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New £3 million complex for ASN children in Aberdeen gets green light

Architect's impression of the new £3 million residential home at Camphill School Aberdeen.
Architect's impression of the new £3 million residential home at Camphill School Aberdeen.

A new £3 million residential home for young people with learning disabilities in Aberdeen has received the go-ahead.

Camphill School Aberdeen, a north-east charity that provides day and residential support to 95 children with additional support needs, has had planning approved for the complex at Murtle Estate, near Bieldside.

The charity, which is based across three campuses in the west of the city, has been delivering life-transforming opportunities for youngsters with complex additional support needs for more than 80 years.

Extension badly needed as effects of pandemic bite

It has seen an unprecedented increase in demand for its services in recent years, with the pandemic putting families under more and more strain.

To meet this growing need, Camphill School Aberdeen recently launched a major fundraising campaign to raise £10m over 10 years.

This will help it increase capacity by 60%, by building three new residential homes, expanding its workshops, and creating a certified centre of excellence.

Getting the green light means work on the 11-bedroom home with independent living wing can begin later this year.

The new home will enable the charity to open its doors to more vulnerable young people in the community who are in urgent need of support.

Work on Murtle Market, which also secured planning permission, is expected to start next year.

The market will provide a zero-waste organic produce and refillery store, cafe and heritage centre.

Demand ‘far exceeding’ capacity

Alex Bush, executive director of Camphill School Aberdeen, said: “Currently the demand for our services far exceeds our capacity.

“The only way to help more young people in the north-east is to make these plans come to life.

“We want to ensure that every young person who needs access to our support, receives it.

“Together with the support of the local community, we can build futures and transform lives.”

The new house has been designed by award-winning Glasgow architects Collective Architecture, who worked with Camphill youngsters to create a home that will be environmentally sustainable and fully accessible.

Alex Busch, executive director of Camphill School Aberdeen, stands alongside students Anthony and Ryan on the site of the new building.

Alex added: “The residential house will enable us to open our doors to even more young people who are in desperate need of our services and support.

“Meanwhile, Murtle Market will provide meaningful training and work opportunities for 54 young people aged 16 to 25 who have complex additional support needs.

“Since launching phase one of our capital appeal in February, we have raised a fantastic £1,855,000. But we still need support from the local community and businesses to raise the remaining 40% to fulfil our vision.”

Struggle in mainstream schools – but thrive at Camphill

Young people supported at Camphill often struggle in mainstream education and other care options – but thrive at Camphill.

Regardless of their abilities, kids at Camphill grow in confidence, independence, and fulfil their potential. They often achieve outcomes their families never thought possible.

The school’s unique approach integrates education, lifelong learning, and expert care within a therapeutic environment.

Karen, mum of Laurence, a student supported by Camphill, said: “As soon as we stepped onto Camphill Estate we knew this was somewhere special, a home from home that would celebrate Laurence for who he is.

“We were relieved to find a calm, accepting and loving environment in which our son could truly thrive.

“And for the first time, we were part of a strong support network we could call on any time. They see the young person and not the disability.”

Worldwide movement helping ASN kids

Camphill School Aberdeen was founded in 1939 by a group of pioneering Austrian refugees led by Dr Karl König. It was the first facility of its kind in the UK.

It sparked the worldwide Camphill movement, which now consists of more than 120 independent charities. Six of these are based in the north-east of Scotland.

Find out more about the Capital Appeal and how you can help, at www.camphillschools.org.uk/capital-appeal

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