A 4-year-old Dunfermline girl’s campaign will be debated at Holyrood today (3 October) after capturing the attention of the nation’s politicians.
Eilish Cowan and her dad Lawrence started the 'Our Kids Won't Wait' campaign in June, which is urging the Scottish Government to introduce a fairer funding deal for charities supporting families with disabled children like The Yard.
Almost 2,000 people have signed their online petition urging the First Minister to rethink the decision to roll forward the Children and Young People Early Intervention Fund (CYPEIF) based on a funding level set seven years ago.
Campaigners say the move is “short changing” charities like The Yard which have needed to grow significantly to meet demand.
The Yard's CEO Celine Sinclair says reduced funding really has an effect and is calling on ministers to get behind the campaign.
Eilish, who's been attending The Yard since last year, is one of around 200 children in the world with a genetic abnormality in a gene called TUBA1A, meaning that she struggles to walk and is visually impaired. She also has a learning disability.
Her dad Lawrence says he's proud of her.
Now, Claire Baker, Labour MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife, has secured a public debate about the campaign at the Scottish Parliament.
Ms Baker said, “I have heard at first-hand how much support and enjoyment Eilish gains from attending The Yard and want to ensure this continues for her and other children with disabilities. My debate is an opportunity for the Minister and the Scottish Government to listen to how valuable charities like The Yard are for families and to hear their plea for funding to continue and expand their work.”
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