The Yard and Home Tuition Scotland
The Yard Edinburgh offers adventure play for children with disabilities, young people and their families.
The Yard was an idea born by parents looking for a safe and inclusive space for their children to play, but what they ended up creating was something far greater— they built a thriving community where families support one another and grow together.
The work they do reaches far beyond their play centres. They are dedicated to promoting inclusivity and shaping policies that improve the lives of disabled children and their families.
The 'Request'
Play isn’t just fun; it’s essential for a child’s overall health, well-being, and happiness. The Yard witnesses the transformative power of play every day.
Each year, they host a series of Christmas parties, and volunteers are needed to help make Christmas as special as possible for their families. Volunteers are needed to help with tasks such as setting up decorations, managing the queue for Santa’s Grotto, handing out treats and various other Christmas fun!
The 'Match'
Home Tuition Scotland (HTS) is a leading educational agency dedicated to providing top-quality Learning Support Workers and Tutors for college and university students across Scotland.
HTS ensures tailored, expert support for students with disabilities and/or additional support needs.
Trusted by students across the country, HTS works closely with institutions to deliver dynamic and responsive support, fostering inclusive learning environments that empower students to succeed.
They approached the ESES Communities team because they were wanted to support the local community and when they saw The Yards request on the portal, Caroline, Shirley and Hannah were keen to get involved.
We had 59 children with additional support needs, and their siblings attended the Saturday morning Christmas party alongside their parents and carers. Three volunteers from Home Tuition Scotland supported us, helping to bring festive cheer with various tasks such as managing the lane, arts and crafts, and snowball fights. It wouldn't be a Yard Christmas Party without the help of wonderful volunteers like these, so thank you very much.
Christmas is a good time to give back, and we chose to work with The Yard because they share our company's values. The Christmas party for the children, young people, and their families was amazing. I joined with two HTS colleagues, and we felt lucky to have the opportunity to help out and see how much joy these parties bring.