COUNTY charity The Haven is expanding and relocating to a new home in Haddington with bigger facilities, longer opening hours and more areas covered.

The Haven has been based in The Fraser Centre, Tranent, since it was launched in September last year, available to those living within the catchment area of Ross High School.

The service is funded by the Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity and aims to support families with children struggling with their mental health, and to prevent problems escalating to the point where professional intervention is needed.

The charity is now looking forward to expanding, opening its new premises at Gatehouse, Whittingehame Drive, on December 2.

The relocation means that The Haven can support more families, covering the Knox Academy postcode area as well as the Ross High School area.

Operating hours will also be extended, as it will be open Monday-Thursday, 3.30-7.30pm, and Friday, 1-4.30pm.

The new facilities are also more spacious, offering a better environment and greater privacy.

Fiona O’Sullivan, director of children’s wellbeing at Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity, said: “The Fraser Centre has been a fantastic first home for The Haven.

“We’ve been staggered by the number of families we’ve been able to support here and we want to continue to give the best possible support to all our young people and their families.

READ MORE: Craig Hoy MSP calls for funding for The Haven in Tranent

“We want to offer more space and greater privacy, and our new home in Haddington allows us to do exactly that.

“As well as more spacious facilities, the move also means we can now open Monday to Friday, for extended hours, and expand our reach to the Knox Academy postcode area – so there are lots of exciting benefits.

“We understand that a change in location may bring questions and our team is here to support our families through this transition. We would encourage anyone to get in touch for support.

“Otherwise, we can’t wait to welcome families to our new, improved Haven very soon!”

The final drop-in at The Fraser Centre takes place on November 27.