Comic Relief Nourish the Nation Fund: supporting Dundee
This summer, Foundation Scotland supported an impactful initiative at The Yard Dundee through the Comic Relief Nourish the Nation Fund.
Nourish the Nation is a programme run in partnership between Sainsbury's and Comic Relief, and aims to tackle food poverty by helping people access the balanced, nutritional, and sustainable food they need, right now and in the future. The aim of the Fund is to provide school children (up to Year 11) with improved access to summer holiday activity and food schemes across the country.
Foundation Scotland supported the administration of grants in Scotland, with 13 awards being made in Dundee, including grant funding for The Yard. The Yard is a hub for families of disabled children and young people, offering support, connection, and a place to belong.
The grant of £5000 supported over 400 disabled children, young people, and their families to enjoy six weeks of inclusive play sessions. For families with children who have additional support needs (ASN), the school holidays can be a challenging time due to limited accessible programs. Thanks to the Nourish the Nation grant, The Yard Dundee was able to provide a safe, inclusive environment where children could engage in sensory-friendly activities and enjoy healthy meals with their families.
With support from Dundee Bairns who were also awarded funds from Nourish the Nation, The Yard provided nutritious snacks and lunches at each session, addressing both food accessibility and well-being for families. Through interactive activities like fruit kebab making and orange juice squeezing, children explored new tastes in a fun, familiar setting. The funding also enabled additional staff to join each session, allowing The Yard to serve not only regular attendees but also families from local groups like Parent to Parent and Rowantree Holiday Club.
For families like James’ - a nine-year-old with autism - The Yard has become a vital, judgement-free space where he can play freely, maintain routines, and connect with other families facing similar challenges.
Caroline finds meeting other families with shared experiences gives her and James' father Peter more support and an opportunity to breathe. With the addition of lunches and snacks provided through the summer, James is able to play all day at the Yard without having to go home for food in the the middle of the day, making it easier for the whole family.
His mother, Caroline, expressed her gratitude for the welcoming environment and the opportunity to meet other families, helping them feel supported in their journey.
I just love that James can go there and be himself. He can have a runabout and do whatever he does, and nobody bats an eyelid. It’s great knowing that every week, there’s a safe space James can go.
This initiative highlights the profound impact that community-focused grants can make, extending beyond immediate needs to foster social connection and well-being.
The Yard has produced a short summary of the impact of their summer sessions. You can read it here.