Due to commence early next year, we will be providing the new service which will focus on enabling the young people to develop skills for independent living and play a part in the community by accessing local resources.

A first step in this will be supporting them to become tenants of their own homes in their local town of Kirkwall. Prior to this the young people have had to seek support outwith Orkney but the new service allows them to return home.

Jackie Latto, Director of Autism Services at Scottish Autism said: “This agreement with Orkney Island Council is an excellent example of working in partnershipto improve the quality of life for people with autism. The Council and NHS Orkney recognise the expertise that we have developed over 40 years of delivering specialist services for people with autism and want to make that available in the region. For these young people in particular, it will allow them to receive the support they need in their own environment and near their families.

Caroline  Sinclair, Head of Health and Community Care with Orkney Health and Care, said: “We are delighted to be implementing this innovative new service with Scottish Autism which will allow us to cater for the needs of these young people in Orkney and enable them to be part of the local community.

“We are committed to delivering the highest standard of care and are confident that this new service model will deliver significant improvements to the quality of life and independence for these young people.”