Creating Spaces Where Young People with Complex Needs Can Thrive
The Elsie Normington Foundation is a Scottish charity supporting children and young adults with disabilities and complex needs across the Highlands and Islands. As part of our mission, we created The Haven Centre – Scotland’s first purpose-built multi-purpose facility offering short breaks, specialist play spaces, and community support.
Creating Spaces Where Young People with Complex Needs Can Thrive
The Elsie Normington Foundation is a Scottish charity supporting children and young adults with disabilities and complex needs across the Highlands and Islands. As part of our mission, we created The Haven Centre – Scotland’s first purpose-built multi-purpose facility offering short breaks, specialist play spaces, and community support.
About the Elsie Normington Foundation
ENF was founded by campaigner Elsie Normington to meet a long-standing gap in the Highlands – families caring for children and young people with severe, profound and multiple learning disabilities had no dedicated place to find support, respite or understanding.
After a decade of determination and remarkable community fundraising supported with Grants and trusts, ENF created The Haven Centre: a purpose-built space offering specialist play, short breaks and a warm, inclusive environment where young people can thrive and families finally feel supported.
A Purpose-Built Haven for Young People and Families
The Haven Centre is Scotland’s first purpose-built facility for children and young adults with disabilities and complex needs. It brings play, respite, learning, community and wellbeing together in one welcoming, fully accessible space.
At the Haven Centre, we offer:
- Short Break & Respite Suites – fully accessible overnight stays for young people up to age 30
- Specialist Play & Sensory Spaces – delivered in partnership with SNAP
- Outdoor Play Areas & Gardens– inclusive, safe and designed for everyone
- Community Space – for families, groups and local activities
Short Break & Respite Suites
Our three fully accessible suites provide safe, comfortable overnight stays – designed to give young people independence, and families the essential time they need to rest and recharge.
Families describe these short breaks as “life-changing”, helping prevent burnout and giving young people new confidence.
Key features:
- Fully accessible, purpose-built rooms
- Support for wheelchair users
- Kitchen/diner and living areas
- Safe, homely and private
- Suitable for young people up to age 30
Haven Cafe
A warm and inclusive community café open to everyone – also offering volunteering and work experience opportunities for young adults with additional needs.
Open Tuesday – Friday 9.30am – 3pm.
Haven Playcentre
Specialist indoor and outdoor spaces enabling young people to play, socialise and explore. Run in partnership with SNAP, they include sensory rooms, activity groups and one-to-one sessions.
Haven Community Garden
A growing outdoor project offering hands-on horticultural learning and wellbeing experiences for young people.
Help Us Support More Families Across the Highlands
Every donation helps young people play, connect, grow independence and experience joy – while giving families the essential respite they need to keep going.
Your support funds:
- Accessible play and sensory spaces
- Short-break accommodation
- Volunteering and work experience placements
- Community programmes
- Future development across the Highlands & Islands