Business Details
17 Years
experience
Inclusive Support for Disabled Young People
At Unique Kidz and Co and Co, we are driven by a profound commitment to empowering young people with disabilities through inclusive social, recreational, and developmental opportunities. Founded in 2009 by two parents of children with disabilities, our organisation emerged from a personal need to create a space where children could thrive without judgment while providing families with essential respite. Our team comprises highly trained professionals specialising in special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), ensuring every service is delivered with expertise and compassion. Over 15 years, we have expanded from a summer holiday club to a comprehensive support network offering daytime services, sibling groups, toy libraries, and community outreach across North Lancashire. Our facilities are designed to be accessible and safe, reflecting our dedication to safeguarding and individualised care.We collaborate with local partners to enhance accessibility, including adaptive transport solutions and sensory-friendly environments. Recognised by Ofsted as outstanding, we combine lived experience with professional excellence to address the unique needs of each family. Our initiatives, such as hydrotherapy sessions and specialised outings, demonstrate our commitment to holistic development. Transparency and community engagement remain central to our operations, evidenced by regular parent coffee mornings and donor impact reports. As we continue expanding our physical spaces and services, our mission remains unchanged: to celebrate individuality and foster environments where every young person can grow.
Services
Kidz Club
4Ever Unique
Parent Support
Siblings Group
Stay and Play
Toy Library
Details
- Year established: 2009
Highlights and features
- Founded by parents of disabled children with firsthand experience of accessibility challenges
- Ofsted Outstanding-rated SEND specialists delivering tailored support since 2009
- Comprehensive safeguarding framework protecting children and young people
- Accessible facilities including sensory gardens and specialist play equipment
- Community-driven approach co-developed with families and local partners
What people say
Stimulated and happy
Safe and inclusive place
No judgement environment
Brilliant staff relationships
Secure social opportunities
Services
Kidz Club
After-school, holiday, and weekend sessions for ages 5-19 with structured activities including arts, crafts, cooking, and sensory play. Designed for children with disabilities to socialise in a supportive environment while providing parental respite. Sessions incorporate individual care plans and trained staff to ensure safety and engagement.
4Ever Unique
Daytime support service for young adults aged 18-30 with disabilities. Offers social opportunities, life skills development, and community integration through organised outings and peer interaction. Focuses on fostering independence while maintaining a secure, inclusive atmosphere with specialist supervision.
Toy Library
Free access to specialist toys and adaptive equipment for children and adults with disabilities. Registration allows borrowing of sensory items, mobility aids, and developmental tools with delivery support. Designed to enhance home-based play and therapeutic activities through accessible resources.
Siblings Group
Supportive social space for siblings aged 8+ of children with disabilities. Facilitates peer connections, shared experiences, and recreational activities in a non-judgmental environment. Aims to address the unique emotional needs of siblings while promoting mutual understanding and community building.
Stay and Play
Welcoming play sessions for children aged 0-5 with disabilities and their siblings. Allows parents to relax while professionals supervise inclusive activities. Combines early intervention play opportunities with informal networking for families seeking peer support.
People
Jane Halpin
Trustee
Co-founder with over 15 years' experience in disability advocacy. Leads strategic development while maintaining grassroots connection to families' needs. Champions inclusive design in all organisational expansions.
Denise Armer
Trustee
Co-founder instrumental in securing initial funding and Ofsted recognition. Focuses on community partnerships and safeguarding standards. Brings lived experience as parent of a disabled child to policy decisions.
Jordan Halpin
Senior Management
Operations lead managing daily service delivery across all programmes. Ensures SEND-trained staff maintain consistent care quality. Oversees implementation of new initiatives like the accessible minibus service.
Janet Buck
Quality Improvement Manager
Monitors service effectiveness and implements improvements. Conducts regular family engagement surveys. Coordinates staff training programmes to maintain Ofsted Outstanding standards.
Mo Winrow
Support Worker
Frontline staff member developing creative programmes like sensory stories. Trained in adaptive play techniques. Directly implements individualised support plans for service users.
Questions
What age groups do you support?
We offer services for children from birth to young adults aged 30, with specific programmes segmented by developmental needs.
How do I access your services?
Contact us directly to discuss your family's needs. Some services require registration while others operate drop-in formats.
Are your staff trained in disability care?
All team members receive specialist SEND training with regular safeguarding updates to ensure high-quality, safe support.
Do you offer emergency respite care?
We provide planned respite through scheduled sessions but don't operate emergency cover outside these arrangements.
How is funding used?
Donations directly support equipment purchases, transport solutions, specialist activities, and facility improvements for our users.
Can siblings attend activities?
Yes, our Siblings Group and Stay and Play sessions specifically include brothers and sisters in inclusive programming.
Reviews (4)
Verity Stewart
Dec 01, 2019
Report
Lovely visit to see Santa this afternoon the kids loved it and you were all very welcoming🎅🏻🎄
Jason Vincent
Oct 14, 2019
Report
Great charity and staff do brilliant. Keep up all your good work, you help so many with what you do!!
Stephanie Victoria Pearson
Sep 10, 2019
Report
Uniquekidz has helped me and has changed my life and it has changed my life and i have some amazing friends If anyone
Paul Davies
Oct 08, 2018
Report
A great team of caring people who have made a big difference to the quality of life for many young people. Keep up the good work. Please get behind this charity folks!
