Community and fundraising events across the Highlands
At The Elsie Normington Foundation and The Haven Centre, our events help us support children, young people and families living with complex needs across the Highlands. They raise vital funds, build understanding and connect our community with the real impact of our work.
Community and fundraising events across the Highlands
At The Elsie Normington Foundation and The Haven Centre, our events help us support children, young people and families living with complex needs across the Highlands. They raise vital funds, build understanding and connect our community with the real impact of our work.
Bringing specialist disability support to families across the Highlands
Operated by the Elsie Normington Foundation, we are proud to be the only specialist integrated centre of our kind in Scotland, bringing together respite, specialist play, family support and inclusive community spaces under one roof.
By taking part in our events – whether attending, sponsoring or supporting – you’re helping to fund trusted services that families rely on every day, and making a real, lasting difference across the Highlands.
Find your event
We host a range of events throughout the year, designed to bring people together while supporting families across the Highlands. Our events include:
- Fundraising evenings and celebration events
- Community gatherings and awareness events
- Corporate and business fundraising events
Each event offers a chance to connect with others, enjoy a memorable experience and support life-changing work delivered here at The Haven Centre.
Other ways to get involved
There are lots of ways to support our events and the families we work with:
- Attend one of our fundraising or community events
- Sponsor an event as a business or organisation
- Partner with us to host or support an event
- Help spread the word within your community
Frequently Asked Questions
Who founded the Elsie Normington Foundation?
The Elsie Normington Foundation was founded by learning disability campaigner Elsie Normington, following her experiences of parenting her son Andrew, who was diagnosed with a severe and intractable form of epilepsy at the age of four.
Elsie shared her journey in her book The Silent Doorbell, which marked the beginning of her campaigning work to improve services and facilities for children and young adults with severe learning disabilities and complex needs across the Highlands and Islands. Andrew now lives a happy, fulfilled life in his own home, with full support.
What is The Haven Centre?
The Haven Centre is operated by the Elsie Normington Foundation and is the only specialist integrated centre of its kind in Scotland.
It brings together inclusive community spaces, respite accommodation, specialist play services, family support and vocational opportunities for children and young people living with disability and complex needs, all under one roof in Inverness.
How do events support your work?
Funds raised through our events help us continue delivering specialist disability support across the Highlands, including respite care, inclusive spaces, play services, family guidance and vocational opportunities for young people.
By attending or supporting an event, you’re helping us reach more families and strengthen our services.
How do I enquire about short breaks or respite stays?
You can submit a short break enquiry directly through our website.
Our team will then contact you to discuss availability, accessibility needs and the most suitable suite for your stay.