The council has announced a £600,000 funding boost for children and young people with disabilities. This will mean more holiday and weekend activity clubs.
Twelve groups will provide a new range of activities including a computer club for young people on the autistic spectrum, brick clubs for young people with speech, language and communication difficulties, and a Sunday Club for young people with complex medical needs.
The funding will run from October until March 2020.
Councillor Alison Dickie, Vice Convener of Education, Children and Families, for the City of Edinburgh Council, said: “I’m delighted that we’ve approved this funding because young people with disabilities and their families have been telling us that there are not enough accessible opportunities in the city.
“The £600,000 will provide a wide range of activities for young people with disabilities to access allowing them to learn new skills whilst at the same time giving parents and carers valuable respite time.
“This additional investment, and our wider ongoing review to enhance support, sends out the clear message that every single young person is valued in this city and has the right to be supported in achieving their fullest potential.”
Two of the organisations benefitting from the additional funding are ComputerXplorers and Lothian Autistic Society.
Lynne Kerr, owner and manager of ComputerXplorers, said: “Getting creative with technology is a fantastic way of inspiring young people with additional support needs to try something different, discover new interests and be part of a social group. Participating in the club will help improve children’s self-esteem and confidence.
“While our main focus is technology, they will also have the opportunity to make new friends and develop communication skills. We see children being inspired by getting hands-on with tech every day and can’t wait to bring that opportunity to more young people with the support of this initiative.”
Mike Penny, Chief Executive Officer for Lothian Autistic Society, said; “We offer safe, secure and supported places where children and young people can be active, make friends and learn ways to cope with the challenges they face while they have fun. We appreciate that many children and young people with autism struggle to cope with the hustle and bustle of mainstream social settings and as a consequence become socially isolated. Our services were developed to stop this. Equally important is the chance for their families and carers to get a valuable break from caring.
“We’re delighted to have been given funding from the City Of Edinburgh Council to expand our provision over the coming year, which will allow more families to benefit from the opportunities they can offer.”
ENDS.
Founding Editor of The Edinburgh Reporter.
Edinburgh-born multimedia journalist and iPhoneographer.
