The Yard – The NEN – North Edinburgh News

The Yard CEO Awarded OBE for Services to Children and Families

Celine Sinclair, Chief Executive Officer of The Yard, a national Scottish charity, has been honoured by the King in the 2026 New Year’s Honours. The OBE for Services to Children and Families marks Celine’s 20^th year leading a dynamic team that strives to improve the lives of families in Scotland.

The Yard offers wraparound family support to more than 3600 disabled children and their families from birth to young adulthood from their inspiring and inclusive indoor and outdoor centres in Edinburgh, Fife Glasgow and Dundee. Children can play, grow and connect, while families feel supported, empowered and included and can access a broad range of family supports at point of need, with no diagnosis required.

The Yard’s work includes tailored family support (including 1:1 support), early years sessions, youth clubs, school play sessions, carer respite services, kinship carer support, outreach inclusive play service for children with medically complex needs and a new disability and neurodiversity place-based hub (EDAN) as well as disability inclusion training for professionals.

Celine is driven by personal passion. She found The Yard after her then five-year-old son was diagnosed with autism and she struggled to find places for him to play.

At the time, The Yard was a small community project offering a few play sessions from a rundown centre in Edinburgh and was on the brink of closure. But what started as a personal search grew into a passionate mission.

In 2005, she joined the Board, then stepped into the role of part-time Chief Executive in 2006.

Like many charities, The Yard grew from humble origins. In the early days, The Yard supported around 50 children with three part-time staff and a turnover of £100,000. Today, it supports over 3600 children and families, employs over 80 staff, and has an annual turnover of £3.2 million.

This year, a new centre opened in Glasgow — the fourth after Edinburgh, Fife, and Dundee — marking another milestone in its remarkable growth and reach. In addition, the Dundee service reopened in the Summer after an ambitious transformation, becoming a fully accessible and welcoming space.

Under Celine’s leadership, The Yard has evolved into a national charity that strives to influence policy, pioneer collaborative, transformative models of support, and promote a better understanding of what underpins meaningful inclusion.

Celine said, “I am absolutely thrilled to have the contribution of The Yard model recognised in this way. It has been a chance to reflect on my 20-year career in the third sector and, more importantly, an opportunity to celebrate the wonderful team, paid and volunteers, who make The Yard what it is today.

“Our team provides a vital lifeline for thousands of families with a disabled child each year, who are at increased risk of poverty, isolation, and discrimination. Many of our families tell us that they often struggle emotionally and practically, feeling lost and alone when they learn that their child is on a different developmental path.

“This honour is a tribute to the devotion and commitment of my incredible colleagues, trustees and supporters and a celebration of all that our families achieve. As I absorb this wonderful news, I want to reaffirm my commitment to the sector and the growing number of families who benefit from our care and support.

“As we continue to grow The Yard into a nationally recognised Centre of Excellence across Edinburgh, Dundee, Glasgow and Fife, I remain fully dedicated to our mission of fostering meaningful inclusion across Scotland.”

Ian Harris, Chair of the Board, said, “We are truly humbled to have Celine’s inspirational and dynamic leadership nationally recognised with an OBE for Services to Children and Families.

“It is also an opportunity to celebrate the contribution of the sector and the success of collaborative working with our many supporters and partners. Everyone wants to believe their job makes the world a better place and at The Yard, we know they do.

“Every day we are proud to witness the dedication of our team and what they achieve under Celine’s steerage and look forward to building new partnerships that further support children and families in Scotland.”

For more information, visit www.theyardscotland.org.uk

The Yard opens Glasgow Play Centre

Three-year funding commitment supports expanded play and family support

THE YARD, A charity that supports disabled children and young people and their families can provide 300 more places throughout the year after opening new premises in Glasgow for the first time.

The dedicated play centre, supported with £500,000 from the Scottish Government, joins existing premises in Edinburgh, Dundee and Fife where The Yard supports disabled children and young people, and their families.

