TWO new residential care houses to provide therapeutic living space for children who have experienced trauma are being built at a charity’s Renfrewshire base.

Construction work on the houses, for children aged five to 12, has been restarted by the Kibble child and youth care charity next to its Forest View Primary School, in Lochwinnoch.

The new children’s service consists of a four-bed and a five-bed house designed to reflect family-based living.

Kibble had planned to open the houses this month but with work on pause due to the pandemic, it now hopes to welcome children later this year, expanding its services for primary aged children.

Designed following years of research into therapeutic, trauma-informed practice, both houses will bring the outdoors in, with everything from the nature-inspired interiors, natural light and tactile furnishings designed to maintain a calm, therapeutic environment.

Each child will select a theme for their bedroom, choosing colours identified within ‘trauma-informed principles.’

Both houses will also have a living room, kitchen and dining area, as well as a sensory room which will help the children to regulate their emotions at times when they may need extra support.

This has a range of tactile, sensory objects, as well as an interactive wall made of colourful Lego.

Surrounded by the forest and set close to the village, the children will be encouraged to become part of the community and spend a lot of time outdoors and participating in local clubs.

At Forest View Primary, which opened a year ago, animals such as miniature ponies, dogs, chickens and tortoises are incorporated within the curriculum, with guinea pigs and rabbits soon to be welcomed on the grounds.

Neil McMillan, executive director of community services, said: “We’re really pleased to have work back up and running again for our new children’s residential service, allowing us to provide a safe and nurturing home for children that have faced significant challenges in their lives and who need support and stability.

“Our new children’s houses enhance our existing provision at Forest View, with our primary school also within the grounds.

“We are looking forward to welcoming the children soon.”

Read all the latest from Renfrewshire and beyond

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