A year shaped by compassion, collaboration and growing opportunity for Highland families.
Highland-based charity The Haven Centre, operated by the Elsie Normington Foundation (ENF), has ended 2025 filled with gratitude and strengthened determination, after a year defined by new leadership, stronger community connections and truly life-changing impact for children, young people and families living with complex needs.
Perhaps one of the most significant moments of the year has been the personal and professional transition of the charity’s Chief Executive Officer, Rona Matheson, who officially stepped into post at the end of September.
Having supported ENF first as a Fundraiser during the organisation’s Build Appeal and later as Development Officer as the Centre became fully operational, Rona’s journey with the charity has grown alongside its own.
With more than 30 years’ experience in charity work across the UK and abroad, and as a parent of a child with complex needs, she brings both lived understanding and deep professional care to her leadership.
Speaking of the transition, Rona said:
“Stepping into this role has been incredibly humbling.
“As a parent, I know the loneliness, the exhaustion, and the overwhelming struggle families face trying to find the right support.
“I also know the hope that comes when you finally feel seen and supported.
“Therefore, to now be part of shaping that support for other families is a real privilege.”
Alongside this appointment, 2025 also marked significant progress in how the charity is shaping the future. One of the year’s major highlights was ENF’s first-ever conference, Beyond the Care Plan, held in March at UHI House.
The event brought together disability charities, parents, health professionals and employers from across Scotland, all united by a shared challenge: how to ensure young people with learning disabilities are not left without opportunity when school ends.
The event saw more than 100 delegates in attendance, creating a powerful space for honest conversation, new ideas and future collaboration.
Elsewhere, behind the scenes, the charity has spent the year quietly strengthening the foundations that make this frontline work possible.
As part of this, ENF took important steps to form a Highland-wide consortium with other disability charities aligned in purpose, ensuring families benefit from joined-up thinking rather than fragmented support.
Additionally, the launch of The Haven Hub has also transformed how families access help, offering a welcoming, walk-in space where parents can find specialist advice and guidance without appointments.
Families now travel from across the Highlands, including the West Coast, simply because word of mouth tells them this is a place where they will be listened to.
Further developments have included the recruitment of a dedicated fundraiser to support long-term sustainability, the continued growth of volunteering within the Community Café to give young people confidence and real-life skills, and early development of the Community Garden with plans in place to employ a coordinator.
“In just one year, over 900 families have walked through our doors and 45 have experienced respite for the very first time.
“And while that’s something we’re proud of, it’s the smiles, the relief and the renewed hope we see every day that truly measure our impact,” Rona added.
Now looking ahead to 2026, the charity’s focus will be on growing the team, reaching more families, and opening more doors for young people by developing placement opportunities across every area of the Centre.
Alongside this, ENF will continue to strengthen its funding base, widen community involvement, and ensure that families who need support know where they can find it.
The charity has also confirmed it will host its first corporate fundraising event since 2022.
Titled Dance Into Spring, the event will take place on April, 3 2026 at the Drumossie Hotel.
So watch this space as a well-known TV personality will be helping to launch the campaign, with full details being revealed soon and tickets going on sale in January.
The Elsie Normington Foundation operates The Haven Centre in Inverness, delivering inclusive community spaces, respite accommodation, specialist play services, family support and vocational opportunities for children and young people with disabilities.
For more information about The Haven Centre and the Elsie Normington Foundation, visit www.enfoundation.co.uk
Alternatively, you can follow the charity on Facebook and Instagram.
