Amplus Energy Services Ltd is calling on other North-east businesses to join the campaign to support plans for a £650,000 outdoor sensory adventure and learning playground in the grounds of Camphill School Aberdeen.
The company has donated £20,000 to the initiative which will go towards the purchase of equipment for the playground, which will be the first of its kind in the north-east. Upon completion, the playground – which will be based at Camphill’s Milltimber campus – will be open for any young person with a sensory disorder such as autism and learning disabilities who would benefit from accessing relaxed play sessions.
It is part of Camphill School Aberdeen’s Building Futures, Transforming Lives capital appeal campaign to raise £10million over 10 years to help build three new sustainable residential homes, expand land and craft workshops, create an awards and qualification centre and develop Murtle Market, a social enterprise that is due to open to the public later this year.
Ian Herd, Executive Director at the Bridge of Don-based company, said: “We know first-hand the positive impact Camphill has on the lives of children and young people with complex additional needs, having seen the fabulous support that my nephew, Scott has received. The respite and educational programmes provided to Scott and many more have made a monumental difference to the quality of life, not just for him, but for other members of the family too. Scott has been a resident at Camphill for many years and loves every minute of his time there.
“We are hopeful this donation will allow not only those that are fortunate enough to reside at Camphill, but anyone in any community living with a sensory disorder, the freedom to be themselves and enjoy things many of us take for granted. Camphill is all about creating a positive and inclusive community, and hopefully Amplus can play a role in ensuring this happens.
“Many around Aberdeen will not be aware of Camphill’s existence, let alone the sterling work they do to help young people from across the north-east and beyond thrive. The latest initiative to create the playground is another example of the difference the school is looking to make to the community, and something we would encourage all local businesses – and the public – to get behind.”
Alex Busch, Executive Director at Camphill Aberdeen, said: “We are truly grateful for the generous donation from the team at Amplus. Support like this is essential for our charity to deliver our 10-year vision Building Futures, Transforming Lives – Together.
“There are 35,000 children with registered additional support needs (ASN) in Aberdeen, and 78% of parents surveyed said they feel unable to access public parks because of judgment by the public, sensory concerns and challenging behaviours.
“We are confident the creation of this park, along with other initiatives we have such as Murtle Market, will help change that, but it can only happen thanks to the wonderful support from companies such as Amplus.”
For more information on the campaign, visit: www.camphillschools.org.uk/capital-appeal