The Donaldson Trust (“Donaldsons”) is Scotland’s leading charity for neurodiversity.
Throughout our rich history dating back to the 1850s, we have been recognised and respected as a specialist provider of education and care.
Our 2019 strategy sets out our ambition to become the national body for neurodiversity in Scotland. We are on a journey to excellence with the purpose of promoting and encouraging neurodivergent people to realise their potential.
Together, we’ll find your voice.
We pride ourselves on our person-centred approach and expertise, recognising the importance of tailored, flexible support services so we can truly meet the individual needs of neurodivergent children, young people and adults.
We aim to:
- Be relevant, vibrant, agile and sustainable.
- Be the recognised organisation for excellent practice related to neurodiversity.
- Improve the outcomes for neurodivergent individuals.
- Improve the representation of neurodiversity socially, politically and culturally.
- Grow a community of partners and partnerships supporting neurodiversity.
We currently provide a range of services and support, including:
Sensational Learning Centre – a Scottish Government Grant-Aided Special School that provides individualised, person-centred, skills-based learning for children and young people up to the age of 18 with complex additional support needs, including autism, sensory impairment and communication difficulties.
Vibe – our wellbeing and learning service that supports neurodivergent young people aged 12-18 in a space where they feel safe and secure in order to re-engage with learning. Vibe allows for flexibility and offers a modern alternative approach, delivered in partnership with parents/carers, education, and health professionals, balancing wellbeing and learning to ensure the best possible outcomes for those who engage with the service.
Gate – our skills development and training service for neurodivergent people aged 16+ and adults. It maintains and enhances the skills of individuals, as well as improving their well-being and building confidence and resilience to help people achieve agreed goals and ambitions. This is done through a person-centred approach that provides the opportunity to enhance lives.
Our services are currently delivered within a beautiful contemporary environment at our Linlithgow campus. All our spaces incorporate the SPELL philosophy in providing organised and clear low-arousal spaces. Our staff are highly skilled and experienced in working with people with a range of additional support needs. Our approach aims to reduce stress and empower those in our services to develop skills to help them reduce anxiety, develop self-esteem, build resilience and increase independence.
We are fully focused and committed to expanding our reach across Scotland. Whether we replicate existing services or develop and deliver new services, our ambition is for Donaldsons to meet the changing and identifiable needs of neurodiverse children, young people and adults in a financially sustainable way that embraces organisational excellence.
Please click here for more information about the opportunity.
