TSI Knowledge Network – Session 9
Featuring: Enable & Highland Perthshire Plus
Last Updated: 13 October 2026
30/09/2025
This session of the TSI Knowledge Network brought together Enable and Highland Perthshire PLUS to share insights into how their organisations support people with learning disabilities, additional support needs and disabilities. The session highlighted the importance of inclusive community activities, social connections, and accessible opportunities that help people build confidence, independence and wellbeing.
Both organisations showcased approaches that help people participate more fully in their communities and access support suited to their needs. From Enable’s community groups and opportunities to build friendships to Highland Perthshire PLUS’s local sporting activities, supported volunteering and family support, the session highlighted the value of creating inclusive opportunities for individuals and families across Perth & Kinross.
Featured Organisations
Enable
About:
Enable is a Scottish charity that has supported people with learning disabilities and their families for over 70 years. Through Enable Communities, the organisation provides opportunities for people with learning disabilities to build friendships, develop independence, and participate in community life. Its work includes social groups, activities for young people, advocacy, and practical support, alongside wider services focused on care and employment.
Highlight – Building Connections Through Community Activities
During the session, Enable shared an overview of its community-based work in Perth & Kinross, highlighting opportunities for people with learning disabilities to connect with others and take part in local activities. The weekly group meets on Tuesday afternoons and offers a range of activities, including park walks, scavenger hunts, museum visits, and indoor social events during the autumn and winter months.
The programme aims to improve physical and mental wellbeing, reduce isolation, and strengthen independence. Enable also offers individual introductory meetings and travel training where needed, helping people feel more comfortable and confident about getting involved.
Key Focus Areas:
- Social connection and reducing isolation
- Physical and mental wellbeing
- Independence and confidence building
- Inclusive community activities and participation
Contact Details:
- Contact: Courtney Ackerman, Community Coordinator
- Email: courtney.ackerman@enable.org.uk
- General enquiries: enabledirect@enable.org.uk
- Tel: 0300 0200 101
- Website: www.enable.org.uk
Highland Perthshire Plus
About:
Highland Perthshire PLUS is a charity supporting people with additional support needs (ASN) and/or disabilities, and their families, across Highland Perthshire. Established in March 2023, it works to improve access to local social and sporting activities, supported volunteering, employment and training opportunities, and supported housing solutions.
The organisation works across Highland Perthshire, including Aberfeldy, Dunkeld, Amulree and Strathbraan, responding to the challenges people can face accessing services and opportunities in rural areas.
Highlight – Creating Local Opportunities and Supporting Families
Highland Perthshire PLUS provides a range of social and sporting activities, including multi-sports, boccia, swimming, indoor curling, holiday activities and social sessions for adults. Activities are designed to be family-friendly and are offered free or at a subsidised cost.
Its Star Project provides supported volunteering opportunities through activities such as crafts, cooking, life skills, gardening, Star Café and Star Services. In 2026, the organisation also introduced Connecting Families, with a Family Support Worker offering opportunities for families to connect, access peer and one-to-one support, and receive appropriate signposting.
Key Focus Areas:
- Social and sporting opportunities: Helping people access local activities and build social connections.
- Supported volunteering: Providing meaningful activities, practical experience and opportunities to explore individual interests.
- Employment and learning: Supporting access to training, work and lifelong learning.
- Family support: Helping families connect, access one-to-one support and find appropriate services.Partnership working: Working with local organisations, schools and community facilities to improve inclusion and opportunities.
Contact Details:
- Email:developmentmanager@hpplus.net
- Telephone: 07830 402407
- Website:www.hpplus.net
Perth & Kinross Association of Voluntary Service Ltd (PKAVS) is a registered Scottish Charity (005561) and a Scottish Company Limited by guarantee (SC086065).