Bike track allows children to have fun within purpose built space

Action for Children’s Stoneside Family Support Service has launched a new bike track for young people after a year of work.

The Glasgow service, which supports around 40 children and young people with complex disabilities through short breaks and long-term care, has served as a home and source of fun for over 20 years.

The project was made possible by long standing supporter of the charity, Sandy Martin, who offered landscape design and project management expertise from his business, Sandy Martin Landscapes, as well as sourcing several donations from suppliers for the charity.

The newly launched garden space now boasts a safe bike track, lawn and enclosed fence to allow the children and young people to have fun safely.

The track also received a strong support from local people and businesses.

The opening received support from Olympic gold medallist track cyclist, Katie Archibald MBE, who said it will be a “space where you can have a good time and make some truly brilliant memories, so a massive well done to everyone who made the project possible.”

Fiona Steel, national director for Scotland at Action for Children, said: “The impact of the new bike track only became more apparent when I saw the first young person do a lap around it, fit with a big smile and bow to finish. 

“The young people who use Stoneside Family Support Service often have range of support needs including children who are non-verbal and our care helps them to regulate their emotional responses and behaviours, so a safe outdoor space is an important addition to the time they spend at Action for Children.  

“For some young people, this is their home so it’s my job to make sure the love, care and support we provide gives them the best start in life. It’s a proud moment to see the tangible difference our new bike track will make.”