Highland Council announce new partnership with charity Thriving Families to ensure ‘continuity in provision’ of autism information services for Highland parents

Information services provided to parents and carers of children with autism in the Highlands will continue, Highland Council has confirmed, in the form of a new initiative working with additional support needs charity Thriving Families.

The move comes after an announcement from the National Autistic Society (NAS) that its Highland Information Service (HIS) would be closing this month, after the charity and the local authority were unable to reach an agreement for future funding.

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In a statement today, council officials confirmed that there will be “continuity in provision” for the services provided by the HIS with the announcement of a new funding package agreed with charity Thriving Families – prompting the launch of a project entitled ‘Enhancing Highland’s neurodevelopmental support information hub’.

A spokesperson for Highland Council said: “Further to recent coverage regarding the closure of the National Autistic Society Highland Information Service, we understand that there will be concerns regarding the potential loss or disruption to the services provided.

“Highland Council has worked in partnership with the National Autistic Society (NAS) over many years to provide sustained support for their excellent work in Highland.

“Whilst there has been no withdrawal or reduction in funding for this service by the council, and we were committed to continue this into the future, it has not been possible to provide the increased level of funding that was being sought.

“In order to ensure that there is continuity in provision for the services previously provided by the National Autistic Society, we are able to confirm that a funding package has been made available to another of our valued partners ‘Thriving Families’ through a combination of the funding previously provided to NAS and an award from the Community Planning Partnership’s, Whole Family Wellbeing Programme.

“This will not only ensure an information service will continue but Thriving Families will also be working with The Pines Partnership, service providers and families on a project called, ‘Enhancing Highland’s neurodevelopmental support information hub.’”

Thriving Families already provide a range of services to families in the Highland area, including one-to-one support, online group support, volunteering and peer support opportunities, monthly information sessions, and access to relevant resources.

The local authority say the new project will focus on the redevelopment of The Pines’ website (thepineshighland.com) including a full review and refresh of the site’s content.

Described as a “highly valued resource”, the website received 140,000 hits during the last year.

A council spokesperson added: “As understanding and approaches to neurodivergence have evolved dramatically within a relatively short period of time, this development will ensure that information is up to date, relevant and reflects best practice, taking a neuro affirming approach.

“The new website will include pages specifically for children and young people, providing key information and sources of support, as well as guidance for the adults supporting those children and young people on how to ensure their voices are heard.

“The development of this project and associated activity will provide continuity for the work previously undertaken by the National Autistic Society as we continue to work in partnership to sustain and strengthen the support available for children, young people and their families.

“We would like to thank the National Autistic Society for the support they have provided to children, young people and their families over the years and we would very much welcome the opportunity to work alongside them again in the future.

“The Society’s excellent Growing Up and Empower Up programmes, whilst not based in Highland, will also continue to offer online services for families and young people in Highland that are highly valued.

“Particular thanks go to Alison Footitt, NAS Information Officer who has been such a huge asset and support to many.”

The National Autistic Society still have two volunteer-led Highland branches operating in the Highlands in the form of NAS Highland Branch and NAS Moray, Nairn & Strathspey Branch.

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