Aurrida House to Celebrate Two Decades of Service

Orkney Islands Council's Aurrida House service will mark its 20th birthday this June.

The milestone will be marked on June 9 with an open day birthday party from 14:00-16:00 for past and present service users and staff.

Aurrida House provides services for young people who need support arising from a physical, sensory or learning disability, which may include challenging behaviour and complex health needs.

Its short breaks service actively supports young people to access activities in the community and enjoy a short stay away from home. Staff there provide transitional support for young people who are moving on and also specialised group work which helps develop young peoples' skills for living.

Part week accommodation is also provided for children and young people who live on the Outer Isles, enabling them to attend specialist educational provision.

The facility is purpose-built and provides respite care for a maximum of five young people. The house, situated at Papdale Loan in Kirkwall is a large, spacious house which is decorated and furnished to a high standard.

Share the Care, a family based short breaks service, and Family Focus, a home support service to children and families affected by disabilities are also managed from Aurrida House.

Sally Shaw is Chief Officer of Orkney Health and Care. She said: "Aurrida House is a service greatly appreciated by service users and their families - supporting many local people in the twenty years since it opened. The dedication of our staff to the families using the service is incredible and I look forward to celebrating this milestone with them on 9 June."

Past and present service users and staff are invited to RSVP for the party by calling Aurrida House on 01856 876 160 or email sally.flett@orkney.gov.uk . Cake cutting will be at 3pm.