The re-introduction of a short break service for children and young people in Inverness was welcomed by the Chair of Health, Social Care and Wellbeing Committee, Cllr David Fraser.
The Orchard – a registered care home for children and young people.
Cllr Fraser and Cllr Morven Reid, Depute Provost of Inverness and Area met with staff and children at The Orchard and were impressed with what they experienced.
Cllr Fraser said: “The Short Breaks Service is part of the Council’s commitment to keeping ‘The Promise’ and our ‘Home in Highland’ initiative.
“I welcome the reintroduction of the Short Breaks Service (previously called respite care) and I am impressed by the level of care that has gone into the design of the new service which will make a big difference to families.
“Cllr Reid and I were pleased to meet with Paul Kennedy (Orchard Manager) and Lisa Buchanan (Children’s Service Manager) who introduced us to staff and children at the home and we were really impressed with what we saw. The way that care is being provided to meet the needs of individual children is amazing.”
Over the past year, The Orchard has undergone a significant period of development and modernisation, with a clear focus on strengthening its service model, enhancing the quality of care, and ensuring full compliance with the Care Inspectorate and Highland Council standards.
This has included updated governance structures, revised operational procedures, substantial improvements to the physical environment, and a renewed emphasis on trauma informed, child-centred practice.
These changes have built steadily towards The Orchard’s most recent milestone - the successful opening of the Short Breaks Service.
This new provision now offers flexible, high-quality Short Breaks Service support for children and young people with additional needs, enabling staff to extend their reach, work more closely with families, and provide much-needed support within the Highland area.
Photo caption: (left to right) Cllr Morven Reid, Depute Provost of Inverness and Area; Paul Kennedy (Orchard Manager); Lisa Buchanan (Children’s Service Manager) and Cllr David Fraser Chair of Health, Social Care and Wellbeing Committee at The Orchard