AN East Renfrewshire charity which supports young people with additional support needs is set to continue receiving funding from the Scottish Government.

SupERkids, which is a parent-led and volunteer-driven charity, is one of nine projects which will receive a share of £15 million over 2023/24 as part of the First Minister’s recent announcement of additional to support families.

The charity provides children with additional support needs (ASN) with weekly club activities for social interaction, independence, and to learn new skills.

Nicola Kelly, the chair of SupERkids, said: “We were thrilled to hear on Monday that the Scottish Government had decided to continue to provide funding for 50% of the activities which we have planned for the next 12 months.

“This continued funding which we were awarded in 2020 will go a long way to ensure that we can continue to provide supported after-school activities for East Renfrewshire’s children who have an ASN.

“As a small volunteer/parent charity, all of the funding we receive is used to enable a young person with ASN to attend an activity which they could not otherwise take part in without having suitable support to help them participate and keep them safe.”

Nicola added: “This continued funding is a significant recognition for all the parents/carers who volunteer their time to fundraise and deliver activities which provide fun and friendship for the kids and periods of respite for their parents/carers.

“The support of Kirsten Oswald our local MP has been unwavering, and we would like to acknowledge her enduring commitment to our SupERkids. Similarly, we could not have delivered over 5400 hours of supported activities during 2022 without the dedication of the Inclusive Support Team and the support of their Senior Manager Kirsty Gilbert. 

“We are grateful to everyone who has contributed to SupERkids and this funding recognises the value of their contribution.”