Hollybank was founded in 1954 as a special school and today cares for 128 babies, children, young people and adults living with severe disability and complex needs, through "Little Pips" our pre-nursery group, our nursery, our school and 9 residential homes.

I have been with Hollybank for 3 months and in that time I have been amazed at every aspect of the organisation. The standard of care is CQC outstanding, but the carers don't just do their jobs for money, you can sense and feel how much they care for each person they look after.

We have a newly opened nursery and our school is rated outstanding by OFSTED. "Little Pips" our specialist support service for 28 local families and their children and babies living with complex needs is so inspiring and very rarely do visitors not feel uplifted or have a tear in their eyes with the services they see delivered and the care given.

Hollybank is the only disability charity who cares for their residents for life, with our oldest resident being 53 and we are learning to adapt with the needs of our residents as they live longer. 

Hollybank is also an innovator with our Assistive Technology department working on their own and with a number of Universities to develop innovative technology to improve the everyday lives of everybody we care for. Imuse was developed with Sunderland University and allows our children and adults to communicate and produce art just through movement.

So I think I have explained why Hollybank has inspired me to do my challenge and ensure "quality of life, for life" for the people in our care, I just hope it has inspired you to donate.

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

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