Autism and Neurodiversity North Scotland won’t be working with Aberdeenshire Council
A north east charity has withdrawn itself from a partnership with its local council, citing “irreconcilable differences”.
Autism and Neurodiversity North Scotland (A-ND) has confirmed its withdrawal from Whole Family Wellbeing Fund partnership with Aberdeenshire Council.
An associated project with the council will also come to an end.
The charity said extensive deliberation had taken place by its board and leadership team to come to the decision, warning of the impact on families and communities.
But A-ND warned that concerns over "administration and oversight of this fund" had become too much.
The charity said in a statement: “A-ND regrets to announce our withdrawal from the Aberdeenshire Council’s Whole Family Wellbeing Fund and the associated project with Aberdeenshire Council.
“This decision follows extensive deliberation by our board and leadership team in light of the council's recent response to our concerns and the broader challenges encountered during this collaboration. It is a decision we have not taken lightly, as it impacts the families and communities we are deeply committed to serving.
“While we value the principles of partnership and inclusion that such Scottish Government funding provided to Aberdeenshire Council aims to achieve, irreconcilable differences have arisen between A-ND and Aberdeenshire Council regarding the administration and oversight of this fund.
“Despite our best efforts to engage constructively, we believe the current circumstances pose an unacceptable level of financial risk to our organisation, limiting our ability to sustain this project without compromising our broader mission and services.
“Our priority remains the children and families we support. We are committed to honouring all existing commitments through to 31st December 2024, ensuring families have sufficient time to transition to alternative support services, if available, or link with Aberdeenshire Council to discuss next steps.
“A-ND will continue to advocate for meaningful and equitable collaboration between third-sector organisations and local authorities, ensuring vital services remain accessible to neurodiverse individuals and their families. We remain open to constructive dialogue with Aberdeenshire Council to address the concerns raised and explore opportunities for rebuilding a positive and productive partnership in 2025 and beyond.
“We appreciate the understanding and support of the families, staff, and stakeholders affected by this decision and assure you of our ongoing dedication to delivering high-quality services across the region.”
Aberdeenshire Council said in response that the charity was “unable to fulfil” its “terms and conditions” and as such no agreement could be reached.
A council spokesperson said: "We can confirm that Autism & Neurodiversity North Scotland (A-ND) has notified us that it is withdrawing from a project it started to run in Fraserburgh and Peterhead.
"Unfortunately, despite initially receiving monthly funding earlier this year, the charity was unable to fulfil the terms and conditions of the original offer made under the Whole Family Wellbeing Fund. Despite our attempts to provide a reduced funding offer which would comply, we regret the charity was unable to reach an agreement with us.
"We recognise the decision by A-ND will be a disappointment not only to those in the community, but to us within Aberdeenshire Council as this is a fantastic scheme. We continue to work closely with statutory and non-statutory partners as well as directly with families in Fraserburgh and Peterhead to explore ways to support families who have a child or young person with additional support needs."
