LOOSE Women’s Linda Robson has been revealed as the patron of a Braintree SEND charity.
The Birds of a Feather star will support Happy Hill, which recently took over the PARC premises in Great Notley.
Heather Hill, the founder and CEO of Happy Hill, said: “It’s very exciting.
“One of the families that comes to us has a connection to her, and we had no idea. But because we’ve helped them, they wanted to give back.”
Heather added: “Linda said to me, ‘If you want or need something, use me, and we’ll work together.’ And that’s exactly what we’ll do.
“She’s very family oriented and that’s what I like about her.”
Heather started Happy Hill in 2018 for three to 25-year-olds, as two of her three children are children with SEND and have “totally different needs.”
Heather said: “As a parent I struggled, and because one child was so full on it meant when I had him, I didn’t have time for the other two.
“It’s so difficult, and parents have to juggle that.”
Happy Hill will have a life-skills room to help educate SEND youth on home skills, such as making their bed.
Heather said: “The individual child has needs, so we ask parents what they would like us to work on, and then we do that.”
We’re not leaving any child behind, no matter what the disability is.
Importantly, Happy Hill will be able to get children a diagnosis for autism.
Heather added: “We help with everything. Parents haven’t got a handbook on how to look after a special needs child.
“We’re not leaving any child behind, no matter what the disability is.”
Heather wants Happy Hill to be a hub where hairdressers, dentists, nurses and social workers can use the building to attend SEND children.
The hub will also be used by the local Guides, Rainbows and Scouts.
“There will be more inclusion of everyone, so they get used to our children and vice versa, so they can grow together,” Heather said.
Getting ready to open on July 29, Happy Hill would be grateful for any over 18s who want to volunteer their help, as well as any sofas, coffee tables, white paint, and soft play.
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