Nidderdale Children’s Resource Centre in Harrogate has been presented with a new Variety Sunshine Coach thanks to the generosity of the St. James’s Place Foundation. This new coach replaces their 9 years old (non Variety) Coach, and will enable Nidderdale Resource Centre to expand their services and provide the children, young people and families they support with a wider range of experiences and opportunities.

Nidderdale Children’s Resource Centre operates from two sites, Nidd and Beck House, the service currently provides short breaks for 26 children and young people and a further 15 who access holiday day care who have complex health needs, physical and learning difficulties and autism. There are 9 children who use the service who must travel in their wheelchairs. Due to the location of the services, there are very limited public transportation options with single wheelchair user access.

Steve Olden, Deputy Manager:

“Transportation and Accessibility is key to the work we do at Nidderdale Children’s Resource Centre supporting disabled children, young people and their families. The service receiving a new coach, through the support and generosity of Variety and St. James’s Place Foundation, will make a huge difference in the activities and experiences we can offer. It will ensure that we can be inclusive of all and everyone involved at the centre is excited about the opportunities this will present.”

Mark Longbottom, Head of the St. James’s Place Foundation said:

“The St. James’s Place Foundation is a proud supporter of Variety and together we are committed to improving the lives of children and young people, especially those who face significant challenges in life.”

Colleen Ettridge, Head of Fundraising at Variety, the Children’s Charity said:

“We are delighted that Nidderdale Children’s Resource Centre have received their new Sunshine Coach, which was kindly funded by St. James’s Place Foundation. Since 1962, Variety has donated over 5,450 Sunshine Coaches to schools across the UK so we can give disabled and disadvantaged children and young adults the ability to get the most out of life. I know that this Sunshine coach will make a massive difference to the lives of the children at Nidderdale Resource Centre”