Additional Support Needs
Aurrida House
Aurrida House is situated in the Papdale area of Kirkwall and opened in 1999 to allow the development of existing services for children with additional support needs.
This is a purpose built facility which aims to provide a homely and welcoming atmosphere where children and families can feel comfortable and relaxed. A range of support services for children and young people with additional support needs, and their families are provided at, or managed from Aurrida House.
Aurrida House has five single bedrooms, one of which forms part of a self contained flat, the Finn Suite. This is available to children and families when first introducing their child to Aurrida House, and support families from the outer isles. We also have a separate room for meetings, the Nicolson Room; a kitchen, sitting room and dining area, playroom, staff bedroom, office, small sensory room and a garden with summer house and play area.
Aurrida House is part of the All Age Disabilities Service.
Services Provided to Children, Young People and Families
These services are provided for children and young people who have additional support needs arising from physical, sensory or learning disability; which may include challenging behaviour, or profound and complex needs.
All services provided to children and young people are within the terms of the Children (Scotland) Act 1995, and the Regulation of Care (Scotland) Act 2001 and uphold the principles of dignity, privacy, choice, safety, realising potential, equity and diversity. Further information as to how our services are provided is included in our information pack, which is available to children and families.
Services based at Aurrida House Respite care is time children spend away from their family home, looked after in a community facility or by another family.
At Aurrida House we provide a range of respite services:
- Day or evening respite
- Residential respite
- Emergency respite
- Short breaks
Aurrida House also Provide:
- Part week residential support for school placement for children and young people from the outer isles
- Opportunities for young people to develop independence skills through groupwork
- Services managed from Aurrida House support at home through the Family Focus Service.
- Family based respite through the Share the Care or Children and Families Foster Care Service
Receiving a Service for your Child
For your child to receive a service provided by Aurrida house, firstly an assessment of your child and family’s needs will be carried out by a Social Worker.
Families have a right to an assessment of their child and family’s needs for support services which takes account of their views and wishes.
The Social Worker will then discuss with you the options available and whether these are appropriate for your child and family.
If you would like an assessment, or would like further information on how an assessment is carried out, contact:
Service Manager
All Age Disabilities Service
Orkney Health and Care
Council Offices
School Place
Kirkwall
Telephone: 01856 873535