and impact across Scotland.
To learn more about The Yard’s Ambassador programme, please get in touch with our corporate team below.
The Yard is thrilled to announce an ambitious refurbishment of our Dundee centre, expanding vital services for local families.
The Yard is thrilled to announce an ambitious refurbishment of our Dundee centre, a critical step to close a “significant gap” in services for children and young people with disabilities and additional needs. This £1.6M project will create a state-of-the-art, fully accessible facility that provides year-round support, respite, and play opportunities for families across the Dundee area.
Since opening in 2015, The Yard Dundee has evolved from a two-day family play service to a five-day-a-week support hub, including a schools programme and holistic family support. This summer, we proudly expanded our offerings to provide summer provision for the first time, serving 337 children last year alone. However, the current facility’s condition and layout have limited our capacity to grow.
With ownership of our Drumlanrig Place building now secured from Dundee City Council, and planning consent approved, the refurbishment will enable us to serve even more families in a welcoming and inclusive space.
“Every child deserves a safe space to play and be themselves. The Yard’s inclusive approach ensures that every child and family feels welcomed and supported. This renovation is about creating a true one-stop shop for family support—addressing the practical challenges families face while providing meaningful, inclusive play opportunities.” — Gill Thomson, Service Development Manager
Key improvements include a new roof, the addition of a Changing Places room, a sensory room, larger play areas, office and meeting spaces, and upgraded garden and external play facilities. Thanks to supporters, including the Scottish Government, The Robertson Trust, The Gannochy Trust, and The Northwood Charitable Trust, the transformation will provide Dundee families with much-needed access to expanded services, including holiday, out-of-school, and respite care.
Cheryl Ferguson, whose daughter Rio regularly attends The Yard, highlights the positive impact the service has had on her family. “There’s no judgement here, only support and understanding,” Cheryl shares. “When The Yard reopens, we’ll be able to visit even more often, which means so much to us.”
Stewart Hunter, Convener of Children, Families, and Communities, praised the project: “The Yard is an invaluable asset to Dundee, providing tailored support for children with any disability. We’re proud to partner with The Yard to help expand its facilities and meet the demand for out-of-school and holiday provision.”
Renovations will begin in November 2024, with an anticipated completion in late summer 2025. During this time, The Yard’s Dundee services will continue at the Dundee East Community Sports Club, while administrative support and outreach work will operate from our Wellgate Centre office.
First Minister Humza Yousaf commits £2M in Funding
We are thrilled to share that The Yard is set to receive up to £2 million in future funding, thanks to a commitment from First Minister Humza Yousaf. This significant support will enable us to continue and expand our vital work with disabled children, young people, and their families.
During his visit to The Yard’s head office in Edinburgh, the First Minister met with children and their families, witnessing first-hand the transformative impact of our adventure play facilities and comprehensive support services.
The funding, subject to the outcome of the Scottish Budget process, will be provided over the next three financial years. First Minister Humza Yousaf stated, “I am absolutely committed to improving outcomes for disabled children and their families across Scotland. Visiting The Yard has given me a chance to see their outstanding work first-hand and hear more about the support being provided by the charity.
“I was extremely impressed with the flexible and creative ways in which The Yard are offering services and support to disabled young people and their families, many of whom I know are facing additional and significant challenges.” Humza Yousaf, First Minister
I sincerely hope that this vital funding will enable The Yard to grow their services and offer support to more families of young disabled children across Scotland. I look forward to continuing to engage with The Yard in all of their family support centres in Edinburgh, Fife, and Dundee.”
This announcement follows a campaign led by Dunfermline dad Lawrence Cowan and his four-year-old daughter Eilish. Eilish, who has been attending The Yard since last year, is one of approximately 200 children in the world with a genetic abnormality in a gene called TUBA1A, which affects her ability to walk and her vision. She also has a learning disability.
Lawrence, whose campaign ‘Our Kids Won’t Wait’ garnered over 2,000 signatures and cross-party political support, said, “This funding will be transformational. It means that more disabled children will have the chance to be celebrated for who they are, build their confidence, and find a place to belong. We really appreciate the First Minister coming and spending so much time with us. Eilish was really excited to meet him. She said it made her feel proud.”
Chief Executive of The Yard, Celine Sinclair, added, “We are absolutely thrilled that the First Minister has committed to working with us to grow our services in Scotland. This announcement is transformational for disabled children and their families, and we look forward to working with our partners to ensure that our children get the support they need to get the best start in life and thrive.”
This funding represents a significant step forward in our mission to provide inclusive and supportive environments for children and young people with additional support needs. We are excited about the opportunities this will bring to extend our reach and impact across Scotland.
