Big future ahead for former Little Haven

The Little Haven opened in 2005 to help those suffering from life-limiting illnesses, and in 2014 it became part of the much larger Blantyre-based Haven.

Now that charity has announced plans for a new purpose-built centre further along Manse Road.

It will be built thanks to generous grants from The Levenseat Trust and South Lanarkshire Council Blacklaw and Muirhall (formerly Stallashaw) Renewable Energy Fund.

John Anning, a Director of The Haven, said ‘This is a fantastic opportunity.

“This modern, purpose built facility will provide the space and scope for The Haven to extend the services we have developed so successfully in Blantyre to the communities of rural Clydesdale.

“It will be especially important that we plan our enhanced services in close consultation with local communities and partner organisations so that what we offer from the base in Forth best meets the needs of our new service users.”

The Levenseat Trust, an environmental body funded by the Landfill Community Fund, is making its largest award ever, £340,000 for the project, which it commends as a much-needed service.

And Chair of SLC Enterprise Services Committee, Councillor Chris Thompson commented: “Like so many other people across South Lanarkshire I am convinced of the need for this type of facility on our doorstep and I know the Forth centre will offer a unique service to rural Clydesdale.

“Once completed this brand new facility will have a real impact and be a source of support and encouragement for people from all over South Lanarkshire for many years to come.’

The Haven Caring Counselling Communication Centre is a registered charity providing information and emotional support to families affected by a range of life-limiting illness, including cancer, multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease.

Established in 2001, The Haven now operates centres in Blantyre, Wishaw and Forth.