Kids’ home makes ‘once in a lifetime’ appeal

The Hollybank Trust, which meets the needs of children and adults with complex disabilities, wants to improve facilities which provide full and part-time places for children.

Hollybank Trust chief executive Pam King said: “This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to get this work done, so it is vital we carry this development out early next year.”

Seventeen children and young people between five and 19 live at Roe Head, in Far Common Road, with others visiting for short breaks.

The trust plans to replace twin and triple bedrooms with modern single rooms, each with its own shower and toilet, and to provide two bathrooms suitable for youngsters who require assistance. The current separate kitchen and dining hall would be replaced by a dining kitchen, a new entrance to the residential building will be provided and a courtyard and garden created.

Roe Head is the oldest of the Hollybank Trust’s buildings and was converted in the 1980s from a former monks’ seminary. The refurbishment will, it is hoped, remove the last vestiges of its previous role and create warm, welcoming accommodation for children and visitors.

The project will be overseen by the trust’s head of property and development, Chris Coleby.

He said: “We want to create open and light day spaces, with lounges and dining rooms linked to external patios and courtyards, where meals and activities can be enjoyed.

“Most of all, we want to create new large, bright bedrooms all with their own en-suite facilities, which each child can turn into their own personal space.”

Ms King said: “We are desperately looking for means of funding this project, and would welcome any support from businesses, community groups or individuals We hope people can support us in any way to help us make Roe Head a bright and inspiring place in which to develop and grow.”

Visit www.hollybanktrust.com or www.facebook.com/hollybank.trust.

Donations can also be made by texting HOBT33, followed by the amount in pounds you wish to give, to 70070.