Highland partnership working to support additional support needs

The Council’s Education Chair warmly welcomed Sarah Fowler (Thriving Families) and Alison Footitt (National Autistic Society Scotland) to give a presentation to Members on the partnership working between their organisations and the Council.

Education Chair, Cllr John Finlayson said: “Thriving Families and the National Autistic Society Scotland, in addition to Pines and the Council, work in close partnership together to deliver fundamental support to individuals and their families in Highland.

“It is through this close collaboration and working together that we can make sure we are there as a helping hand to those who need it. The quantifiable data shared at today’s meeting really emphasises the level of demand that we have across the region, and I am glad to see that the achievements of the organisations are celebrated.”

In the last year, 12 virtual Pines sessions were delivered to 380 people in 2023; there has been 13,000 hits on YouTube and the channel gained 500 subscribers; and the Pines website has seen a 335% year on year increase with 100,000 visits to the site.

Thriving Families, funded by The Highland Council, provides an independent, rights-based, information, advice and support service for anyone involved in the care of children and young people (up to the age of 25). The organisation can offer direct support through one-on-one sessions and, through the Pines Partnership, also delivers online sessions, training and information through their web and YouTube channel.

The National Autistic Society for Scotland provides a range of services and support across Scotland. In Highland, they deliver monthly talks with Thriving Families on neurodivergent topics, and provide support for the Pines website and library. There are also two National Autistic Society programmes in Highland which offer key online support to 12-15 year olds (with or without a diagnosis), and also for unpaid carers of autistic young people. 

Cllr Finlayson added: “I would really like to thank Sarah and Alison for highlighting this fantastic work taking place in our communities. I hope more people can seek out the resources available to gain access to valuable advice, information and support.”