Closure of an Invergordon youth project SOAR is a bitter blow for parents
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THE DIRECTORS of a popular youth project has announced its closure, due to funding challenges.
Socialisation Opportunities Activities and Recreation (SOAR) said it had "sadly" made the decision to close with effect from June 21.
SOAR Youth Projects, for young people affected by disability, provide out of school clubs for children and young people aged 5-19 years, in Easter Ross and Sutherland, who have a range of disabilities.
The group ran holiday clubs during the Easter, Summer and October holidays in St Duthus School in Tain.
It also ran a Swim and Supper Club for 5 to 18 year-olds on Wednesday evenings at Invergordon Leisure Centre and a youth club for 12-25 year-olds.
The organisation was one of only a handful of groups in the area that offered support to children and young adults with learning disabilites.
SOAR had previously indicated that it was struggling to meet ends meet and had asked for more support from the local authority and funders.
In March 2020, SOAR announced that it was suspending its services due to the coronavirus.
In a statement, from project worker Morag Ross, she said: "The Directors of SOAR have asked me to write to you to advise that due to the combined effect of funding challenges, the covid pandemic lock down and staff recruitment, sadly the company is to close with effect from June 21 2021.
"Over the years SOAR has been very fortunate to enjoy the support of many individuals, agencies, funding bodies and organisations and we would like to take this opportunity to thank absolutely everyone who supported or worked for the organisation for their wonderful help and support over the years."
One mum, who did not want to be named to protect her child's identity, said: "This is an absolute blow to parents who depended on SOAR to provide much needed support and opportunities to children and young people with a disability.
"Covid has struck again."
