Camphill School Aberdeen has been providing day and residential support to children and young people with complex additional support needs and learning disabilities in the region for more than 80 years. It currently supports over 100 students and has embarked on an ambitious campaign to raise £10 million over 10 years to help tackle crisis in care. Their ‘Building Futures, Transforming Lives’ campaign aims to expand its capacity by 60%, providing even more young people and their families with access to specialist care and education services.
The charity has successfully achieved phase one of its capital appeal, making possible the construction of an 11-bedroom, state-of-the-art residential home, which officially opened its doors in April. Linden House, situated within the charity’s Murtle Estate near Bieldside, will be home to seven young people with learning disabilities and complex additional support needs and four members of staff.
The official opening saw donors, staff, friends and family gather to tour the house, hear about the impact the residential home will have on families across the region, and enjoy home bakes made in the charity’s kitchen workshop.
A ribbon cutting by David, one of the young people who has moved into Linden House, TV personality and singer Fiona Kennedy, who is a long-time friend and supporter of the charity, and Alex Busch, Executive Director at Camphill School Aberdeen, marked the official opening.
David said: “I was nervous to move into the house but I’m excited about my new room and how big it is. I also like having my own bathroom. I’m happy to be in my new home.”
Fiona Kennedy said: “I am proud to be part of the opening of Camphill School Aberdeen’s new residential home. It truly is a ‘home from home’ with such attention to detail and is a powerful reminder of what community and compassion can build together.”
The house, which was named Linden House after the tree that grows on the grounds of the building, also features an independent living wing which can be used by the young people as a training flat.
Alex Busch said: “This has been one of the most significant construction projects undertaken on Murtle Estate in more than 10 years. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who has donated towards phase one of our capital appeal. Their support really will transform the lives of some of the most vulnerable young people in our society.
We launched our ‘Building Futures, Transforming Lives’ appeal three years ago in response to the growing crisis in care and lack of available residential placement for young people with learning disabilities and complex additional support needs. Many families face the prospect of sending their child to a facility far from home. The opening of Linden House means we are one step closer to alleviating the stress of this crisis.”
Carol and Owain, parents of David, said: “As parents, all we want is for David to be safe and happy in an environment where he can grow and thrive. Since joining Murtle Estate, part of Camphill School Aberdeen, we have seen him grow in confidence with support and activities tailored to his unique needs. Having access to this type of supported environment is critical to someone like David.”
Linden House is in its ‘homemaking’ phase with residents gradually beginning to occupy the space. The house, designed by award-winning architects Collective Architecture, has been constructed with sustainability in mind. It has been built to Passivhaus Standards, meaning it is more insulated than a typical UK home, features triple-glazed windows and has impressive airtightness levels. The building also has air source heat pumps, mechanical heat recovery, rainwater recovery, and solar panels which allow the home to benefit from natural solar gain.
Phase one of the appeal also includes the development of Murtle Market, a sustainable social enterprise and takeaway café, which opened earlier this year, and an outdoor sensory playground, due to open in the coming months. Future phases include the refurbishment of existing buildings, the expansion of the charity’s land and craft workshops, and the growth of the awards and qualifications scheme.
The Camphill Foundation UK & Ireland is proud to have supported the early stages of such an important campaign by providing a £20,000 grant, and we are grateful to have received a letter of thanks from Alex Busch, the Executive Director of Camphill School Aberdeen:
“Having support like yours very much encourages more people to get behind our campaign and we thank you for helping to transform our vision into a reality. Your funds are helping us open our doors to more vulnerable young people in crisis who are living with learning disabilities and complex additional support needs.” Alex Busch
The Camphill Foundation UK & Ireland supports a diversity of projects which enhance and enrich the lives of vulnerable people with learning disabilities and extra support needs. This support is only possible due to the regular donations and legacies we receive.
By donating or leaving a Gift in your Will, you are helping us to help Camphill Communities like Camphill School Aberdeen expand and develop to support those who need this vital provision.
Please click here to see some of the inspiring projects we have supported or here to find out more about how you can help us support Camphill Communities.
