A DRUMCHAPEL children's charity is celebrating after being awarded over £10,000 by the Scottish Government as part of an initiative to get kids playing outside.

3D Drumchapel is one of 32 groups across Scotland which shared the government's £550,000 Outdoor Community Play Fund and has banked £11,641.

The aim of the fund is to help children living in deprived areas have access to more outdoor play opportunities in their local communities.

Children’s Minister Natalie Don explained the scheme will support children across the country.

She said: “Outdoor play has an incredibly positive impact on our children’s mental health, wellbeing and confidence.

"It can teach them how to solve problems, assess risks, boost their physical activity and provide opportunities to meet and interact with others.

“However, options for children to play safely outdoors can be limited, especially for children in deprived areas.

"At a time when families are struggling with the cost of living crisis, it is even more essential that we provide this vital support to ensure there are outdoor play options available, free of charge, for families across Scotland.

“I am looking forward to seeing how this fund will help grow outdoor community play projects and I am proud that this Scottish Government investment will benefit thousands of children living in our most deprived communities.”

3D Drumchapel was established in 1997 to make a difference in the lives of children and families in Drumchapel and surrounding areas by providing support, strengthening relationships and empowering families to make positive changes.

Inspiring Scotland partnered with the Scottish Government to create the fund and director of funds Julia Abel added: “All children have the right to play – not only is it vital for their mental health and wellbeing, but it also supports children to learn social and emotional skills while boosting their physical activity.

“We want to make outdoor play accessible for all children in Scotland. Last year, the programme expanded to include more sessions for children and families with additional support needs.

“The beauty of outdoor community play is that it’s child-led, enabling children to use their creativity and imagination to develop their own ways to have fun, and overcome barriers while teaching life-enhancing skills that will make positive effects all the way into adulthood.”