Pioneering Haven Centre for young people with complex needs in Highlands to mark formal opening
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A pioneering centre for young people with complex needs in the Highlands will celebrate its formal opening on Friday.
The Haven Centre in Inverness – which has taken 10 years and £4.8 million to achieve – will be opened by Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch MSP, Kate Forbes, in front of invited guests.
A community open day will be held on Saturday for the public to look around the centre which includes play facilities, a community cafe, respite suites and garden.
It is Scotland’s first multi-purpose centre for children and young adults with profound and multiple learning disabilities.
Ms Forbes, who has been a prolific supporter of the project for several years, said it is a privilege to be part of the official opening as it represents a truly historic day for the Highlands.
"I know that many families the length and breadth of my constituency, and beyond, will benefit from this modern, caring facility," she said.
"It is so badly needed, and I congratulate the team behind it, as they have painstakingly raised funding over many years.
"The Haven will undoubtedly become one of the most vitally important facilities for the north’s young people and their families and I wish the team every success."
- Learning disability campaigner gets keys to centre
- Mum of teen with complex needs says Haven Centre will make huge difference
The project has been driven by the Elsie Normington Foundation which was set up in May 2013 to raise funds.
"It is a dream come true seeing the Haven Centre vision become a reality," said founder and chairwoman Elsie Normington.
"Over the past 10 years, we have received such tremendous support and we want to thank and recognise all of our donors, fundraisers, the local community and grant funders who helped us reach this momentous milestone in the charity’s history.
"We look forward to seeing many children, young adults and their families visiting and enjoying the Haven centre for many years to come.
"We are a small charity with big ambitions and will continue to develop and deliver new projects in the Highlands which will support local children and young adults with learning disabilities, and their parents and carers."
The opening will be attended by key supporters including, representatives of the local community, funders, local politicians and councillors, service delivery partners and foundation trustees and staff.
It will begin with a parade from Smithton Free Church to the Haven Centre led by pipers from the Northern Constabulary Pipe Band.
The streets will also be lined by pupils from Smithton Primary School waving Haven Centre
flags and cheering on as the parade passes by.
Kate Still, who chairs the Scotland National Lottery Community Fund said today marks a momentous occasion for Elsie and everyone involved with the foundation.
"Every day people use National Lottery funding turning their ideas into reality," she said.
"That’s exactly what Elsie and her team have done as their long-term vision to build a centre to help children and young people across the Highlands and Islands becomes a reality.
"Over the coming years, The Haven will be a focal point for the community, helping to enrich the lives of thousands of children and young people, their families and carers.”
Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) awarded £250,000 to the project.
James Turner, head of strengthening communities for HIE’s Inner Moray Firth team, said having the facilities all on one site set it apart from others and would make a huge difference to hundreds of families across the Highlands.
"New jobs will be created at the centre and it will support training and volunteer roles for young people and those with multiple disabilities to give them experience and skills," he said. "We are delighted to support the Elsie Normington Foundation on their journey to make this happen."
*The centre will be open to members of the public for a look around the building, cafe and respite suites tomorrow between 11am and 3pm.
The cafe will serve teas, coffee and biscuits for a donation tomorrow and will officially be open to the public on Monday.