The new facility provides children with a sensory room, play hall and outdoor space, while also providing a meeting room for parents and carers to receive family support.

The Scottish Government funding is part of a £2 million commitment over three years from 2024-25 to support The Yard to grow its services, including tailored support, and expand its spaces for disabled children and young people to play and socialise.

Children and Young People’s Minister Natalie Don-Innes officially opened the new facility and joined a family session as part of The Yard’s school holiday programme.

Photo: Julie Broadfoot Photographer

Ms Don-Innes said: “Working with charities is vital to improving outcomes for disabled children and their families. Our three-year funding will help The Yard to continue to grow and support more families across Scotland.

“This wonderful new facility, backed by £500,000 Scottish Government funding, has allowed the Yard to expand to new premises in Glasgow for the first time. The smiles on the faces of the children and families who rely on The Yard for support show what a difference this service makes to their lives.”

Celine Sinclair, CEO of The Yard said; “We are incredibly proud to launch our new Glasgow service, building on the success of our centres in Edinburgh, Dundee and Fife.

“The Yard team provide exemplary, safe, inclusive spaces where children can play, grow and connect, while families feel supported, empowered and included. We are just thrilled to be in the West of Scotland and would like to thank Scottish Government and our funders for helping us realise this ambition.

“Working alongside our partners in Glasgow, this new service builds on our legacy and expands our reach to meet the needs of families and schools. As we continue developing The Yard into a nationally recognised Centre of Excellence, the opening of our Glasgow centre marks a major step forward in our mission to inspire and to help build meaningful inclusion across the country.”

Family Fringe Day at The Yard

SATURDAY 26th JULY

Family Fringe Day at The Yard

Come and experience the magic of the Fringe at The Yard Edinburgh, this Saturday 26th July. There will be bubbles, magic, juggling, music and much more from our Fringe performers!

No need to book – all Yard members are welcome! Just come along to our regular drop in sessions to get involved.

See you on Saturday!

STV Children’s Appeal Ignite Fund support for local charities

SCRAN ACADEMY and THE YARD to receive a share of over £1m to help put a stop to child poverty in Scotland

Three Edinburgh children’s charities have been named among 11 Scottish organisations as partners of STV Children’s Appeal’s new Ignite Fund.

Each charity will receive a share of £1 million this year through the funding programme created to deliver ongoing financial and non-financial support to children, young people and family charities in Scotland.

Since its inception in 2011, STV Children’s Appeal has invested in long-term projects with charitable organisations. The Ignite Fund, a key part of the Appeal, will continue to provide sustained, multi-year financial and development aid to charities across the country to help break the cycle of child poverty in Scotland.

The Edinburgh charities which will receive funding are:

Scran Academy which is a catering social enterprise empowering young people to realise their full potential through transformational education and employability programmes;
based in Edinburgh and operating Scotland wide is Place2Be & Youth Scotland which equips youth workers and Peer Leaders with the tools to provide vital support for young people’s mental health and wellbeing, and
The Yard which has a play and family support centre for disabled children in Edinburgh as well as other cities across Scotland.

These charities were chosen for their commitment to offering tangible, scalable solutions which tackle the root causes of poverty – an ethos shared by the Ignite Fund.

The STV Children’s Appeal will work closely with Ignite partners to identify goals, needs, and opportunities for growth, aiming to drive both immediate improvements and lasting systemic change.

The initiative will include the launch of the Ignite Academy which will offer charity partners access to STV’s in-house expertise (such as marketing, communications, and creative), while fostering a peer network for knowledge-sharing and collaboration.

Natalie Wright, Head of STV Children’s Appeal, said: “At STV Children’s Appeal, we have always focused on ensuring the funding we give is well thought through and with a purpose, which is exactly what we are doing with The Ignite Fund.

“Our experience shows that a sustained approach to our partnerships gives real results which make an immediate and lasting impact to those who need it most.

