Lifescan Scotland Ltd helps promote inclusive play in Nairn

Members of Play Highland will formally accept a donation from the medical devices company, Lifescan Scotland Ltd, which has provided vital funding for a bucket swing for children with disabilities.

The swing was chosen after consultation with SNAP (Special Needs Action Project) and PAMIS, two locally recognised organisations who specialise in caring for children with special needs.

Lifescan Scotland’s financial support has been channelled through Play Highland, who identified the project as an important step forward in encouraging inclusive play in the area.

Play Highland member, Highland Councillor David Alston, said: "We believe that play areas should be as welcoming and inclusive as possible. Children with disabilities are children first of all – and it is important both that they can play alongside other children in a stimulating activity environment. We hope that this initiative will provide a model for other developments in the future."

Lifescan Scotland Ltd has supported other initiatives to improve play facilities in recent years, with donations towards play equipment at Pefferside Park in Dingwall; Culbokie, on the Black Isle, the Floral Hall Visitor Centre, Inverness and in Ormlie, Thurso.

Mike Crowe, Managing Director of LifeScan Scotland Ltd said: "We are especially pleased to be able to once again support this valuable initiative. We are fortunate to live and work in such a spectacularly beautiful part of the world and if we can encourage children to go outside and play on equipment of this kind it can help their self development and awareness of life outside the classroom."

Play Highland is an alliance of Highland Council staff and elected members, health professionals and representatives of the voluntary sector, established by the Highland Wellbeing Alliance’s Community Safety Unit.

For further information please contact Brian Donnet, Principal Service Support Officer, The Highland Council TEC Services tel: 01463 702537.

PAMIS – is a voluntary organisation and registered charity in Scotland working with people with profound and multiple learning disabilities, their family carers and professionals who support them. The local PAMIS contact in Highland is: c/o HCCF, Highland House, 20 Longman Rd, Inverness IV1 1RY Development Worker: Isabel Paterson Tel: 01463 713 484 Fax: 01463 713 859 Email: i.paterson.pamis@ecosse.net