For our family, The Hamlet Charity has been a true lifeline.

Our son Oliver first attended the Ella Road centre as a toddler. Occasionally his older sister, Francesca, was able to join him too. Just 18 months older, she quickly took on the role of Oliver’s fierce protector and advocate, proudly reporting back to us about what he had been up to.

We also made regular use of The Hamlet’s wonderful Toy Library, which was an invaluable support during those early years.

One of the people who made such a lasting impression on us was the manager, Terry. She was deeply dedicated to the young people she worked with and always treated them with respect and dignity. To her, the person always came first – their disability was simply one part of who they were. That culture of respect still shines through today in the Adult Services team, who treat the young people they support with the same kindness, dignity and understanding. It is something that continues to inspire us as parents, family members and carers.

As Oliver grew older, he attended The Hamlet children’s service at Johnson Place, which provided us with a few precious hours of respite during school holidays. Now a clinical psychologist working in London, Francesca even volunteered there herself, helping support other children. It was sometimes challenging, but incredibly meaningful.

When Oliver left school at 19, he returned to the Ella Road centre – now home to Adult Services for young people aged 19–29. At first he attended two days a week while studying at City College for three days. Later, after college and a placement elsewhere that didn’t suit him, he settled into a routine of four days a week at The Hamlet, with Wednesdays at home with Mum. At 5 years his junior, brother Reuben liked to role model and help Oliver. All three siblings are incredibly close. There’s no resentment, in part due to Oliver attending Saturday club at The Hamlet so we could give them quality time and attention.

Oliver absolutely loves his days there. From cooking and baking to local walks, sensory sessions and spending time with the staff and other young people – it has given him social opportunities, stimulation and a place where he truly belongs. And the team always say how much they love seeing his smiling (and sometimes cheeky!) face when he arrives.

At the end of March Oliver will turn 29, which means he will have to leave The Hamlet five months later. It will be incredibly sad to say goodbye, and we often wish there was another Hamlet service for people aged 29–50.

However, Oliver has recently begun an exciting new chapter. Since June he has been living in his new home, where staff will support him with meaningful and engaging daily activities once his time at The Hamlet ends.

To say thank you to The Hamlet Charity for everything they have given Oliver – and to so many other families like ours – Simon and I are taking on a challenge.

We will be walking the final 100km of the Camino de Santiago in northern Spain, part of an ancient pilgrimage route.

Anyone who knows me will know that this won’t be easy for me for several reasons… but Simon will make sure I keep going!

Every donation, no matter the size, will help The Hamlet continue to support children, young people and families who rely on it as their lifeline – just as we have.

Thank you so much for your support.