“We’re excited to welcome Place2Be back to continue our successful partnership, and to have The Yard and Scran Academy on board for the beginning of a fruitful relationship which will change lives.”

Scran Academy is in its first year of partnership with STV Children’s Appeal and provides meaningful youth-led education, employment and skills-building programmes through innovative catering social enterprises, helping young people realise their full potential.

The STV Children’s Appeal’s Ignite Fund will allow Scran Academy to reach younger age groups earlier, generate systemic change, and build capacity by opening new youth-led cafes, including one in the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People, opening this summer.

Scran Academy Founder and Chair, John Loughton said: “This is the largest single investment in Scran, and we couldn’t be more thrilled. This funding will create hundreds of new employment and training opportunities for young people across Lothian.

“Our team will keep driving lifechanging impact across education, enterprise and community development, led by the communities we serve. As Founder, I know at Scran we trust and believe that folk facing poverty are the solutions to their own lives – we see what they can do, not what they don’t have.

“Thank you to the STV Children’s Appeal, one of Scotland’s most forward-looking funders. We’re ready to get to work and quite literally, Cater for the Future.”

The Yard, which has a play and family support centre in Edinburgh, is dedicated to improving the lives of disabled children, young people, and their families across Scotland. Their mission is to create thriving, supportive communities that enhance the well-being of families facing the challenges of disability.

The organisation will be supported by the Ignite Fund for the first time as it sets out on its five-year strategy to expand its impact, improve inclusion, and ensure sustainable growth.

Celine Sinclair, CEO at the Yard, said: “The Ignite Fund partnership couldn’t have come at a better time for us at The Yard.

“Our Edinburgh based play and education centre is a thriving community space which makes a huge difference to the families we work with, and this new funding and support will help us grow and develop our team which will ultimately let us continue expanding across Scotland and helping more families than ever.”

Place2Be, a children’s mental health charity providing counselling and support to UK schools. In partnership with Youth Scotland, the national charity for community-based youth work development, they are setting out to equip community-based youth workers with the essential knowledge and understanding of young people’s mental health, and the skills and confidence to better support their emotional needs.

Michele Meehan, Head of Youth Work Programmes at Youth Scotland said: “The Ignite fund has allowed Place2Be and Youth Scotland to work together to create a suite of programmes and resources for youth workers in the community which are needed to support young people with the issues they currently face.”

Find out how you can get involved: stv.tv/appeal

Edinburgh boxers march for children’s charity

Eleven Edinburgh boxers have punched above their weight by raising nearly £3,000 for a local children’s charity.

The mixed gender group from Lochend Boxing Club, aged 26 to 60, completed a hike up the Lairig Ghru, the best-known hill pass in Scotland, in just over nine hours.

The 19-mile walk climbs to an altitude of 835 metres and crosses through the central Cairngorms, one of the wildest areas in the country.

Following the club’s hike up Ben Nevis last year, Saturday’s mammoth fundraising effort was led by local mum Ciara O’Connor, whose son attends The Yard.

The Yard works with children and young people aged 0-25 with Additional Support Needs through adventure play sessions in Edinburgh, Dundee and Kirkcaldy.

The service offers creative and inclusive play experiences in a well-supported environment, alongside wraparound support for the whole family, with a varied programme of drop-in, respite and transition youth clubs, early years, specialist sessions with schools, family play sessions, plus inclusive play and disability training.

Ciara said: “I’ve been boxing since I moved to Edinburgh just over 10 years ago and, from my very first visit, found Lochend Boxing Club so supportive and welcoming. It’s a club for everyone, enjoyed by people of all fitness levels and from all walks of life.

“They work around their members, adjusting training where required and making it work for you. I even boxed when I was pregnant and formed many great friendships through the club.

“The Yard, in some ways, is the same. It’s such a welcoming, non-judgemental space and has made a huge difference to my son and our family, so we wanted to give back as a club.

“The training has been a huge commitment, with some very early morning training walks in all weather across the Pentlands, various Munros and the West Highland Way. However, everyone has rallied around and supported us.

