The Haven Centre in Inverness will host a series of open days this month, offering families, young people and professionals the chance to explore the facility and learn more about its growing role.

The centre, run by the Elsie Normington Foundation, supports children and young people with additional support needs alongside their families, carers and wider networks.

While it already provides respite stays, the long term vision is to expand its offering to include play sessions, holiday visits and wider access for families across the Highlands.

The upcoming open days are designed to give visitors a clearer understanding of what is currently available and how the space could develop in the future.

Guests will be able to tour the centre, meet staff, ask questions and share their views on the types of support and services that would be most useful.

The sessions are also open to professionals working in care, health and support services, giving them the opportunity to explore how the centre could support the people they work with.

Rona Matheson said:

“These open days are a really important opportunity for people to come in, see the space for themselves and speak to the team about what they need.

“The Haven Centre has always been about creating a place where children, young people and families from across the Highlands feel welcome, supported and understood.

“As we continue to develop what The Haven can offer, it’s really important that we listen to the people who may use the space and the organisations supporting them.

“We’d encourage anyone who feels The Haven could be helpful to them, their child, their family or the people they support to come along, ask questions and help shape what comes next.”

All visits must be booked in advance to manage numbers and ensure visitors have time with staff.

Families are welcome to attend together, and quieter sessions can be arranged where needed.

Children and young people must be supervised at all times during visits.

The programme includes sessions for all ages, as well as dedicated events for young people, transition groups and professionals working in the sector.

The Haven Centre continues to grow as a space shaped by the needs of the community, with these open days offering a chance for people across the Highlands to play a part in what comes next.

Open day dates

• Tuesday 7th, 1pm to 4pm – All ages welcome
• Friday 10th, 10am to 2pm – Ages 18 and under
• Wednesday 15th, 10am to 1pm – Care professionals, health providers and ASN services
• Wednesday 15th, 4pm to 7pm – Ages 16 to 25, transition groups, care providers and families
• Friday 17th, 10am to 1pm – Transition age group (16 to 25)
• Thursday 23rd, 10am to 12 midday – Haven Hub, open to all families who would like to visit, ask questions or discuss support needs

Places are limited and must be booked in advance.

If you live outside Inverness or the surrounding area, or are simply unable to attend one of the open days, the team would still like to hear from you.

To share your thoughts, please get in touch by email at  info@enfoundation.co.uk or call 07511 808085.

For more information or to book a place, visit https://enfoundation.co.uk/events/