A CLUB that keeps links between school friends with additional needs is calling for support.

Ashcraig Former Pupils Club meets on a Tuesday evening during term time to make sure those with physical disabilities and visual impairment can maintain ties with one another.

But the club needs around £50,000 each year to cover costs for running buses, paying staff, letting costs, sports coaching and activities. 

Chairwoman Lesley Ingram, whose son Craig attended Ashcraig School, now Ashton Secondary School, said the club must raise £20,000 to keep running.

She said: “Young people with disabilities can be quite isolated because it can be very difficult to maintain ties with their friends or to find an easily accessible space to meet or even just have transport to get out and see one another.

“Ashcraig Former Pupils Club is really important to the young people who take part and gives them a chance to socialise and keep in touch.

“We hold all different kinds of activities for our members and it is an important part of their lives.” 

The club has around 30 members who range in age from early 20s to mid-30s.

Around half are wheelchair users but the club ensures all activities are suitable for members to take part in.

They hold sports events such as football, curling and tennis, and have drama and art evenings.

Sometimes members go along just to hang out or they go out for a meal together.

Ashcraig Former Pupils Club has seven staff and requires constant fundraising to keep going.

At the moment, the club does not have enough funds and is looking to raise £20,000 to restart the “social lifeline”.

Lesley added: “Our club is more than just a youth club. We provide respite for a few hours per week for the relatives looking after these young people. 

“We ensure that members can meet up with friends when it is difficult at other times. For some of our members it is a social lifeline.”

To donate to Ashcraig Former Pupils Club see www.justgiving/crowdfunding/Ashcraig