‘Amazing response’ to Encompass Caithness one-stop information shop
A one-stop information shop in Wick organised by Encompass Caithness was such a success that plans are being made for a similar event in Thurso early in 2025.
The one-day session in Mackays Hotel showcased the range of support on offer to people with autism, neurodivergent conditions and additional needs.
It followed on from a survey run by Encompass Caithness highlighting how many families felt “helpless, isolated and powerless”.
The information-sharing event last Thursday featured more than 20 stalls.
Annemarie Simpson, vice-chairperson of Encompass Caithness, said: “Following our survey results, it was found that many autistic, neurodiverse and additional needs families did not know what help is available locally – therefore they were missing out on potentially life-changing support.
“To remedy this, we pulled together many of the local support services available to create a one-stop information shop for families to come along and meet. We invited them to work round the room to find out about the services available locally and speak directly to people who care.
“We hoped it would help families feel less isolated and more reassured.
“We feel that collaboration and working together is how growth and improvement will come. With this in mind we were very excited to have so many resources meeting under one roof for the day.”
Chairperson Sarah Scollay said: “What an amazing response we had. We had a constant flow of visitors the whole six hours it was open.
“It was a huge success. Thank you to everyone who came along to support the event and find out more information on what’s available locally.
“So many families and people of all ages from all over Caithness attended and came away from it feeling that they got information they needed.
“We noted many were leaving with a smile on their face, information leaflets in hand, and telling us they were amazed at what support there is that they hadn’t known about.
“We are incredibly proud of how the day went, and the positive effect it has had – so much so we intend to run another one-stop information shop in Thurso early next year.”
Treasurer Bev Thurling said: “I was so pleased to see so many people attend the event and hear that all the vendors had had such amazing feedback.
“Agencies were making contact with families previously unknown to them. Many vendors have already asked to attend our next event.
“I personally was also delighted to find help for my own children I hadn’t known existed.”
Ms Simpson said: “We would also like to say a huge thank-you to all the amazing support stalls that attended to spread word of their services. They tell us they had a very successful day too.
“It was also an excellent opportunity for the stalls themselves to network with each other. Some had never met before, but all took time to learn more about each other and build on their service links.
“I have to say, the enthusiasm and energy throughout the day made it a really exciting place to be.”
Ms Scollay added: “We would like to publicly thank Ellie and Murray Lamont at Mackays Hotel for their gracious support of our event and for supporting our raffle ticket sales.
“Although I’m still receiving my cancer treatment, Encompass is still very busy. Next up in our diary, besides various meetings, are three days of autism training by renowned autism trainer Tanya Tennant on November 18, 19 and 20.
“This is fully funded by us and fully booked at 92 attendees from a variety of job roles across the county. It will be followed by our ‘the big one’ raffle draw on Friday, November 22.”
Amanda Snashall at HERE for Caithness created a link for families who were unable to attend on the day to find the websites and contacts for the services that were represented.
Members of Encompass Caithness are calling on the Scottish Government, Highland Council and NHS Highland to “address historic wrongs” and devise an improvement plan for the county.