“Their response is a testament to the values of the club, that constant support and encouragement. I’m very grateful to everyone who donated and know the money will make a huge difference to The Yard, and the many other families who have come to rely on their kindness.”

Celine Sinclair, Chief Executive Officer of The Yard, added, “We love nothing more than receiving positive feedback from our families, so when they choose to support our charity through fundraising, it’s really special, and we’re exceptionally grateful.

“The Yard is all about community, support and enjoying life’s adventures and Ciara and her fellow boxers encapsulate these values. Thanks again for supporting us, Lochend Boxing Club!”

To donate to Ciara and the club’s campaign, please visit:

https://www.justgiving.com/page/ciara-oconnor-1723449713057

Edinburgh Teacher Cycles 1,000 Miles for Disabled Children

An Edinburgh primary school teacher, who lives with a brain injury and epilepsy, has completed a 1000-mile mission to raise funds for a disabled children’s charity.

Milo Trainor Moss (28), who also has a cardiac implanted device after suffering a sudden cardiac arrest in 2020, has spent the last four weeks completing the adventurous solo cycle across northern Europe to support The Yard, his mother’s place of work.

Milo cycled 500 miles from Gothenburg to Hamburg and then another 500 miles via Amsterdam and Newcastle. His Dad Richard buddied him on the final leg of his cycle back into Edinburgh, arriving at The Yard together on Friday 2 August.

Smashing his fundraising target of £1,000, £1 per mile, Milo has since raised over £1500 bolstered by the generosity of Richard’s employer, Natwest, which will donate an additional £500 through its Community Cashback Scheme.

Milo said, “I’ve been acutely aware of The Yard’s impact for many years but since becoming a primary school teacher, the difference the charity makes has come into sharper focus.

“I saw the summer holiday as the ideal opportunity to use my cycle challenge to help The Yard do more of what they do best, supporting young people with disabilities and additional needs, and their families.

“There’s no doubt that I had to consider my limitations and plan the route around my health challenges, but it was otherwise just a case of getting on with it and powering on. Arriving back at The Yard and being reminded of how amazing a place it is made it all worthwhile.”

Katrina Trainor, his mum, who has been The Yard’s Edinburgh receptionist for 10 years added, “To say we are proud of Milo is a huge understatement. He is one in a million in so many ways.

“Milo was diagnosed with epilepsy at the age of eight and lives with a hypoxic brain injury but otherwise gets on with life and is always pushing himself to do more. He’s loved this latest adventure and the freedom he’s had along the way.

“While facing his own health difficulties, he’s so resilient and always moving forward. In many ways, he is the embodiment of The Yard.

“His cycle challenge has been brilliant for The Yard but also wonderful for Milo – we are exceptionally proud!”

Her pride is echoed by Celine Sinclair, Chief Executive Officer of The Yard, who said, “We are incredibly grateful that Milo chose to embark on this epic endeavour for The Yard.

“As well as raising a significant sum for our charity, which will allow the young people we support to enjoy their own adventures, his journey will inspire countless other young people and show that, even in the face of adversity, we can always strive for more and make a difference to others.

“Milo, we thank you and applaud you!”

To donate to Milo’s campaign, please visit Milo’s Scandi / Scottish Summer Cycle

For more information about The Yard, visit https://www.theyardscotland.org.uk/

Edinburgh family hails son’s ‘Happy Place’ at The Yard’s Charity Ball

Over £80,000 was raised for a disabled children’s charity during its annual star-studded fundraising ball at the weekend.

Almost 300 people turned out for the Secret Garden-themed black-tie affair, The Yard’s Big Fun Raiser, at Prestonfield House Hotel, Edinburgh on Saturday 1 June 2024, raising funds through tickets, a raffle and silent auction.

The Yard works with children and young people aged 0-25 with Additional Support Needs through adventure play sessions in Edinburgh, Dundee and Kirkcaldy.

