'You cannot just walk out the door' – Highland mum of complex needs child says Haven Centre will be dream come true
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Fergus Gibson is "the most giggliest wee character", according to his mother.
She describes her 11-year-old as a bundle of energy who loves the outdoors and water.
"He is a happy wee soul," says Angela Stuart-Gibson.
He also has severe learning disabilities, autism and ADHD which impacts massively on day-to-day family life.
Mrs Stuart-Gibson lives at Achmore near Stromeferry with her husband, Duncan, and their two other children, Jasper (18) and Ellie-may (10).
They are among the many Highland families who are looking forward to the opening of the pioneering Haven Centre in Inverness for children and young people up the age of 30 with severe learning disabilities and complex needs.
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This week, the project reached a significant milestone with the handover of the keys to the newly-constructed building in Murray Road, Smithton, and it is now being fitted out in preparation for opening this summer.
It will include an indoor specialist play centre, a community café, meeting spaces, and garden.
Mrs Stuart-Gibson said there is a sense of relief knowing Fergus will have somewhere to play.
She paid tribute to Elsie Normington who has determinedly pursued her vision to develop the centre.
"Her dream has come true," she reflected.
"But she has made so many other parents' dreams come true. She has made it happen."
Mrs Stuart-Gibson is the full-time carer for Fergus who is home educated.
Although he qualifies for two support workers, there is currently no one with the necessary experience.
Mrs Stuart-Gibson outlined how his complex needs limit everyday life.
"You cannot just walk out the door," she said.
"He cannot visit his grandparents who are just two minutes away as the house is not suitable for his needs. He cannot go to the swimming pool.
"Thankfully, Fergus loves the outdoors. He loves the water. He loves bike rides."
It also restricts friends calling round to see Ellie-may and the family has not had a holiday for five or six years because it became too difficult.
"We try and make as much fun as possible in the garden – we bring the holiday here" said Mrs Gibson who remains upbeat.
"I had to change my mindset. If I thought it was isolating and lonely, I would be quite down about it.
"But somehow you change your way of thinking. That has been my survival technique.
"You have to be positive. You have to be strong minded."
When she first read about the plans for the Haven Appeal in a newspaper article, it brought her to tears.
The family has subsequently raised more than £7000 towards the centre and has been supported by their local community.
Mrs Stuart-Gibson, for example, raised just over £3000 from a sponsored haircut while her daughter and mother-in-law asked for donations instead of gifts on their birthdays.
As she looks forward to the centre opening, she said: "I think the cafe and play centre are going to be a big thing for us.
"It is the relief of knowing there is somewhere Fergus can play.
"It is being with other families who have an understanding of what it is like."
