Hollybank trioup for awards

Two Hollybank Trust members and a contractor have been nominated for the Independent Specialist Care Awards, with the winners to be announced at a gala dinner in London.

The Mirfield-based Trust, which cares for people with complex disabilities and learning difficulties, is shortlisted in the Special Education, Innovation and Best Design and Construction categories.

Head of residential services Alison Howard has been nominated for the Special Education award, in recognition of her work on the trust’s enrichment programme.

This provides activities for young people once they leave Hollybank’s on-site school, helping them to continue progressing in various aspects of their lives.

Under Alison’s direction, the enrichment project developed from a series of informal activities such as flower arranging, sailing and social events into a structured programme, led by a qualified teacher and based upon thorough and detailed assessments.

Enrichment programme manager Stewart Geddes is shortlisted in the Innovation category for both his work on the programme and his development of the iMuse system.

Driven by a user’s movement and sounds, iMuse offers sight, sound and touch-based sensory stimulation. The visual images created can also be converted into permanent pieces of artwork, some of which have been bought by local companies for display on their premises.

The third nominee, for a Design and Construction award is architect Keith Brassington from Nuttall, Yarwood and Partners.

He designed the Meadows, a new residential building accommodating 30 people, which opened in October.

It is situated on green belt land so Mr Brassington minimised its impact on its surroundings by using stone and timber for the walls and covering the roof with living vegetation.

Trust chief executive Pam King said: “Hollybank has always been proud of its innovative ideas and creative approach to working with young people with complex disabilities.

“The fact that we have reached the final in all three categories demonstrates that our ethos of providing quality of life – for life is recognised.

“We are absolutely delighted to have this opportunity to tell everyone about our work with such special young people.”