Celine Sinclair, CEO of The Yard, said, “Since opening our secret garden at Canonmills our dreams have taken root and flourished. We’ve grown, extending our arms to over 2600 young people annually across Edinburgh, Dundee and Fife.

“Now, we’re actively working towards spreading our unique model of family support and service excellence even further across Scotland.

“Thanks to the incredible generosity shown at The Big Fun Raiser, we can unlock the potential of countless more families across Scotland by expanding The Yard’s reach and opening the doors to even more secret gardens of support, joy, and friendship.”

Edinburgh Mum Megan Davidson whose son Toby (5) attends The Yard, gave a speech highlighting the importance of the charity to her family.

Megan said, “Toby is unique, creative, fun and loving, and big brother to Phoebe who is two, going on 25. Toby is also autistic and has a chromosome duplication. When he started playgroup, Toby really struggled and his behaviour was challenging. Although the staff were amazing, I dreaded pick-up and what they might say. Then, one day, a member of staff told us about The Yard. At that point, he hadn’t been diagnosed but that wasn’t an issue and, what’s more, I could take Phoebe too!

“From our first visit, the nerves began to get lighter and Toby was having so much fun. I was no longer the odd one out; everyone got it! They offered us support, advice and friendship. There is nowhere else you will find such selfless people; the team are 100% there for the children and he adores them. The Yard is his ‘yes’ place, his safe space, his happy place where he can be himself and celebrated for who he is.

“It’s also a place where Phoebe is included alongside her brother. Her experiences and the friendships she is forming are making her an advocate for inclusion. I wish all children had the opportunity she has had.

“The Yard saved me; it gave me a place to heal when I needed it the most. It has educated me and, most importantly, made me see just how beautiful our children are and that the world is better for having them in it.”

For more information, visit www.theyardscotland.org.uk

Wee Eilish’s campaign is in the running for National Award

A disabled girl’s campaign that secured £2 million of funding to improve support for disabled kids in Scotland has been nominated for a national award.

Eilish Cowan (5) and her dad Lawrence (39) from Dunfermline launched the Our Kids Won’t Wait Campaign alongside Edinburgh disabled children’s charity The Yard in September 2023, with a call for the Scottish Government to reverse a 76% real terms cut to the amount of funding the charity received per family supported.

They successfully convinced politicians, including the then First Minister, Humza Yousaf, to back the move and invest further in growing The Yard’s reach. The investment means in particular that the charity can improve its service in Tayside and open up a new centre in the West of Scotland.

The Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) Charity Awards are the charity’s version of the Oscars. Eilish, who has a rare genetic condition affecting her TUBA1A gene, struggles to walk and has a learning disability, is nominated in the Campaign of the Year category.

The family are calling for people to get behind the campaign and vote for them to win at https://scvo.scot/scottish-charity-awards .

Eilish’s dad Lawrence Cowan, said, “We’re so proud of our wee girl. We hope that this nomination is something she can look back on and feel proud about.

“Eilish’s genetic condition means she struggles with things we all take for granted like walking or talking and she has a learning disability. But just like any other wee girl she deserves love and a place to feel like she belongs.

“The Yard provides a place for disabled children like Eilish to have fun, make friends and be proud of who they are. We need to expand the great work of The Yard right across Scotland so we were delighted when the First Minister visited and announced the extra funding.

“To be able to say that Eilish contributed to growing the Yard’s work and opening up more opportunities for disabled children to be celebrated makes my wife and I so emotional and proud.

“But to win we need your votes! So please get behind Eilish’s campaign.”

Eilish added, “I’m proud. I love The Yard. Vote for me!”

Celine Sinclair, CEO of The Yard said, “Thanks to this campaign we are now in a position to grow the work of the Yard.

“The funding from the Scottish Government will mean that we can make real improvements to our service in Tayside and open a new service in the West of Scotland. A huge thank you to Lawrence, Eilish and all of our families who rallied behind the campaign. It makes a huge difference.”

