ARDLUI RESPITE PROJECT

The Ardlui Respite Project, a joint venture between Argyll and Bute Council, Ardlui Respite Care Trust (ARCT) and Sense Scotland has been presented with an award for innovation.

They got the award from Sense Scotland for developing innovative and flexible respite services for children and families in remote rural and island areas.

A high quality five bedded unit was opened on 1 October 2010 in Helensburgh, and operates short breaks for children and young people with disabilities. Transport is provided as an integral part of the respite experience, and as well as offering respite care services for children within Argyll and Bute, it is now expanding and able to offer services to children from other local authority areas.

Argyll and Bute Council and ARCT are committed to improving access to residential respite care for children facing considerable travel and disruption to using existing national resources. The Ardlui Respite Centre now provides this, and is continuing to enhance its service by developing relationships with the children and families involved.

Councillor Andrew Nisbet, spokesperson for social affairs said: “I am delighted that the work the Ardlui Respite Project does has been recognised. It is an extremely valuable service, providing much needed support to young people with disabilities. Argyll and Bute is a vast and diverse area, so it is important that we are involved in projects such as this one to help vulnerable people in remote areas.

“Partnership working was vital for this project, and it was achieved through each of the partners’ commitment to the shared vision for the service and common set of values in supporting children affected by disability, and their families and carers.”