Barnardo’s Scotland service, The Caern Project, was all smiles this week when they took receipt of a brand new purpose-built mini-bus for service users.
The Spifox committee – made up of philanthropic business leaders and professionals from the property sector – generated the funding at their yearly carol concert and dinner on 14 December for Scottish children’s charities. The funding supports the purchase of necessary capital items, and in the case of Barnardo’s Scotland’s Caern Project, a minibus was just the ticket! The Caern Project supports families and individuals caring for a disabled child, as well as offering short overnight breaks, giving families’ time to recharge and take some personal time.
Families can endure tremendous stress and sacrifice when looking after a child with a disability. At Caern, children with high physical care needs are supported by experienced care staff and given the chance to make new friends with other service-users or to play in the garden and enjoy the extensive facilities. Beyond providing care for disabled children, Caern helps their families to cope.
“We’d like to thank Spifox for their continued support, the mini-bus isn’t just a great asset it’s a necessity,” said deputy Children’s Service Manager, Isabel McLaren. “The bus is fully equipped with lifting gear and due to its compact size all support staff at the service are able to drive it.”
The project’s existing vehicle was also donated to Caern by Spifox in 2004, and they hope for many more years of trouble-free transport for their children and young people. Barnardo’s Caern Project has provided a crucial service for disabled children, young people and their families in the Midlothian and Edinburgh area since 1977.
