An Inverness charity is one step nearer to its goal of establishing a centre for children with learning disabilities.  The Elsie Normington Foundation, which has launched a £4 million appeal to build the Haven, this week  announced a partnership agreement with two service providers and the appointment of an architect to design the centre.

The Haven will be built on the Murray Road site of the former Culloden Care Home.  As part of the development, Key Community Supports will provide short break services for adults and young people in purpose-built accommodation while Direct Childcare will provide out of school care for children with learning disabilities and additional support needs in a specialist play centre.

In addition, The Highland Council is building some affordable housing on the site that will be suitable for adults with support needs.

Local architect Colin Armstrong is leading the design teams for both projects.

It is hoped that the project can get under way in 2017.

Charity Founder, Elsie Normington, said: “Many parents say that the Haven is desperately needed in the Highlands as it will give families a break.  Many are struggling to provide 24 hour care with inadequate facilities, little money and even less sleep.  But – just as important – the Haven will also give children with learning disabilities somewhere to socialise with their friends and a place to call their own.

For more information on the project, please visit www.enfoundation.co.uk.

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Note:  Elsie can be contacted on 077 3495 8800

Pictured here is Elsie Normington (Chair of ENF) Fiona Ednie (Direct Childcare) Debbie Mackinnon 9Key Community Supports)