Visiting Lerwick's new look Hearings Centre
Shetland's redesigned Hearings Centre is preparing to welcome infants, children, young people and their families.
Louise Robertson, Partnership Coordinator for Grampian and Northern Isles, attended the official reopening on 8 September. Joining Louise was Emma Scrimger from the Scottish Children's Reporter Administration (SCRA), partners from social work and children's services and volunteers including former Area Convener George Martin and Panel Practice Adviser Kate Gabb.
A welcoming space
Lerwick Hearings Centre is the second in Scotland, after Glasgow, to receive a full redesign, implementing SCRA's Hearing Centre Design Standards to create sustainable and trauma-informed spaces for infants, children and young people. The work included an IT upgrade and a full redecoration.
Those visiting were impressed by the redesign. George Martin called the centre 'a wonderful environment for both children and Panel alike, very welcoming and calming.' Sandra Summers from Shetland's Child Protection Committee said it was 'an inviting space ... the waiting rooms look brilliant.'
The first hearings in Lerwick's redesigned Hearings Centre are expected to be held on Monday 26 October.
'Children and young people should feel welcomed, respected and supported when they attend their hearing. This has been at the forefront of the newly redesigned Hearings Centre in Lerwick. By providing a welcoming and supportive environment, we can help children, young people and families to participate more fully in the hearing process and ensure their voices are heard.'
Stuart Lamberton, Director of Tribunal Delivery at CHS
Kate Gabb and Anita Tulloch are delighted with Lerwick's new look Hearings Centre.
