Stepping Stones for Families has received a donation of £1,605 from the Allied Vehicles Charitable Trust to enhance its early literacy, communication and inclusion projects for children and families in Possilpark.
The charity, which works with families facing high levels of socioeconomic disadvantage, will use the funding to invest in a series of resources designed to support early language development, parent and child attachment, and emotional regulation for children with complex needs.
Half of the funding will support the organisation’s communication and language improvement work. Research shows that barriers in early language development can significantly affect a child’s later educational attainment, particularly in communities experiencing financial hardship. Many of the families Stepping Stones for Families supports also face challenges linked to parental stress, mental health, trauma and poverty, all of which can impact early bonding and social development.
To help address these issues, the charity will introduce song based learning resources and digital home learning tools that strengthen connections between nursery and home. This includes ten new song bags for young children and a one year subscription to Learning Journals to allow the nursery to share demonstration videos, narrated stories and learning updates with parents in a safe and supportive online space.
The remaining funds will provide sensory and calming equipment to support school aged children who are neurodivergent or have profound and complex needs. These resources will help create low stimulus areas where children can regulate their emotions and feel safe and nurtured throughout the school day and beyond.
Irene Logue, Stepping Stones for Families Senior Childcare Worker, said: “Thanks to the support of Allied Vehicles we can now extend our engagement with our families and strengthen our inclusivity for children with complex needs. We are excited to promote early communication and literacy development through our song bags and bedtime story project linking learning from the setting to home in a fun and enjoyable format for our children and families. Our school aged children’s quality committee can now get started developing their emotional regulation area ensuring we are safe and nurtured throughout and beyond the school day.”
Gerry Facenna, Owner and Chairman of Allied Vehicles added: “We are proud to support Stepping Stones for Families and the vital work they do for children and parents in Possilpark. Their commitment to early learning, communication and inclusion aligns with our belief that every child deserves the chance to thrive. It is inspiring to see how this project will strengthen family relationships, build confidence and open up new opportunities for children who face significant challenges. We are delighted that our contribution will help create positive and lasting change.”
