Wednesday, 06 September 2023

The new Haven Centre is open, for all residents across the Highlands

The official opening of the Haven Centre near Smithton Primary School, Inverness took place on 29th August 2023.

Residents of Stratherrick and Foyers may well have contributed towards the fundraising which has taken over ten years.  The Elsie Normington Foundation has developed a specialist multi-purpose facility for children and young people up to the age of 30 with multiple and complex needs.

Elsie said “The Haven Centre has been uniquely constructed to meet the most severe and complex needs of young people.  There is no other centre like this in Scotland which has all the different components – a play centre, respite flats and a community cafe which is open to everyone.”

Elsie added “The Centre will make a difference to parents by providing much-needed time off. It will give time for them to be with other siblings in the family and to take a breath and to be able to renew and refresh again.  It is hard going caring for a disabled child.”

Elsie concluded “Parents do need that respite and support. There will be a lot of moral support as well as physical support.” 

If you are interested in supporting or making use of the centre, you could call in at the community cafe there or watch this video from STV. First centre for children with additional needs set to open - YouTube

2026

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