In Scotland the number of children with severe and complex disabilities is increasing and many more children are surviving into adulthood. We know that households with a disabled person are more likely to live in relative poverty. At Aberlour we encourage children with a disability to live as full a life as possible and every year we help over 500 children and families to do this.
We provide practical and emotional support in a number of ways.
- A home from home for children with a severe disability who can no longer stay in their own home.
- Short breaks and respite care for families so that parents can recharge their batteries and spend time with their other children.
- Emergency care for children with a disability during times of crisis within families.
- Leisure opportunities, specialist play-schemes and educational support for children with a disability, often within local communities. We work together with young people and their parents to develop activities appropriate to different abilities.
There is an Aberlour service near you!
Bankfoot - Prestonpans
“Karen has complex physical needs due to spinal scoliosis and she is blind. Karen spends one week in eight at Aberlour’s Bankfoot service in Prestonpans to give her parents and brother a break. Karen enjoys listening to music and likes to play with tactile toys and responds well to foot and hand massages.”
Aberlour is helping Karen to live as full a life as possible.
Moray Options & Alba Place - Elgin
Ben attended Moray Options “Butterfly Club” which gave him an opportunity to take part in leisure activities suitable for his abilities while he was waiting for a foster care family.
Ben had always wanted to go horse riding and with Aberlour’s help he attended horse riding lessons and his confidence and self esteem grew. Through his horse riding he struck up a friendship with the Millar family and they applied to become Ben’s foster carers.
When asked what he likes about his foster family, he says “everything!"
Fife Short Breaks - Glenrothes
Kaitlin is 10 years old and her brother John is 16 and has a profound learning disability. She explains here about what it is like living with an older sibling who needs constant care and attention.
Kaitlin says: “John can make me laugh when he is in a good mood, but he can change very quickly.”
“I like to watch TV, but it is difficult when my brother is around as I sometimes feel worried when he sits beside me, I never know if he will pull my hair or kick me. I find it hard to chat with my mum when John’s around.”
“When John goes to Fife Short Breaks, it is easier for me to cope at home. It feels calmer. I can watch TV and have my friends round. My mum lets me have my friends for a sleepover. It was great fun.”
Ardfin Road - Prestwick
“Geraldine is 15 and has been supported by Aberlour’s Ardfin Service since the service opened 11 years ago. Geraldine has a learning disability and her mum says that Aberlour staff help her to cope with her disability and behaviour when she is at home. Geraldine is a real character and her other main passions include the pop band Westlife, Chinese food and swimming.”
Options Borders - St.Boswells
Michael is an 11 year old and has autism. Michael lives at home with his family and has a package of respite at Options Borders. This consists of 23 overnight stays, 10 outreach sessions and 12 days at the activity scheme during the summer, per year. This helps his parents to continue caring for Michael at home by giving them a
break from the demands of providing 24 hour care.
Michael’s mum says: “Michael now goes to places he would never normally go as Aberlour has opened up his world. He is able to cope with things outside of the home, giving him more independence. He is more relaxed and has great fun whilst he is there.”
ADAPT - Aberdeen/Aberdeenshire
Mark is a 10 year old boy with downs syndrome. He stays in a busy household with lots of siblings and sometimes finds this difficult. Mark’s Mum admits to having difficulty managing his behaviour at times and greatly appreciates the various support she gets from ADAPT.
This support includes regular overnight respite and daycare. In his time with Aberlour, many of Mark’s behaviours have been replaced or reduced. He is now also more sociable and able to cope with new people, situations and settings.
ADAPT have also recently begun to deliver some “at home” parenting work with Mum to give her the confidence and skills to manage Mark in this setting.