AN Aberdeen-based charity is gearing up to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the opening of its first respite and residential care home in the city.
Archway, which offers respite, shared and permanent care to adults and children with learning disabilities, first opened its doors in 1990.
In the 20 years that have followed, it has expanded considerably with over 200 individuals now using its services.
The charity, which was set up by a group of parents and carers, now has five community-based units in the city supporting families in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire.
The idea came from a group of parents who had set up the Aberdeen Sitter Service in 1977, which allowed families to enjoy a short break or night out while another member of the group sat with their child.
The families realised that there was a real need in the area for an established service and decided to set up a charity that could provide respite care to help local families with dependent children and adults.
As part of the charity’s 20th birthday celebrations, Archway is planning a year of special events in order to celebrate its anniversary in style.
Jim Sangster, chair and one of the original founders of Archway, said: “Everyone involved in Archway is really excited about celebrating the 20th anniversary of the opening of our first care unit. When we opened the Westburn Road doors I don’t think any of us imagined how the charity would grow.
“Archway now offers a lifeline of care and support to 200 children and adults with learning disabilities and their families in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire.
“The diagnosis that a child has learning disabilities is a life changing event. Life for that family can never be the same again. And it’s the care, support and compassion of those around that make all the difference.
“Families can relax knowing their loved ones are being well cared for in homely welcoming surroundings while those coming to Archway get the chance to meet friends and do the things that it is difficult for families to do at home; meet friends, go on outings and activities and try new things while developing the independent living skills they will need in later life.
“We are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. All our service-users have to try so hard to achieve what comes so easily for the rest of us so at Archway we try to give them the help they need to make life brighter.”
Archway is an Aberdeen-based charity which provides respite, shared and permanent care to over 200 children and adults with learning disabilities. The charity has five community-based units throughout Aberdeen, which aim to help users to reach their full potential.
The charity enables service users to gain independence and develop social skills needed to enable them to live full and active lives in the local community.
To contact Archway please phone 01224 643 327 or visit www.archway.org.uk.
ENDS
MEDIA RELEASE issued by Mackenzie PR. You too can post media releases (aka press releases) on allmediascotland.com. For more information, email here.
Contact: Susanne Shepherd
Phone: 01224 580 188
Email: susanne@mackenziepr.co.uk
Website: http://www.mackenziepr.co.uk
