About Us
Highland Perthshire Plus… supporting people with additional support needs (ASN) and/or disabilities and their families to enable them to live and thrive in Highland Perthshire.
How it started...
Aberfeldy Plus was set up around 2013 by Jane Carmichael, a parent with a child with complex needs.
Initially set up under the auspices of the Parent Council at Breadalbane Academy. Aberfeldy Plus concentrated initially on getting more inclusive education locally for children in Highland Perthshire.
Alongside this, outings were set up for parents and children to meet regularly and support each other. A youth club ran for a number of years and links were forged with other local groups and organisations. Advocacy for the same rights for children with ASN was the initial purpose of Aberfeldy Plus. As such two special classes have been set up in Breadalbane Academy, one in the secondary and one in the primary and links were forged with the inclusion team and Perth and Kinross Council.
Over 30 families have used different parts of what Aberfeldy Plus had to offer. Since 2021, Aberfeldy Plus grew in membership and began to offer activities, outings and advocacy to not only children and parents with disabilities but also to vulnerable adults and adults with disabilities. This came in the form of mainly sport activities and leisure activities. As a result, the workload became too much for one person. It had also moved substantially beyond the school remit of the Parent Council.
Aberfeldy Plus
Founded in 2013 by Jane Carmichael
Where we are now...
March 2023, Aberfeldy Plus became Highland Perthshire Plus
Our launch event in Aberfeldy town hall, was attended by over a hundred people including MSPs and councillors.
Highland Perthshire Plus was a parent-led, constituted group run by a committee with a membership of individuals and families.
In October 2024, Highland Perthshire Plus became a registered charity, (SCIO), SC053712.
We work with partner organisations on a range of projects which have been identified by our members. Our Constitution and Strategy outline our core aims and activities and these are reviewed each year at our AGM in March.
A Board of Trustees has been set up and as such the office bearers are: Chairperson Emma Burtles; Treasurer Doug Lawson, Secretary Miriam Lahage, and Trustees Heather Fraill, Kate Lamb, and Janet Stott.
The Board is currently overseeing a number of projects i.e. independent living housing, day opportunities for adults, sports activities , 0-7 after school club, Giants Kitchen, outings and events for families and adults, advocacy and promoting needs in Highland Perthshire.
The group is committed to expanding into other areas in Highland Perthshire alongside Aberfeldy and as such there is always a need for help from anyone interested in getting involved.
