Haven suites have been welcoming young people through its doors since October here is Andrews story.

Andrew was invited to visit the Haven Centre with his family to view the Haven suites facilities. They then followed up with a meeting with Eilean Dubh Home Care Service Manager to discuss how Andrew could use the Haven Suites.

His parents were not in receipt of SDS for respite, so the next step was for them to contact their Social Worker to apply for a funding package to give Andrew regular short stay breaks away from his family. EDHC then arranged for a support worker to be assigned to Andrew to care for him when he came for his 2-night break. EDHC provide initial home visits to meet families and young person. Andrew lives at home a distance from Inverness with no access to short breaks in his area.

We were introduced to Andrew through His brother John who amazingly cycled from North to South Africa at the beginning of 2023 raising over 10k for the Haven Appeal. John first learnt from his Aunt in Inverness that the Haven centre was being built to help young people like his brother Andrew. Growing up with his brother Andrew, John had become familiar with the difficulties Andrew faced. He also witnessed the lack of support and social/leisure activities, along with the much-needed respite for his parents and family. By the time the Haven was built Andrew had become a young man with no clear transition plan or activities to follow on from him leaving School and the years of covid brought fresh isolation to Andrew’s life. Andrew’s Parents asked if it could be possible for Andrew to have access to the Haven Centre, he was keen to socialise and gain independence out from his own home.

The whole process went smoothly and was highly successful for Andrew and his parents. It gave them both confidence in being apart, knowing Andrew was safe and well cared for, and that his independence skills were being grown.

The short stay gave Andrew the freedom he craved to build his skills with kitchen and household tasks as well as taking part in leisure activities. He was able to have fun and enjoy a chilled time in the Suite with his support worker and form a relationship of trust and friendship.

Andrew was given the opportunity to use some of the facilities at the Haven Centre such as the Sensory room (through pre-booking with SNAP). He also got involved in his meal preparation, tidying/washing up, getting to know the local community with a walk, and his favourite – using the Culloden Leisure Complex to go swimming.

Andrew’s short stays will help grow his confidence, increase his independence, practice functional activities, increase his leisure pursuits, and help him socialise. Through this training he will gain the skills and ability to transition into supported independent living in the future.

Here are comments from Andrew’s parents on Andrew’s stay:

“Andrew was relaxed and happy and very proud of himself when he came home, he had a lovely report from his care worker”.

“This first stay provided everything Andrew needed for his first visit we could not have asked for more”

“Andrew’s visit was a huge success in every respect”.

Thanks to the Haven Suite facilities for short breaks and the excellent care provided through Eilean Dubh home care Andrew has booked another stay, creating more progress in his skills to become independent.

Eilean Dubh home Care are now providing for overnight and short breaks at the Haven centre.

The Haven suites can be booked for a short break by being cared for by the young persons own carer or supportive family member or by a care provider available and already in place for the young person.

Eilean Dubh home care ,  have recently extended services, offering additional support carers for families wishing to  access the Haven suites.

To Learn more contact Eilean Dubh Home Care manager email: morven@edhomecare.co.uk

To view our Haven suites https://www.havencentre.org/haven-suites/

To book a short break and have your questions answered email: info@enfoundation.co.uk