Collaboration between charities and council
Children’s charity Aberlour has opened a new short break facility for families in the north east.
The extended service marks the beginning of a partnership between Aberlour, Aberdeen City Council and Grampian Autistic Society, working together to ensure families and their children can receive care that’s specific to their individual needs.
The service, Aberlour Options, offers short breaks for children and young people with a disability or other complex needs.
Based in Aberdeen City, and serving the whole of the North-East, they also provide care at home and organise activities within the community while giving families time to recharge.
The newly refurbished short breaks centre, in the Kaimhill area offers day care and overnight stays for the children with a disability or other complex needs. There, the children can explore their interests, develop skills and have fun in a safe, loving and nurturing environment. The new facility operates alongside Aberlour’s existing disability service in Bucksburn, which has already provided short breaks and family support within the city for over twenty years.
During the rebuilding, Aberlour staff consulted with parents and families so they could have their say in adding subtle details to ensure that the building meets the individual needs of the children and young people using the service. Children staying at the Kaimhill centre will also have the chance to take part in activities within the community including trips to the cinema, leisure activities and sports.
On working together with their local partners, service manager, Sarah Calder from Aberlour said: “We’re delighted to work with the Children and Families team at Aberdeen City Council and Grampian Autistic Society, and together use our knowledge and expertise to provide the best care and support plans that we can for each family.”
“We know that when it comes to supporting a child with a disability, the whole family needs to be involved. That’s why our new partnership takes a whole-family approach, looking after the emotional wellbeing of both parents and siblings, so the child can thrive within their homes.”
Councillor M Taqueer Malik, of Aberdeen City Council, said, “Our partnership with Aberlour and GAS will deliver more flexible and responsive support to children with complex and enduring needs as well as to their families. The delivery of high-quality care and support is critical to ensuring children are supported within their family network while also maximising the life opportunities for the whole family.”
Billy Alexander, chief executive of Grampian Autistic Society explained about the partnership: “We are proud to be working in close partnership with Aberlour and Aberdeen City Council to provide the much-needed support for our children and families. With our shared knowledge and expertise brought together in this great partnership and whole-family approach, we seek to ensure families receive the individualised support they need to live full and happy lives”
Amelia* a parent whose children use the service said: “Aberlour not only gives us respite but 100% peace of mind. We are provided with an excellent service and genuine care. Aberlour know and treat our boys as individuals, we are truly grateful for this.”
