ABOUT CHARITY – Lollipop

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

Chair

Laura Walker

Vice-Chair

Nathan Armstrong

Treasurer

Rebecca Bowes

Secretary

Position vacant

Trustee

Amanda Smith

Trustee

Jason Drobig

Trustee

Claire Elsdon

Trustee

Shelley Nicol

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

Ambassador

Paul Whitaker OBE

Family Feedback

"Having a mentor increases my son's independence, as he is then not reliant on those close to him in everyday life. He loves going to Lollipop and has made lots of friends there, he definitely has a feeling of belonging to the group which has increased his confidence, self-esteem and improved his social skills." - Parent

"Sitting with a coffee at Lollipop and chatting to other mums is an essential reminder that you are not over anxious, irrational or the ‘only one’."

"I feel that it is essential that my daughter has the opportunity to meet and play with other deaf children on the same level as her hearing friends so that she knows why her hearing loss should not make her feel different or hold her back in any way."

"It has always been a relief and re-assurance to chat to parents going through similar experiences with their children."

"Lollipop ensures we don’t feel isolated and provides a most treasured and valuable life-line for us."

"Lollipop get-togethers are of great benefit to us parents too. We get to know other parents, we can support each other if necessary, have the chance to chat and to pick each other’s brains or ask advice."

"We feel it is absolutely vital that our daughter can see she is not the only child who has to wear hearing aids."

"Thank you for the continued support and opportunities you provide to enable my child to develop and gain valuable advice and experiences to help her in her life."

"My son has felt so welcome and enjoyed making new friends at Lollipop. This is his only contact with other hearing-impaired people and has been a really positive experience for all of us."

"My daughter has enjoyed each experience with Lollipop. Lollipop makes my daughter feel better about wearing her hearing aids."

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’.