An update for families about The Haven Centre
- Published:
- Updated: February 27, 2026
A New Chapter for the Haven Playcentre
Since opening in 2023, The Haven Centre, delivered by the Elsie Normington Foundation, has become a place many families across the Highlands know, trust and feel connected to. It was created with a clear purpose: to provide specialist facilities close to home for children and young people with additional support needs. Somewhere safe, welcoming and built with care.
As part of that journey, the Playcentre has until now been used solely by Highland disability charity SNAP for its dedicated sessions. While this work has supported many families, and forms an important part of the Centre’s story, it has meant others who could benefit from the facilities have not always had the opportunity to access them.
Now, after listening carefully to families, carers and providers from across the region, we believe the time is right to open our doors a little wider.
Opening Access
From April 2026, the Haven Playcentre will move to a shared, community-focused approach.
This means care providers, charities, parent-led groups and organisations supporting children and young people with disabilities and complex needs will be able to enquire directly about using the facilities.
Bookings will include:
- Day services
- Parties
- Play sessions
- Community activities
And all sessions already scheduled will go ahead as planned.
Working Together
In recognition of our long-standing relationship with SNAP, the Haven Centre will continue to offer the charity priority on future bookings at a reduced rate. This reflects our ongoing commitment to supporting SNAP and the families we serve.
We want to reassure families that the Centre remains open to SNAP delivering sessions alongside other organisations, in keeping with the collaborative vision on which the Haven was founded.
The goal is not to reduce access, but widen it, creating space for more services to work side by side, reducing waiting lists and opening access up for Highland families.
What Happens Next?
April will act as an introductory month as bookings open more widely.
A simple enquiry-based booking system will launch shortly, with clear pricing and availability published online.
Our ambition is straightforward: to see the Haven busy, welcoming and used to its full potential. A place where services collaborate, families connect, and more children across the Highlands can benefit for years to come.
If you would like to enquire about bookings or find out more, please contact: info@enfoundation.co.uk
FAQs
What was the Haven Centre set up to do, and how has that worked in practice?
The Haven Centre was created to support children, young people and families with disabilities and additional support needs across the Highlands.
From the outset, the vision was to create an inclusive and accessible place where families could feel supported, and where organisations working in the disability community could collaborate under one roof.
As the Centre has grown, it became clear that access to the Playcentre was more limited than originally intended. This new chapter reflects our commitment to widening access while protecting specialist provision.
Why is this change being introduced now?
There is still a very real and growing need across the Highlands for accessible spaces and support for disabled children, young people and families, particularly those who currently receive little or no help.
Many families wait a long time for formal support, or do not qualify for SDS packages, even though they are struggling. That’s where earlier access to supportive spaces can make a real difference and help families before challenges escalate.
As the organisation responsible for the maintenance, operation and future of the Haven Centre, we have a duty to consider whether the Centre is reaching as many families as it could, and whether it can continue to do so in the years ahead.
What does this new model mean for the Haven Centre?
From April 2026, the Haven Playcentre will operate under a shared, community-focused model.
This means:
Care providers, charities and parent-led groups can enquire directly about bookings
The space can be used for day services, play sessions, parties and community activities
Access is no longer limited to one service provider
The aim is to widen access, reduce waiting lists and allow more children and families to benefit from the specialist facilities.
Is SNAP’s access being limited, or is SNAP being treated differently?
SNAP remains a valued service provider.
In recognition of its long-standing relationship with the Haven Centre, SNAP has been offered priority on future bookings at a reduced rate. The Centre remains open to SNAP delivering sessions alongside other organisations.
This is about creating a shared approach, not removing support.
Is the Haven Centre being opened to the general public or non-disabled users?
No. The Haven Playcentre exists only to support disabled children, young people and their families, and that remains its sole purpose. It is not being opened for general public or non-disability use.
However, our onsite community cafe is open to all.
Will families need an SDS package to access the Haven Centre?
No.
One of the key aims of the new model is to reduce reliance on SDS as the main route to accessing the space.
While SDS-funded services will continue where appropriate, widening access means families and organisations will have more flexible ways to use the facilities.
Will families without SDS packages be able to access the Haven Centre?
Yes. Widening access for families without SDS packages is one of the key aims of the proposed changes.
By reducing SDS as a barrier and freeing up space within the Centre, we want to create more opportunities for families to access play, connection and support. This is about expanding who can benefit from the Haven Centre, not about taking existing support away.
What is SDS, and why is it relevant?
Self-Directed Support (SDS) is a funding mechanism that some families use to access specialist services.
However, not all families qualify for SDS, and many face long waits. The new model ensures the Haven Centre can support specialist provision while also creating opportunities beyond SDS-funded routes.
Who has shaped this changes?
This decision has been informed by listening to:
- Families who have struggled to access the Playcentre
- Parents without SDS packages
- Professionals in education, social work and support services
- Organisations seeking collaborative space
There is clear and growing unmet need across the Highlands. This change reflects our responsibility to respond.
What happens next?
April will act as an introductory month as bookings open more widely.
A simple enquiry-based booking system will launch shortly, with pricing and availability published online.
Our focus remains unchanged: to support children, young people and families with disabilities across the Highlands, ensuring the Haven Centre continues to grow as a welcoming, collaborative space for years to come.
For further information, please contact: info@enfoundation.co.uk
Where we are now
Our priority remains the same as it has always been: to support children, young people and families with disabilities from all over the Highlands, by widening access for young people to socialise and have fun in a safe environment, and supporting early intervention so that families can get the support they need before they reach crisis, now and for the long term.
If you have any questions or would like further information, please feel free to contact us at info@enfoundation.co.uk.