ON the surface, Calum seems like any other confident and outgoing teenage boy. He loves outdoor pursuits such as kayaking and climbing. The 15-year-old has transformed from a withdrawn, shy youngster to become one of the leaders among his group.
"If you were to meet Calum you would think he was just an ordinary, confident, if not over-confident, out-going teenager," said Eugene McCarron, a support worker who runs the Barnardo's Scotland Youth Group in West Lothian.
"But that's his vulnerability; he would tell you he can drive or is capable of all sorts of things, but he can't and he isn't. He has to have support and guidance.
"That's an issue with a number of young people with learning disabilities, it's not always obvious and they can be vulnerable."
Bathgate-based Barnardo's Scotland West Lothian Family Support Services provides support to families who have a child with a disability from 7am to 10pm, seven days a week throughout the year.
This includes a youth group, specialist support in areas such as ADHD and anger management as well as a sitting service, holiday activity programme and residential breaks for children with a learning disability or complex needs.
Working in partnership with West Lothian Council, the service aims to promote positive family life and provide opportunities for children to access activities and experiences that are not otherwise readily available.
It is among the key areas that will benefit from money raised in The Herald's annual Christmas fundraising campaign for Barnardo's Scotland.
Any money you give will boost the charity's efforts to improve the lives of young people.
Meeting each Friday evening, the Barnardo's Scotland Youth Group offers a varied programme aimed at helping the young people who attend to develop their social and independence skills.
Monthly events include a beach party at the Time Capsule swimming pool in Coatbridge, bus outing to Edinburgh, bowling at Deer Park Country Club in Livingston and indoor activities including arts and crafts, cooking and board games at Melbourne House in Bathgate.
These endeavour to give youngsters the tools they need to cope with environmental stimulus including lights, noise and unfamiliar people.
It equally allows them to become proficient in tasks such as washing and dressing, choosing and paying for food, and conversing with others on a daily basis.
"Our young people have a range of disabilities that aren't always physical or obvious to the general public," said Mr McCarron. "Some of our young adults have Asperger's syndrome or global learning difficulties.
"They may form superficial attachments with people or appear over-familiar or over-friendly. This is where our young adults can become vulnerable and open to exploitation."
One of the youth group's annual highlights is a summer break at Wiston Lodge in Biggar, a residential holiday for the young people.
Calum has attended the camp for the past three years and described the experience as "awesome". When the teenager becomes too old to attend, he intends to come back as a volunteer.
Another regular is 16-year-old Emma, or Ems as she likes to be called, who has Down's Syndrome. She has blossomed through activity nights and meeting new friends.
"The young people who attend the group need to feel they are being treated equally and deserve the same opportunities as other young people of the same age," said Mr McCarron.
"The youth group offers a safe and friendly environment where staff can work with the young adults and help them realise their potential as well as teach life skills and safety awareness.
"Above all they attend the group to meet their friends try new activities and most of all have fun."
To donate £3 to the Herald/Barnardo's Scotland Christmas Appeal 2015, email heraldchristmas@barnardos.org.uk, text HERALD to 70300 or visit justgiving.com/heraldchristmas
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