A ‘HEALING house’ for child victims and witnesses of crimes can open in East Renfrewshire.
Councillors have agreed to rent Capelrig House, in Newton Mearns, to charity Children 1st for 25 years at a minimal rent.
In a UK-first, the charity will provide a place for children to recover from traumatic experiences and give statements to specially-trained staff.
Medical care will also be provided at the centre of excellence.
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Council leader Tony Buchanan said: “I’m delighted we’ve been able to support this pioneering project.
“It will benefit children right across the West of Scotland and take a new approach to supporting child victims of crime.
“East Renfrewshire has a strong reputation for being at the forefront of a wide range of pioneering initiatives and this is another example of us supporting sector-leading projects.
“I look forward to seeing the project develop in the months ahead.”
Up to 200 children will be able to use the facility when it opens at the end of this year.
The facility will be Scotland’s first Barnahus, an approach developed in Iceland which has been recognised across the world as the best way to protect children’s rights to justice and recovery.
Mary Glasgow, the chief executive of Children 1st, said: “Children and families are shocked by how traumatic it can be to give evidence in court and how little support there is to help them recover from their experiences.
“The Child’s House for Healing will inspire change across Scotland and the rest of the UK.”
East Renfrewshire councillors also granted £444,000 to the pilot project, with £1.5m being provided by the People’s Postcode Lottery.
Children 1st will work alongside partners at the University of Edinburgh and Victim Support Scotland at the centre, which will be a learning hub where professionals and researchers can develop and share best approaches to helping children recover and get justice.
Cllr Jim Swift said: “I think we have an opportunity to improve outcomes and process for young people who have been scarred by quite tragic events.
“I think as a council, it’s one of the things we should be doing. I commend the innovation in the project.”
Cllr Caroline Bamforth added: “I think this innovative, sensitive service will really protect the most vulnerable children.”
Capelrig House was last used for East Renfrewshire Council offices and has been vacant over the past 10 years.
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