Therapy Centre appeal exceeds initial £100,000 target

Society of Friends of Camphill achieve their goal

The Society of Friends of Camphill School Aberdeen has passed their target to raise £100,000 towards a new therapy centre that will benefit pupils and other individuals with special needs. Large donations from The Wooden Spoon and The Robertson Trust plus numerous smaller donations have made this possible.

The new £305,000 centre is to be built at the Camphill Campus of Camphill School Aberdeen, on Milltimber Brae, in Aberdeen.

Commenting on the fundraising appeal, Karen Johnston, chairperson of the Society of Friends of Camphill and a parent of a pupil at Camphill School Aberdeen, said:

“We are delighted to have exceeded our target in this appeal and look forward to seeing the new therapy centre taking shape.

“Camphill School Aberdeen is recognised as a centre of excellence which has helped so many children with special needs to reach their potential. The school’s therapeutic programme is a substantial element in that success.

“At the moment the therapies are provided in the shared facilities of the school. Having a dedicated therapy centre will undoubtedly increase their effectiveness. The school also intends to open the new therapy centre to support individuals in the wider local community.”

The new centre will have five specialised rooms for massage, play, oil bath, art and counselling, speech and drama. The centre will also include a kitchen and reception area.

The Society of Friends of Camphill School Aberdeen set out to raise £100,000 towards the total project cost of £305,000.  Fundraising continues to raise the balance.

Construction of the therapy centre began in January and it is anticipated that completion will be in July, in time to mark the 70th anniversary of the opening of the very first Camphill community where the new therapy centre will be located. The official opening is planned for the Camphill School Aberdeen Open Day on Saturday, September 25.

Camphill House in Milltimber, opened its doors to children with special needs, in June 1,1940. From Aberdeen the Camphill name has spread around the world and there are now more than 100 Camphill centres in 23 countries worldwide.

Camphill School Aberdeen has been recognised in the most recent HMIE/Care Commission report for providing ‘sector-leading’ standards, providing integrated education, care and support for children with special needs. The school also holds the Autism Accreditation in recognition of the standards it provides for children with autistic spectrum disorders.

News