At Pennyhooks we believe everybody should have the chance to learn and experience a meaningful, enjoyable, working life. But many of our students have previously been denied these opportunities - their sensitivities to noise, light and social expectations, along with their communication challenges, mean they miss out on life experiences that others take for granted.
Since 2001, Pennyhooks has provided a safe haven and unique opportunities to over 100 of these autistic children, young people and adults. We can only transform lives in this way because of the generosity of our supporters. This year, the need for your support is greater than ever.
Recent publicity has fueled an increasing number of requests from families. We are working hard to maintain and increase our provision, but costs continue to rise.
This Christmas we must raise £20,000. Every gift will help us to deliver our sessions and transform lives.
“I remember Peter first coming to Pennyhooks when he was just 5 years old, instinctively feeding hay to the cows. Now he is in his thirties. Peter has extremely complex needs – but thanks to the generosity of our supporters, he has many jobs he enjoys and a meaningful life. He is just one of many we are called to help.”
Lydia Otter MBE, Founder and CEO
“We all want the best for any child. And of course, we each do what we can for our own children. My family knows from personal experience that Pennyhooks is the best we can do – that’s why my own son comes here. But of course, there’s always more to do and more who need the support.”
Ken Bruce MBE, Parent and Radio Presenter
Your gifts can go a long way… and help generate more funds!
£20 becomes £40 for the charity – by providing the ingredients for students like Peter to bake 8 delicious cakes, they can then be sold to visitors to raise vital funds at our Open Days.
£40 could feed 40 hens for a week – one of the most popular daily activities on the farm for students like Peter, and allows us to sell organic eggs to the local community as well as using them in our cakes.
£60 could cover the cost of 4 months’ worth of potting compost, to grow the plants that bloom in our gardens and are sold in our filled planters.
£100 could pay for the wood to make 10 planters and 5 bee-houses. These products also use our own willow wands that we harvest every Autumn, creating many good jobs for students like Peter.