"All parents worry about their children until they grow up and can stand on their own two feet. When you are the parent of a child with learning disabilities you worry about them for the rest of their life and the rest of yours."

And that's where Archway helps.Archway is an Aberdeen based charity set up over 30 years ago by parents and carers themselves. We now offer a lifeline of caring services to almost 200 children, young people, and adults with learning disabilities living in the Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire area. Many coming to Archway have associated physical disabilities and need total care. Our services include permanent care, residential respite care, a supported living service, wheelchair accessible holiday home and since the pandemic, an online service offering activities and support virtually.

The COVID 19 Crisis has been difficult for everyone but for those with learning disabilities, and those caring for them, it has been even harder. Here is one Mum's story

"Our daughter Hannah steals the hearts of everyone she meets. She is now 23 but is still totally dependent on us for everything just as she did when she was younger. Hannah is such a sociable girl who loves company and relies on regular routines. Before Lockdown, she enjoyed attending a day centre 3 days a week, outings with her carer, regular respite breaks at Archway as well as everything she did with us. She loved going to the theatre to see musicals - every holiday was planned around fitting in at least two! Shielding for almost a year now to protect Hannah has been much more difficult than I ever imagined. It has been so hard to see the effects it has had on her. Because of her level of understanding, it's been impossible to explain what's going on. All the activities and company she loves have been taken away from her. Her language and signing skills have hugely reduced and she has had spells of being really, really low. We have done everything we can to keep her well, happy and active but at times it has been so difficult and required double effort just to motivate ourselves to keep going. Regular contact from Archway, taking part in some of the virtual groups and a couple of respite breaks have made all the difference to Hannah - she just loved seeing her friends again and we just can't wait until Hannah can again take part in the things that make her happy."

The Covid-19 Crisis has also had a devastating effect on our fundraising and we need your help more than ever. Your donation will help fund big things like special equipment and wheelchair adapted vehicles, small things like outings and activities, and amazing things like a new Supported Living Service. Your support will help change lives now and in the future and give parents the reassurance they need that when they are no longer able to care, their loved ones will be in safe hands. Thank you.