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WATCH: Highland-wide autism and ADHD events charity hailed as 'invaluable' after helping 322 families in 2024





Annaleigh Fraser and Corran Donaldson enjoying a This Is Me Highland session at Innoflate in Inverness. Picture: James Mackenzie
Annaleigh Fraser and Corran Donaldson enjoying a This Is Me Highland session at Innoflate in Inverness. Picture: James Mackenzie

A Highland-wide charity who arrange “invaluable” activities for families and children with neurological conditions has hailed the support of local businesses after its most successful year.

Seven years after they were first established in 2018, This Is Me Highland (TIM) continues to arrange activities and raise vital funds for events to help hundreds of families across the north.

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Offering support to families with children who have a diagnosis or are awaiting a diagnosis of a neurological condition, the group’s main aim has been to arrange smaller, neurodivergent-friendly events that may otherwise be “overwhelming” for children with conditions such as autism spectrum disorder or ADHD.

With a committee of just seven volunteers based in Inverness and surrounding towns and villages – each with children diagnosed or awaiting a diagnosis – the group raise funds all year round to cover at least 50 per cent of the costs of any activities planned.

In 2024 alone, a total of 322 families benefited from the events held by the charity, with just under 4000 event spaces filled by children and young people.

The group’s growing membership now sits at over 400 families, spanning the length and breadth of the Highlands.

This Is Me Highlands arrange events and fund at least 50 per cent of the cost for families. Picture: James Mackenzie
This Is Me Highlands arrange events and fund at least 50 per cent of the cost for families. Picture: James Mackenzie

As well as providing access to activities, the group also runs a social media group for its members where parents can exchange support and share their experiences.

Charity secretary Lucy Veals, who lives in Evanton, describes the group’s events as “wide-ranging”.

She said: “Last year we held 191 activities, where children and families can come and socialise in an environment that takes away some of the stresses and limitations that public events can hold.

“We try to tailor events, and to put on events that suits all abilities. Here at the Haven Centre, we have a sensory room, a soft play, a ball pit and a big garden.

“It allows the kids to experience things that they might not be able to experience otherwise. Our Frankie and Lola sessions for instance, we cap the numbers at 20-25 kids, which makes it a lot quieter.

“It takes the stress away that a regular session might bring, and takes the stress away for families too, who can go to outings without the worry of it being too busy.”

Among its regular offerings are soft play sessions at Frankie and Lolas, football sessions with Highland Ballers, trampoline play at Infinity and open play sessions at the Haven Centre.

In October, the charity also secured a dedicated early morning slot at the recently opened Innoflate indoor inflatable park, which has provided a quiet and relaxed timeslot for families.

Booking “quiet” activities with a reduced capacity can often result in increased costs, and can typically be a barrier for families or even larger groups.

But with This Is Me Highland covering at least half of the cost for its members, many unique experiences have now been made available to children.

Thanks to the generosity of local businesses and the fundraising efforts of members, families have enjoyed a number of “one-off” days out, with children tackling activities such as as cinema days, kayaking, a Loch Ness cruise – and even a day out at Loch Insh enjoying some time on a “Jungle Float”.

Ms Veals added: “We fundraise so that the charity can support at least 50 per cent of each activity, and the rest is split between those attending events.

“Most of our funds have come through fundraising from our members. Things such as sponsored walks, scratch-cards, quiz nights, and we also have really good support from local businesses who have been really generous.

“We also recently secured a grant of £1000 from the Scottish Children’s Lottery.”

Parents of children who have benefited from the charity have described its impact as “invaluable”.

One parent said: “This Is Me Highland’s inclusive services are invaluable to parents and children of a wide community.

“My boys have been able to access so many different experiences that they otherwise wouldn’t have coped with thanks to This Is Me and the exclusive events with limited numbers.

“Every event we’ve attended has been such a positive and relaxed experience for both the kids and us as parents and it’s lovely to be part of a group where everyone is in the same boat, facing similar challenges in the scope of family life.”

Another commented: “This is Me has allowed my daughter to experience so many opportunities that I feel wouldn’t be available to her regularly due to behaviour restrictions and expectations.”

“It has been a massive comfort to be able to experience new things with families who understand the challenges and complexities that come with having a neurodivergent family.”

Picture: James Mackenzie
Picture: James Mackenzie
Picture: James Mackenzie
Picture: James Mackenzie
Picture: James Mackenzie
Picture: James Mackenzie
Picture: James Mackenzie
Picture: James Mackenzie

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