Aberlour expands Aberdeenshire disability services
Aberlour, Scotland’s children’s charity has officially launched a new annexe building and increased disability support services on offer at its Options – Aberdeen service, while recognising the invaluable contribution of many supporters and funders who have made it possible.
The Aberdeen-based service has extended facilities thanks to generous support from a range of supporters including The Robertson Trust, who funded the new annexe as part of their 50th Anniversary Fund. Additional support has also been provided by Bread PR who will be receiving a piece of bespoke artwork made by the young people with the service.
With the new annexe, Aberlour Options – Aberdeen will be able to provide;
- training in life skills young people aged between 16-18 who are leaving care
- specialist parenting support and training
- increased support for siblings of young people with disabilities
- support places for students to help equip the workforce of the future
Aberlour Options – Aberdeen is delivered in partnership with Aberdeen City Council and works across a number of local authorities, providing short-breaks to children with disabilities and their families, including overnight respite, day-care and community based outreach. Additionally, the service also provides support to young people in schools as well as in-house parenting advice and support.
Aberlour Chief Executive, SallyAnn Kelly said, “This annexe and expansion of services offered by Aberlour Options – Aberdeen represents a significant investment in the provision of quality of care on offer to children and young people with disabilities by helping them to develop the skills they need beyond the age of 18.
The support provided by The Robertson Trust to help extend Aberlour’s facilities in Aberdeen has been crucial, and we’re grateful for their help in realising our vision for an improved service in the North East.”
Kenneth Ferguson, Chief Executive of The Robertson Trust commented, “Aberlour provides much needed services for children, young people and families across Scotland and The Robertson Trust is delighted to be able to help so many young people who desperately need that extra bit of support to develop skills with a view to living independently. The annexe provides the space and equipment to help young people prepare for the future and will help many families here in Aberdeen.
Children and young people deserve excellent support and care and the opening of this new annexe is a sign of the commitment that The Robertson Trust and Aberlour share to meet that responsibility.”
Parents of young people who have been with the service have said;
“My daughter especially enjoyed the opportunity to socialise. She also developed new skills and became more independent as a result.””