New Inverclyde Children’s Home Project Welcomed

PLANS for a new children’s unit for Inverclyde have been welcomed by social work staff who say it will really make a difference.

Inverclyde Council allocated £1.4 million in its two-year budget approved last week to build a six-bed facility to replace Redholm Children’s Home in Port Glasgow.

Eleanor Loughran, a unit manager with the council, said:  “A new building will mean a new beginning. We care for children of any age and from a wide range of backgrounds, so the opportunity to provide brand new, state-of-the-art, purpose-built facilities is wonderful news indeed.”

Last month Inverclyde Council’s three residential children’s units were given among the highest grading in Scotland following official inspections. The facilities at Neil Street, Crosshill and Redholm all recorded at least one excellent grade.

The new unit will increase Redholm’s capacity from four to six; easing demand for places in other units.

Convener of the Health and Social Care Committee, Councillor Joe McIlwee, said: “This investment shows the commitment of the council and its staff to giving youngsters the best possible start in life.

“Tough decisions had to be made in setting our budget for 2009/11 but we see it as a priority to provide the best possible facilities for young people who find themselves in need of care and support.”

Vice-Convener Councillor Gerry Dorrian said: “We know child protection in Inverclyde, and particularly our children’s units, is the best in Scotland but it is important to always ask ourselves ‘how can we do better?’ This investment demonstrates our commitment to improve despite tough economic circumstances.”