Millie was born with an undiagnosed congenital diaphragmatic hernia which brought with it many serious health complications.
Born in Aberdeen Millie was ventilated and within 24 hours was transferred to Glasgow’s York Hill Hospital where she had major surgery and spent a number of months in hospital. She came home tube fed and oxygen dependent and spent the next few years frequently in and out of hospital.
Despite it all Millie was always a very happy girl who took everything in her stride but due to a very difficult start Millie was not reaching developmental milestones as expected.
Millie went to mainstream primary school, but her parents knew mainstream secondary school would not be the right fit for Millie.
She started attending the local complex needs school and it was there that they first mentioned a club that might be good for Millie to attend. After a Self-Directed Support (SDS) assessment was completed, she started attending Flexible Childcare Service’s Scotland’s Fraserburgh 12+ After School Club.
The Club was created to support young people with Additional Support Needs and to help prepare them for the time when they would transition to adult services.
According to Naomi Wood, Service Manager for the Fraserburgh Group,
“The activities that best supported Millie were arts and crafts as she enjoyed colouring in and any creative activities that allowed her to express herself. At the group we also undertake numerous activities to improve life skills and to better prepare the young people as they transition to adult services, these included using public transport, shopping and cooking.”
In the 6 years Millie went to club the leaders got to know Millie very well. They understood her needs but also were able to encourage and support her to achieve more. Millie grew in confidence and came to enjoy planning and making decisions about what they did at club.
According to Millie’s mum,
“She enjoyed lots of fun sessions and of course there were many memorable events orchestrated by club such as garden parties, talent shows, with the prom being an absolute highlight which she will have everlasting memories of. We will be always be extremely grateful for the special times Millie had at club and that she was part of it.”
“Leaving club has been very hard for Millie and if anything I feel the cross over from Child to Adult Services should be more gradual, and whilst transitioning with FCSS in the Fraserburgh club allowed her to phase the child support out, rather than just stopping, the move to Adult Services is still too abrupt. That said the Fraserburgh Club has given her a solid foundation of useful life skills that will help her with the transition.”
