A DUNFERMLINE dad is calling on the Scottish Government to reverse a funding decision which is "penalising" charities which help families with disabled children.

Lawrence Cowan has called for the First Minister to visit The Yard, where his four-year-old daughter, Eilish, attends.

Eilish is one of around 200 children in the world with a genetic abnormality in a gene called TUBA1A, meaning that she struggles to walk and is visually impaired.

She also has a learning disability.

The Yard offers creative and inclusive play experiences for disabled children and young people as well as support for the whole family.

Eilish helped to deliver a card made by children who rely on The Yard to Humza Yousaf, demanding a rethink of the decision to roll forward the Children and Young People Early Intervention Fund (CYPEIF).

The move could put the future, and expansion, of services such as The Yard at risk and means that the facility will receive the same amount next year as in 2016, when they supported just 550 children, compared to the 2023 roll of 2,300 across the East of Scotland from three centres.

Lawrence said: “There are lots of things Eilish struggles with but she still deserves to be loved and accepted for the wonderful girl she is.

"That’s why The Yard is so important. The Yard is a place of pure joy.

"It is where she can truly be who she is.

"A rare place where she is not defined by her disability.

"It’s tough to find places to play which are accessible, welcoming and supportive.

"At The Yard, they celebrate diversity and focus on what Eilish can do, rather than the challenges she faces.

"At The Yard, she’s a child, not a disability. "

"The current funding situation means kids with disabilities and their families are not getting the support they desperately need."

The decision in 2022 to roll forward the CYPEIF grants has had a major impact on The Yard and some of Scotland’s most vulnerable children.

In 2016 the Scottish Government contributed £163 per family and, in 2023, this has been reduced in real terms by 76 per cent to £39 per family. The Yard works with children and young people aged up to 25-years-old with additional support needs through adventure play sessions in Edinburgh, Dundee and Kirkcaldy.

The service offers a well-supported environment 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.

The organisation has launched a petition to gain further support for its cause.

Lawrence added: “With this campaign, parents with disabled children can send a clear message to the First Minister - our kids won’t wait any longer.

"Their childhood and chance to make friends are as precious as anyone else’s.

"Yet it appears not to be a pressing priority. That needs to change."

Celine Sinclair, CEO of The Yard added: “The decision has a major and direct impact on children and families at The Yard.

"We have a significant social return on investment, externally valued at £23 per £1 invested.

"Our success is largely thanks to a warm and inclusive culture, which has led to our recognition as a centre of excellence.

"Many organisations, including the Scottish Government, have learned from our approach.

"By rolling forward the grants without adjustment, the Scottish Government is, in effect, penalising those organisations who are growing in impact."

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: "We know that organisations like The Yard and others across the third sector play a vital role in improving outcomes for young people, families and adult learners, particularly given the impact of COVID-19 and the ongoing cost of living crisis.

"Despite facing one of the most challenging fiscal environments since devolution, we are maintaining the level of funding through CYPEIF  and ALEC (Adult learning and Empowering Communities) funding which will ensure £29m is provided to 115 third sector organisations for the next two years to give as much stability as possible to those organisations.

"We are deeply committed to our third sector and will continue to support organisations such as The Yard in their vital work."

To sign the petition, visit https://www.change.org/ourkidswontwait