Starbucks Centre West

We are a small summer play scheme who look after children with Additional Support Needs, and their families. We provide vital respite for the family, whilst taking the children on daily outings and providing other fun experiences in our indoor community space. Most of our childen have very complex needs and therefore our service is essential to those who need us. Furthermore it is the only such service in East Kilbride and the surrounding area. Our waiting list is very long because of this, and ultimately we would love to take more children each day than we are currently able to. In light of this aspiration, we would undoubtedly need more staff to add to the already dedicated team we have, and more resources so that we can continue to provide this unique, caring environment for many years to come. We have several aspirations for the play scheme * Able to take more children, widening the service and reaching out to more families * Provide an even better sensory environment for our most complex children using cutting edge equipment * Make stronger community (and beyond!) links and get ourselves known more (Despite being around for more than 20 years, many families still don't know we are there!) Finally, when our children reach the age limit for the play scheme (16 years old), we continue the support by offering a unique volunteer programme. This allows the young adults to volunteer with the play scheme, where our Volunteer Group Leaders are instrumental in teaching them vital skills for life and work.

We launched this last year with great success. Through our Food Bank and referral contacts, we know many of the families in our community who are struggling to make ends meet. And it breaks our heart that families will go without Christmas dinner just because they don't have enough money. So, we pack boxes full of everything that a family needs for a great Christmas dinner. Everything from the turkey and the veg (a full 3 course dinner), to crackers, juice, Christmas cake and even Christmas table cloths. Why? Because Christmas dinner is more than the meal. It is the excitement of kids sitting down around the table with their family and celebrating Christmas together. It is about parents who can relax and enjoy Christmas without the worry of letting their kids down. We make sure that all of our boxes have enough for the number of people in the home and we ensure that everything can be cooked quickly in a cost-effective way.