Phone and text: 07537 863927

Who we are

Lollipop was established in 2004 to offer support to deaf children, young people and their families in York and North Yorkshire whatever their degree of deafness (mild to profound). The charity was established by Andrea Gitsham, who after becoming deaf herself realised that there was a gap in services offered to deaf children, young people and their families.

Lollipop provides free activities and workshops around York and the surrounding area. We are proud to extend support to children of Deaf adults (CODA) who can sign up for free membership, attend all activities as well as accessing family support. Research shows that good social and emotional resilience is important for all children. Helping deaf children and young people to develop this is at the heart of Lollipop’s thinking.

We listen to our members to make sure that we are providing what people need and have a close working relationship with professionals working in York and North Yorkshire.

OUR MISSION

Lollipop offer free activities for children and young people aged 0-25 in York and North Yorkshire who have any degree of deafness from mild to profound. This provides a deaf peer group to help build confidence, self-esteem and to promote a sense of belonging.

OUR VISION

To improve social and emotional outcomes for deaf children, young people and their families.

What we do

Lollipop raises deaf awareness amongst the wider community and brings families of children and young people with any degree of deafness together through regular free social activities and gatherings.

Lollipop offers opportunities for children & young people with any degree of deafness and their families to meet and build friendships with others, with whom they share their experiences of deafness.

Lollipop offers a wide range of activities in order to provide something of interest to everyone. Through such activities members are encouraged to try something new, express themselves freely and realise their true potential and in doing so building confidence, increase self-esteem and develop self-identity.

Our objectives

Increased feelings of belonging

Increased confidence

Increased levels of self-esteem

Development of self-identity

Better interaction

Improved social skills

Our Trustees

Our Staff

Service Manager (job share)

Heidi Davies

Service Manager (job share)

Deb Walker

Fundraising & Admin Officer

Anna Young

Parent Liaison Officer

Cheryl McBride

Marketing and Admin Officer

Becky Copley

Our Ambassadors

Family Feedback

Our Sponsors

Lollipop is primarily funded through The National Lottery Community Fund. We are also funded by BBC Children In Need with further support from many local and national organisations. Lollipop recently secured funding from The Henry Smith Charity as part of the Improving Lives project. We are delighted to receive such a generous grant towards three year’s running costs and were very proud of the Grant Officer’s comments following the assessment’.

Loading