Testimonials
These stories are testament to the incredible work undertaken by Hop, Skip & Jump. We make a real difference to people’s lives - be it our children, their parents or our volunteers – everyone leaves Hop, Skip & Jump enriched by the experience. If you have been inspired to support the vital work we do, please do get in contact with us and join our volunteer bank, make a small donation or recommend our services to a family who you think we could help. Thank you.
Karen's Story
Karen says:
“Hop, Skip & Jump is a huge support to us as a family. It allows me to have a break from caring for my son who has autism and challenging behaviour. It gives me great peace of mind knowing he is being cared for in a safe, secure environment with qualified and caring staff. Having some time out to spend with his siblings is very important and would not be possible without a place such as this.”
Charlie’s Story
Charlie’s Parents say:
“Charlie loves his time at Hop, Skip & Jump. The staff are always friendly and there is plenty for Charlie to occupy himself with inside and outdoors – no mean feat for someone with such a small attention span! Hop, Skip & Jump also offers a constructive environment in which to play and learn. It is reassuring for us to know that the staff at Hop, Skip & Jump go out of their way to get to know Charlie and that they can understand and manage his individual behaviours and needs.
As parents, we know he is in safe hands when he is there and it gives us a much needed break, especially in the holidays, for which we are very grateful; there are very few alternative places for him to go to and play.”
Chris’s Story
Chris’s Mum says:
“Chris has Asperger’s Syndrome. He has been excluded from two mainstream schools due to his violent behaviour. He was home full time and I was at my wit’s end. I am a single mum with very little help. I was told about Hop, Skip & Jump and so we went. There I found understanding and hope. The staff are helpful and did not judge me for the lack of control my son has. I can talk freely to other parents, get ideas and find out about what help is available.
Chris is now back in school and I find that what the centre offers through the holidays keeps us together as a family through the long days. The centre helps all children in the family not just the child with special needs.
You can have time to get a cup of tea and just chill out for a while. You meet other families that know the hardship. We can also share the joy when a child achieves a goal. We want inclusion but need a safe place of understanding where our children can just be children. At Hop, Skip & Jump no one takes their children away from Chris because he is ‘odd’.”
A Father's Story
A Father says:
“Many of you will take for granted simple needs in life – going to the bathroom, having a wash. Not having to worry about your child for those few minutes. My son requires two carers 24 hours a day: me and my wife.
We have to constantly watch him, entertain him and be there. We will get up four or five times a night and have to put him back to bed. We have to find time for our other son, as well as each other, although this does not often happen.
My son uses Hop, Skip & Jump at least every Wednesday for the after-school club. These few hours a week allow us to get the shopping done, have a meal with our elder son, and clean the house.
My son loves Hop, Skip & Jump – the staff there are always welcoming – they play with him and he can be himself. We know that he is safe, happy and cared for. He looks forward to going and enjoys Hop, Skip & Jump more than school.
There really is no reason why there should not be a centre in every county.”
Thomas's Story
Thomas’s Mother says:
“Coming to Hop, Skip & Jump has really changed my life and the way I feel about my son Thomas. I do not have to be ashamed any more.
The centre has helped me to understand about people with different disabilities. I used to feel sad and very bad anywhere I went with my son. By coming to Hop, Skip & Jump I have met many mothers with disabled children, we talk sometimes about our children and that has made me feel better about my son.
We love Hop, Skip & Jump – it is a place we can all enjoy. I wish they could be everywhere. When we use mainstream facilities such as soft play we are only allowed one hour, then we have to leave. Thomas cannot understand these rules and he cries. Hop, Skip & Jump is different, when we go there, Thomas is happy, I do not have to worry about him screaming or being noisy. The staff are very good and helpful all the time. You can have a break, leave your child with them and go and have a cup of tea. I think that is great!
Finally all I can say is Hop, Skip & Jump needs all the support they can get.”
Kyran’s Story
Hop, Skip & Jump gives Kyran a chance to play with other children in a safe environment. At home he is on his own and his mother has to keep him happy all the time. He often gets bored and frustrated.
Kyran’s Mother says:
“I can talk to other parents and we can share the good and the bad times over a cup of tea. We come to Hop, Skip & Jump as often as we can. He normally finds it difficult to make friends – Hop, Skip & Jump gives him the chance. We also find the centre invaluable during school holidays.”
Family A's Story
Mr and Mrs “A” are parents of twin daughters who have Global Development Delay and Sensory issues, attending one of the Hop, Skip & Jump centres. They have attended the centre 6 days a week, as Mrs “A” was forced to remove her daughters from mainstream school due to bullying.
Hop, Skip & Jump worked continuously with the school system to provide the required support for them to complete their academic year. This allowed Mr and Mrs “A” to continue work without interruption or obtain additional home schooling support. Hop, Skip & Jump also helped the parents find placement in another special needs school.
Mrs A says:
“Hop, Skip & Jump is a very loving and caring environment where I can leave my twin girls to play, make pictures in the wonderful art room or play in their well equipped grounds, knowing as a parent they will be safe and well looked after while my husband and myself can enjoy some quality time together. The centre has been our saviour and lifeline and we don’t know how we coped so long without it, it has given us some of our life back.”