As International Wheelchair Day approaches this weekend, a day that promotes a more inclusive society in which those with mobility limitations have equal access to opportunities, we reflect on the extraordinary journeys of individuals who have contributed to making the world more accessible and inclusive. We celebrate Sandra and Steve’s incredible partnership – one filled uplifting one another and becoming advocates for disabled access. Their story is a reminder of how far we’ve come with regards to building a culture in which every individual feels respected and empowered, but also of how much further we need to go to ensure that everyone, regardless of ability, has the chance to live a full and fulfilling life.
Sandra began embarking on a path that took her in different directions, and she has gained an education in the subjects she was most enthusiastic, including maths and art, and a lifelong passion and commitment to raising awareness about disability rights. Alongside her is Steve, a companion, whose shared memories with Sandra tell anyone who meets them a beautiful story of their supportive partnership formed over thirty years since they started getting to know one another both through Hollybank Trust and through PHAB, a social club in the local community.
PHAB welcomes both disabled and non-disabled people of all ages, making a real difference to their lives by providing safe and fun places for people to feel independent, meet new friends and gain confidence, together. Steve also worked and provided support to people at Hollybank Trust, where the shared interests of Sandra and Steve brought them closer together.
Both Sandra and Steve are creative souls too; Steve helped run an evening photography club at Hollybank Trust, and Sandra has been involved in local arts groups. Since the day that Steve took his first photo at a local photography club, he found himself with a camera in his hand more and more, and Sandra and Steve have captured some wonderful memories on camera for a photo album of their own.
Sandra’s journey took an artistic turn as she became involved with a local art group. At a drop-in art service at Kirkwood Hospice, Sandra was supplied with an arts and crafts tray, paints and a prop to paint. Sandra picked out a small white porcelain dog to paint, as Sandra has always stopped to say hello to pets belonging to passers-by out on her walks with Steve and friends. Painting is a great way for people with disabilities to ignite their creative spark and express different sides of their personality. These small acts of creativity are not only therapeutic but also serve as a reminder of the power of art in care services.
Sandra’s story begins at Hollybank, where she spent ten formative years from 1966 to 1976. Hollybank was a place where she not only grew as a person, but also began to shape her views on disability awareness.
For both Sandra and Steve, Hollybank remains a treasured part of their past. Sandra recalls a favourite memory from her time there as a youngster – an early trip to Stoke Bruerne where she boarded a barge for a cruise down a river when she was just six years old. Sandra is pictured below on the second row, second from the right, alongside her classmates before going to Stoke Bruerne.
Another part of Sandra’s travel itinerary is her visits to places in the Yorkshire Dales like Gargrave, where she took part in activities such as learning how to steer a barge as part of her DofE award. With a fondness for rural stays and the tranquillity of the countryside, Sandra signed up for the trip to Louth in Lincolnshire at Hollybank Trust, where she gained the unique experience of staying in a rustic converted barn – a bit of change from your standard, same old Bed and Breakfast!
From his time working at Hollybank, Steve remembers going to The Ridings in Wakefield, helping residents with their weekly shopping lists and shopping bags.
Steve also recalls the sense of camaraderie he experienced with the people he supported from tackling activities like abseiling at Kielder Forest – a personal challenge he never thought he’d take on before his time at Hollybank. These types of outdoor activities were also encouraged during exciting escapades to Petty Pool, an outdoor activity centre which provides personal development to individuals with complex needs through adventurous activities.
During his time at Hollybank Trust, Steve also went touring and sightseeing around Amsterdam and Brussels.
Sandra’s education started in a unique way, having studied at the Star Centre in Cheltenham. While she loved all her subjects, it was maths that captured her heart. “Give her a maths question, she’s usually right!” Steve jokes fondly. Her enthusiasm for numbers was not just a personal interest but also an element that inspired others.
