Building confidence and life skills at Netherurd House

BANG was set up by parents who identified the need for a peer-led support network to help families before and after their child’s formal diagnosis. Meeting regularly, the group provides a space to share experiences, resources, and emotional support, while also offering access to practical information on respite, finances, education, funding, and government changes.

With strong links to local and national stakeholders, the group not only supports parents directly but also represents their needs, giving families a valuable collective voice.

Thanks to a small grant of £1,850 from the Rooney Foundation, BANG was able to take ten young people with ASN on a residential weekend to Netherurd House in West Linton, in the Borders, with four staff members. This also provided respite for parents knowing their child was being looked after and having fun for a few days in a safe space with staff they trust.  BANG was able to pay 50% of the costs, and the grant helped to keep costs low for the families who are already struggling financially.

While the focus of the trip was of course to have fun and take part in new experiences, it was also a valuable learning experience, developing life skills and independent living, helping the young people with basic skills we often take for granted.

For example, The staff at Netherurd House created a short film on bed-making and everyone on arrival made their beds up with staff support. The young people also participated in cooking on a rotational basis, incorporating a fun 'Ready Steady Cook' theme, using vegetables picked from the garden, and created menus catering to the dietary needs of all participants. There was also free time to meet and feed the on-site animals, such as chickens and rabbits, and the young people were encouraged to use their free time constructively.

Watch a short video of the young people describing their experience

For three young people, this was their first time staying overnight somewhere without their parents and were anxious about being away from home. Staff provided tailored support for sensory and anxiety needs. One young person found it challenging to share a room, so arrangements were made with the staff at Netherurd House to move her to a private room on the second and third nights, allowing her to relax and feel safe. Yoga was offered to help the young people relax, as well as one-on-one support, and the residential programme was adapted to ensure inclusion in all activities including alpaca walks, a mobile planetarium, archery, and team building exercises.

By the end of the trip, the young people had not only enjoyed new experiences but also developed greater confidence, resilience, and independence, helping them take important steps towards managing everyday life skills. Their feedback included comments such as: "I really enjoyed my trip.""It was a great trip and it helped with my confidence."

Read more about the Rooney Family Foundation