STV NewsChiefs from one of the north east’s most prominent neurodiversity charities have warned it may have to “scale back” services in light of mounting costs and a challenging funding climate.
SensationALL, which is headquartered in Westhill but operates across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire, supports more than 1,000 people per year.
Last year, more than 600 sessions were delivered to neurodivergent people or people awaiting diagnosis.
Charity chiefs say the charity is “running on fumes” and action is urgently needed to help keep services going.
STV NewsKatie McNutt, the charity’s chief executive, said: “SensationALL needs £500,000 per annum to operate. That’s a lot of money, but the impact is huge.
“Unfortunately, we are getting to that stage in the next year or so. We’re going to be in a dangerous situation.
“There’s not much more that we can do with what we have unless things change, and they need to change now.”
As well as funding challenges, the charity is busier than ever.
A waiting list of around six months is now in place.
“We have two venues just now, and we are certainly not in a position where we can continue that,” Katie added.
“We will have to scale back what we have, facilities-wise, and we will not be able to grow.”
Rebekah Washington and her four children are all either neurodivergent or waiting for an assessment.
STV News“When [the kids] come here, because they’re allowed to be themselves, they’re so calm,” she said.
“It’s been a lifesaver coming here.”
The charity provides a safe environment for Rebekah’s family – something she fears they will lose if funding dries up.
“When we are not at SensationALL, when we are out and about, I worry what people think,” she said.
“There are so many situations where I feel completely judged, like my kids are aliens to people.
“Before we came here, we were stuck at home.
“There have been so many bad occasions being out and about that we would stay at home. My kids would have missed out on so many opportunities.”
A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “We are working with NHS Boards, local authorities and community partners to improve access to support following a significant increase in demand from those with neurodevelopmental conditions.
“Third sector partners such as SensationALL play an important role in supporting neurodivergent children and families and it is concerning to hear that they are facing financial difficulties.”
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