The mathematician’s love for learning and the completion of her NVQ in community care would later serve as the foundation for her advocacy work in the disability awareness space. At Hollybank Trust, Sandra became an integral part of presenting Disability Awareness Training. For twenty years, she was involved in putting together presentations about the importance of accessibility and inclusion, helping others understand what it means to live with a disability. One of the things Sandra most enjoyed about presenting was the opportunity to “do something productive”, whist also offering her unique perspective as a person with lived experience.
Topics that Sandra covered in the Disability Awareness Training workshops were drinking and eating; mobility and the history of Hollybank, which she carried out research about herself, then brought her finding to the table.
Her commitment extended beyond training, as she was deeply involved in practical accessibility projects as part of her DofE.
One of her most memorable contributions was being part of an NVQ Access project, making suggestions for how to improve the quality of life for countless individuals and break down barriers for people with disabilities as she pushed for better access and understanding in the wider community. Despite the progress that has been made in the realm of accessibility, Sandra and Steve continue to encounter challenges, particularly when it comes to public transportation. “Getting on and off trains is still challenging,” Sandra says, noting that ramps are not always provided or accessible in some locations. Sandra’s work on accessibility projects, like the NVQ course she took part in, aimed to address such gaps and improve the mobility of individuals living with disabilities.
Sandra’s CV doesn’t stop there – she played a key role in the Residential Standards Advisory Group, contributing to shaping the standards that influence care homes and residential services. Her work within this group spanned nine years, and during this time, she helped raise awareness about the importance of dignity and respect in care settings.
Sandra’s connection with her local community has remained strong over the years, and she recalls how many recognise her from years of involvement in accessibility projects. “Residents and visitors often ask me about my experiences at Hollybank. They are sometimes asking for advice, and other times, they just want to reconnect”, said Sandra.
The couple’s involvement in various accessibility initiatives has led to a deeper understanding of what needs to change and how it can be achieved.
The pair’s connection has also extended beyond work, with shared holidays and trips. They fondly remember visits to Hollingworth Lake, the Marsden Jazz Festival, and a memorable Smokey concert in Halifax. These trips highlight the importance of having access to travel and leisure activities.
Their travel plans have also included trips to Shropshire, where they went on holiday together for fourteen years. Whilst in Shropshire, the couple made frequent visit to the Blists Hill Victorian Town in Ironbridge, where people can travel back in time and experience the sights, sounds and smells of Victorian life. Waiting for the steam train to pull into the platform of The Severn Valley Railway heritage attraction was another part of their Shropshire itinerary. They loved being passengers of The Severn Valley Railway steam trains, stopping off for a potter around fascinating towns and villages throughout different parts of rural Shropshire and Worcestershire.
As they reflect on their involvement in the local community, both Sandra and Steve are optimistic about the progress that has been made, though they still see room for improvement. Sandra is particularly passionate about creating purpose-built buildings that are specifically designed to meet the needs of individuals with disabilities. She believes that although the community is generally helpful, much more needs to be done to ensure true inclusivity, particularly in the realms of mobility and accessibility.
Sandra and Steve’s journey together has been nothing short of remarkable, with their shared love for learning, advocacy, and connection shaping the way they live today. Sandra’s commitment to Disability Awareness training, Steve’s role in supporting residents, and their joint efforts to promote accessibility have made a lasting impact. As they continue their work and personal lives, they remain hopeful that future generations will enjoy a more inclusive, accessible world.
Over the years, Hollybank Trust has offered opportunities for them to meet new people, gain fruitful new experiences, and pick up new skills, and their partnership, as well as their connection with the Trust, still stands strong today. Sandra commented, “Even after moved out of Hollybank, I attended once a week to take part in activities and tasks that allowed me to achieve my Gold Award in DofE.”
The way that Hollybank team members welcome them through the doors of the Trust when they visit shows that they are a team of attentive, friendly and warm people. Each year, Sandra and Steve visit the Trust for special occasions such as Celebration Day, Christmas and the Scarecrow Festival.
Hollybank Trust is a registered Charity: 1043129
VAT Registration Number: 479 750144
