Moray Commissions New Autism And Complex Needs Service For Young People

Moray Council has commissioned national charity Scottish Autism to deliver enhanced services for young people living with autism and other complex needs within its local area supporting up to seven youngsters aged 12-18 in partnership with their families.  

Scottish Autism will deliver a bespoke residential and education service designed to deliver sustainable outcomes that specifically targets the unique challenges that each individual presents.

This new and innovative model in Moray, which considers the young people’s needs now and in the future, will see the service users receiving support in community based houses. The charity has secured a number of agreements in partnership with Grampian Housing Association, with the first home being occupied as of 1 April.

To fulfil the education element, the service users will be able to enjoy a brand new facility within the new Elgin Academy led by Scottish Autism’s Director of Education, Jim Taylor. Moray Council will further support the development of Autism practice in all schools with the additional appointments of an Autism Teacher and an Autism Support Worker.

"Our aim is for each indiviudal to lead a full and active life and become successful learners and valued citizens within the community."

Jackie Tufft, Director of Autism Services at Scottish Autism, said: “Our experience and knowledge in delivering education, residential and community care provision across Scotland demonstrates the value in designing support plans around the individual, focusing on their unique strengths and abilities, and it is this philosophy that has underpinned our proposal in Moray.

“We are confident that together with Moray Council, the innovative education and residential service model agreed will provide opportunities for each individual to lead a full and active life and become successful learners and valued citizens within the community.”

Graeme Gordon, Inclusion Development Manager (ASN) from Moray Council said:“Moray Council aspires to support the care and education of all children and young people within their local community.  Scottish Autism’s plans to support the education and care for this group of vulnerable children, is second to none and we are extremely excited to be working in partnership with them to deliver what will prove to be a model of national excellence.”

Commenting on the new service Helen Gauld, Acting Director of Housing and Property Services, Grampian Housing Association said: “As an organisation we are committed to providing equality of access to our housing so we are very pleased to be supporting the residential aspect of this initiative and hope that the residents enjoy living in their new homes.”

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