Breaking Barriers: A Morning of Insight, Inspiration, and Collaboration

On Thursday 30th October, we were delighted to welcome professionals from across education, health, and the third sector to Craighalbert for our 2nd Annual Showcase Event. It was our pleasure to open our doors, share our work, and connect with individuals and organisations equally committed to improving outcomes for children with complex communication, learning, health, and care needs.

This year’s theme “Breaking Barriers: A multidisciplinary approach to supporting children with complex communication, learning, health, and care needs” shone throughout the morning as speakers, staff, parents, and attendees came together to explore how we can collectively ensure that every child is heard, understood, and enabled to achieve their full potential.

Inspiring Speakers and Powerful Stories

We were honoured to welcome Judith Turbyne, Chief Executive of Children in Scotland, as our keynote speaker. Judith spoke powerfully about the importance of children’s rights, ensuring every child’s voice is heard, and the role of early, specialist, and family-centred support in realising those rights.

Our own highly skilled team also took to the stage, providing an in-depth look at our Early Intervention Programme, nursery, primary, and secondary provision. Their presentations illustrated how holistic, collaborative practice is embedded in all that we do, from supporting children to develop their earliest communication skills to ensuring young people have the tools they need to thrive.

One of the most impactful moments of the morning came from two of our parents, who spoke passionately and openly about their personal journeys. They highlighted the real-life difference Craighalbert has made for their children and families, sharing the challenges they have faced and the progress they have seen through tailored support, specialist approaches, and genuine partnership.

We were also privileged to hear from an AAC user, who shared his experience of learning in a mainstream school. His contribution was a powerful reminder of the importance of nurturing each child’s voice as early as possible, removing barriers to communication, and listening to what children and young people want to express. His story reinforced why access to communication support is fundamental, not optional.

Showcasing Practice Across the Centre

Throughout the morning, attendees had the opportunity to:

• Explore our Early Intervention Programme and learn how we support families from the earliest stages.

• Gain insight into our collaborative, multidisciplinary approach that underpins participation, learning, and development.

• Discover how professionals can link families they work with into our specialist services and programmes.

  
  

We were delighted to see visitors engaging with our Team, Trustees, and parents, asking thoughtful questions, sharing challenges, and reflecting on opportunities for future partnership.

Positive Feedback and New Connections

We are grateful for the overwhelmingly positive feedback we received. Many attendees commented on the depth of expertise within the team, and the passion of our families. We were also thrilled to see so many new connections made, between professionals, organisations, and families, strengthening the network of support around children and young people with complex needs across Scotland.

Working Together to Break Down Barriers

At Craighalbert, we know that the greatest impact for children and families happens when organisations work together. Our Showcase event reaffirmed the value of shared learning, open conversations, and strong partnerships across sectors.

We are always open to discussions about our work, our approach, and how we can collaborate with others who share our ambition for children with complex needs. Whether you are interested in exploring joint projects, accessing specialist training, linking families into our programmes, or learning from our team’s expertise, we would be delighted to hear from you.

If you feel inspired to connect, please get in touch:

• Web enquiry: www.craighalbert.org.uk

• Email: admin@craighalbert.org.uk

• Telephone: 01236 456100

Together, we can continue to build a more inclusive, informed, and ambitious landscape of support for children and young people across Scotland.