A lifeline Lanarkshire charity for youngsters with learning disabilities and poor mental health is set to feature on this year's Children in Need show.
Darcy’s Equine Assisted Learning Centre in Strathaven will appear in a special live BBC Scotland showcase among other Children in Need funded projects making a difference in Scotland.
Its founder Eileen Mathieson explains how the funding helps support their work with young people and horses, helping to counter anxiety and other mental health issues.
Eileen opened Darcy’s in 2017 after recognising a need for alternative education and life skills programmes for young people with social, emotional and behavioural issues.
Helping children with learning disabilities like autism and ADHD who struggle at home and in mainstream education, the award-winning centre in Strathaven is also a lifeline for youngsters with poor mental health.
Dedicated to helping vulnerable kids gain the skills, personal belief and qualifications needed to re-engage with education, employment and their community, the not-for-profit organisation also offers national qualifications.
Eileen told Lanarkshire Live : "Before the pandemic young mental health was in crisis, but sadly things have got steadily worse.
"Without the support of Children In Need we would not have been able to help as many young people struggling through difficult times.
"Thanks to our funders, Darcy’s Equine Assisted Learning Centre is able to reach those most in need."
Lanarkshire Deaf Club, based in Motherwell, will also feature on the show. Their work with young people, who are deaf, or have a deaf family member is spotlighted.
Children, benefiting from each of the projects, reveal just how donations are making a major difference to their lives.
BBC presenter Jackie Bird will be joined by a host of famous faces helping to raise money to support young people across the UK this Friday, November 18 on BBC Scotland at 10pm.
The annual Children In Need show from the BBC’s HQ at Pacific Quay in Glasgow will feature a host of inspiring stories alongside entertainment under the umbrella of this year’s theme “We’re There For You”.
There will be music from Boyzlife and rising Scottish star Brooke Combe and her band, and some special Scottish TV favourites will be making an appearance.
Joyce Falconer and Jordan Young will be celebrating 20 years of River City, while Scot Squad’s Chief Miekelson (aka Jack Docherty) will have some sage words. And farmer and comedian Jim Smith will be on the farm, where he’ll get a visit from a surprise guest.
Jackie Bird commented: "Children in Need helps and supports so much good work in Scotland, so we are going to celebrate that with a fun and uplifting programme.
"As well as some wonderful comedy and music, it will also have amazing and inspirational stories of how this funding is helping at a grassroots level, out and about in Scotland for charities and individuals across the country."
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