Highland councillor praises ‘vision’ of Encompass Caithness group
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Highland councillor Willie Mackay has called for as many responses as possible to the social care survey being run by Encompass Caithness.
Members of the recently formed group are pushing for improved services in the county for children and adults with autism, neurodivergent conditions and additional support needs.
They are asking families to share their experiences through the survey so that pressure can be put on authorities to address shortfalls in services locally.
Councillor Mackay represents Wick and East Caithness on Highland Council and is the voluntary chairman of the local branch of Enable, the charity for adults with a learning disability.
He said: “Encompass Caithness has been working hard behind the scenes to compile a positive survey which will add great value and strength to its campaign for better social care provisions for autistic people and those with additional support needs.
“Having met with members of Encompass Caithness this week, I was very impressed with their vision and all the research they have done so far.
“I urge people across Caithness to fill in the ongoing social care survey, helping to build up a definite platform going forward for a very much required improved service in the county.”
Encompass Caithness would like to see a day centre “providing enrichment, learning, enjoyment and a supported work experience” with autism training for families and the wider community.
A “much-needed” respite facility in Caithness and better schooling outcomes are among the key elements of its campaign.
Encompass Caithness secretary Annemarie Simpson said: “We’d also like to publicly thank Julie Mackinnon, the manager at Wick Youth Club, for her continued support in our campaign and for allowing us to use the youth club free of charge for all our meetings.”
Encompass Caithness member Dan Mackay, who is providing advisory support to the group, said recently he felt the survey would “prove an overwhelming need for people wanting a return of some day centre provision”.
He is a retired care inspector who was the original manager at Thor House in Thurso when it opened in 1993.
The survey can be found online through the Encompass Caithness Facebook page and hard copies are available if required.
More than 200 posters have been circulated around the county with details of the survey, the group’s contact details and a QR code for quick access.
