Highland centre will transform lives of young people with complex needs
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A new development in the Highland capital will be “truly transformational” for children and young people with severe learning disabilities and complex needs.
That was the verdict of Highlands and Islands MSP Edward Mountain following a tour of the construction site where the Haven Centre is being developed.
The £4.1 million centre, set to open this summer, will be Scotland’s first multi-purpose centre for children and young people with severe, profound and multiple learning disabilities and complex needs.
It will include an indoor specialist play centre with child care facilities, a community café, meeting spaces and garden, as well as three respite flats for adults up to the age of 30. It will be operated by the Elsie Normington Foundation in partnership with specialist service providers.
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During his tour of the site in Smithton, Mr Mountain met foundation chairwoman Elsie Normington and community fundraiser Rona Matheson.
“It was exciting to see this huge project nearing completion,” he said. “This facility is an asset for the Highlands, as are the inspiring people that have driven this project forward.
“I believe the Haven Centre will be truly transformational for children and young people with severe learning disabilities and complex needs, providing them with a facility which will enrich their lives and enhance their wellbeing. I now look forward with anticipation to the opening of the Haven Centre.”
Mrs Normington said she and Rona were delighted to welcome the MSP to the site.
“Edward Mountain’s initial support for the Haven Centre project opened the door and provided the foundation and introduction to the Scottish Government at a crucial time for the project and we are hugely grateful for this,” she said.
“I am delighted to share the progress on site, the Haven Centre vision is now a reality, and we are looking forward to building handover at the end of May.
“We are so excited to be delivering the Haven Centre which will provide such a vital and much needed service to children and young adults with severe and complex needs and disabilities in the Highlands.
“This year the foundation is also celebrating its 10th anniversary and we have been reflecting on the tremendous support of our donors, fundraisers, the local community and grant funders who have helped us to realise the Haven Centre vision.
“We look forward to the future of the foundation and developing and delivering new projects in the Highlands which will support local children and young adults with learning disabilities, and their parents and carers.”
