PICTURES: Determination driving long-held dream to develop Scotland's first multi-purpose centre for young people with complex needs at site in Inverness
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
Determination and resilience is driving a long-held dream to create Scotland’s first multi-purpose centre for young people with complex needs at a site in Inverness.
Campaigners for the Haven Centre were joined by guests including local primary school pupils at the construction site in Smithton to celebrate the start of building work on the £4.1 million project.
It is set to open in a year and will include three two-bedroom respite flats for adults up to the age of 30, a specialist play centre, a community café, meeting spaces and garden.
The symbolic ‘spade in the ground’ event was a momentous occasion for learning disability campaigner Elsie Normington whose determination and tenacity has driven the project.
More than nine years ago she set up the Elsie Normington Foundation after writing The Silent Doorbell, a moving account about bringing up her son, Andrew, who was diagnosed with a severe form of epilepsy when aged four.
Now, aged 37, he lives a happy, fulfilled life in his own home, with full support.
Mrs Normington said while the doorbell never rang for her son as he grew up, she wanted it to ring for every child in the Highlands.
"I am really passionate about seeing a centre of excellence for children and young people who have severe needs,” she said.
"They are the champions of this project.
"The families who are bringing up these children with great challenges are the champions of this project."
Mrs Normington said the start of work marked a fantastic day.
"It is a dream come true." she said.
"It has taken more than nine years to get here.
"It has taken a lot of determination and resilience and lots of ups and downs.
"I am so grateful to the hundreds of people who have joined me on this journey and helped in so many ways.
"I feel so honoured by what we have achieved so far.
"This is such a significant moment in the start of building the Haven Centre for the most needy in the Highlands."
Those present included Elizabeth Tattersall and her son Ellis (15), who has the genetic disorder Angelman syndrome, which has caused delayed development, epilepsy, mobility issues and major learning difficulties.
Mrs Tattersall, of Alness, said the Haven Centre would make a massive difference to families like hers.
She said looking after a child with complex needs could be lonely.
"It can be very rewarding but it can be very isolating," she said.
"A lot of parents don’t like taking their children to the shops because they make a noise and you get looked at which they don’t necessarily like.
"There is a lack of understanding for a lot of people."
Emma Burgess and Kim Greig were among those calling in at a drop-in event to see the plans.
The two mums, who have children with special needs, run This Is Me Highland, a charity to help children with neurological conditions and their carers.
They believe the Haven Centre is badly needed.
"I am looking forward to it being finished," said Mrs Greig whose two children have autism and learning difficulties.
"I think it is going to be really good."
The project has received support from the public, Scottish government, National Lottery Community Fund and Highland Council.
The fundraising continues
Construction begins on pioneering £4.1m multi-purpose centre