The Yard works with children and young people with additional support needs through adventure play sessions in Dundee, Edinburgh and Kirkcaldy.

The Yard welcomes Amazon donation

A charity supporting children and families in Edinburgh has received a £4,000 donation from the team at Amazon Development Centre Scotland.

The donation was made to The Yard, a charity that has been involved with the Edinburgh community for more than 35 years. The Yard supports disabled children, young people, and their families through creative and inclusive play experiences.

The donation from Amazon will go towards The Yard’s ongoing programmes and services, including their family sessions.

Colin Mackenzie is a Software Development Engineer at Amazon Development Centre Scotland in Edinburgh, and he nominated the charity for the support. Colin said: “The team at Amazon Development Centre Scotland has supported The Yard for several years with donations and tech support.

“It’s been a joy to see how impactful the charity’s support can be to families across Edinburgh. Its work in the local community directly benefits families and with Amazon’s donation, The Yard can continue to support those in need.”

Hannah Dunlop, Senior Fundraising Manager from The Yard, added: “It’s wonderful to receive so much support from Amazon Development Centre Scotland.

On behalf of the staff and volunteers at The Yard, I would like to say thank you to Amazon for its continued support.

“This contribution will provide vital support and opportunities for disabled children and their families to connect, play, and thrive together.”

The donation forms part of Amazon’s Volunteer Cash Donation Programme, where Amazon employees nominate causes where they volunteer their time, to receive a cash donation. In collaboration with hundreds of community organisations around the world, Amazon employees are encouraged to volunteer and support causes they’re passionate about.

Community cash donations and employee volunteering are just two of the ways Amazon supports the communities where it operates.

In 2022, Amazon co-founded the Multibank initiative with former Prime Minister Gordon Brown to support families experiencing poverty. The first Multibank, ‘The Big Hoose’, opened in Lochgelly, Fife providing surplus essentials like nappies, toilet rolls, toothpaste and school uniforms, donated by businesses like Amazon and others, directly to those in need.

The initiative has gone on to donate more than 2 million goods to over 200,000 families across Scotland and Greater Manchester.

Amazon also helps community organisations transport meals and other essentials to families in need through its pro bono logistics programme, Amazon Local Good, including more than seven million healthy breakfasts to children at risk of hunger in partnership with Magic Breakfast.

Amazon partners with Comic Relief to help people tackle poverty and is the official home of the charity’s iconic Red Nose. Last year, together with its employees, customers, and partners, Amazon raised over £4.8 million to fund projects that support people struggling with the cost-of-living crisis and tackle issues such as homelessness, mental health problems, and food insecurity across the UK, and around the world.

Amazon has supported more than 500,000 students across the UK with free computer science and STEM education programmes through Amazon Future Engineer.

Goal reached as The Big Match raises £20,000

Businesses from across Edinburgh came together recently to play in the second annual Big Match, raising £20,000 for The Yard.

Celebrity chef Tom Kitchin and former Hibs star Darren Dods were among those in action at Ainslie Park as the business community rallied round to support the day.

“It’s been an incredible effort from everyone and the total of £20,000 is amazing,” said organiser Steve Currie, of Murray and Currie Property in the Capital.

“It was such a great day and I was delighted to reach our goal this year with all the money raised going to The Yard, which does such a fantastic job for young disabled people and their families.”

The Yard, which is based in the centre of Edinburgh with other locations in Dundee and Kirkcaldy, offers disabled youngsters and their families the chance to experience creative and adventurous indoor and outdoor play in a well-supported environment.

Chief executive Celine Sinclair, added: “On behalf of our entire team at The Yard, well done to everyone who took part in The Big Match and a huge thank you to Murray and Currie and everyone who donated.

“This donation is hugely appreciated and will go towards helping even more of the families, young people and children that we support.”

Thoughts have already turned to next year’s event, which will once again take place at Ainslie Park with a confirmed date of Friday, 7 March 2025.