History
“The Haven Centre is my long term dream for our most severely disabled children. We will provide a purpose built centre which will be owned and managed by the community. It will provide young people and their families with the most comprehensive range of facilities anywhere in Scotland.”
– ELSIE NORMINGTON
Beginnings
The Haven Appeal is a campaign run by the Elsie Normington Foundation. The Elsie Normington Foundation is a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation (SCIO) SC044029. It has 11 trustees who have wide-ranging skills and experience to deliver the project. It was set up by Elsie Normington, who has a son with a learning disability. Andrew now lives independently, with support. The launch of her book: “The Silent Doorbell” prompted many parents to express their own need for improved provision for local families. The Foundation seeks to bring inclusion and community to the lives of families and young people transitioning into adulthood.
The Haven Centre
Ambitious plans were drawn up by the Elsie Normington Foundation to put smiles on the faces of children and young people in our communities who most deserve our help. The Foundation has developed a specialist multi-purpose facility in Inverness called the Haven Centre for children and young people up to the age of 30 with multiple and complex needs. The Centre will provide support to people across the Highlands. It is the first fully integrated facility of its kind in Scotland. A brownfield site was identified on Murray Road, Smithton, Inverness, formerly the Culloden Court Nursing Home before a fire destroyed the building. The site, which has lain disused since the fire in October 2010, is now owned by the Elsie Normington Foundation. Building started in March 2022 and was completed in June 2023. The Centre was officially opened on 25th August 2023 by MSP Kate Forbes and was a wonderful community event.
SNAP – Special Needs Action Project are now leasing the play centre and enlarging their specialist services to children and young people across the Highlands who have severe learning disabilities and complex needs. More information can be found on their website.
The three Haven Suites are fitted out and the ground floor flat is fully adapted and very spacious. To make any enquiries, please contact: info@enfoundation.co.uk
The Community Cafe is a vibrant facility for teas/coffees, snacks and lunches for everyone. The cafe has a leader and is supported by volunteers
cafe@enfoundation.co.uk
The Elsie Normington Foundation has been supported by hundreds of volunteers supporting fundraising events and helping in various occasions. If you would like to help in any way please contact
rona.matheson@enfoundation.co.uk
ENF
ENF has a Board of Trustees who meet on a regular basis to oversee the work of the charity. To date the charity has Raised £4.8 million completed an impressive set of buildings. The Haven Centre has a large indoor and outdoor play centre, community cafe and three Haven Suites for overnight care.
