Future of vital Wigan centre uncertain as charity goes into administration

The future of a vital Wigan centre for young people with learning disabilities is uncertain after the charity that run it fell into administration.
BBC Breakfast presenter Louise Minchin, left, with Dave Whelan, right, at Hop, Skip and Jump - at the grand opening of the venueBBC Breakfast presenter Louise Minchin, left, with Dave Whelan, right, at Hop, Skip and Jump - at the grand opening of the venue
BBC Breakfast presenter Louise Minchin, left, with Dave Whelan, right, at Hop, Skip and Jump - at the grand opening of the venue

Staff at Hop Skip and Jump (HSJ) Wigan, which supports children and young adults with special needs and learning disabilities, were told of the news on Monday afternoon.

Administrators Quantuma said the Hop Skip & Jump Foundation Limited have entered administration after a difficult financial year in 2018/19.

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The charity has 50 employees at sites in Bristol, the Cotswold, Liverpool, Swindon and Wigan.

The Wigan centre only opened in 2015 at the site of the Drum Croon Art Gallery.

Graham Randall and Mark Roach of Quantuma have been appointed as joint administrators of the charity.

The business advisory firm said staff remain in situ whilst the joint administrators review the immediate options available to the charity, which include the possibility of a sale.

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Graham Randall, partner at Quantuma, said: “It is unfortunate to see this long-established charity fall into administration. Charities like Hop, Skip & Jump are reliant on funding and donations to stay afloat and the recent downturn in support has had a significant impact on cash flow.

“The joint administrators are working to ensure continuity of services, whilst we explore the immediate options for the charity.

“The joint administrators are reviewing the options for the business, which includes the possibility of a sale of either the whole or part of the business, most likely to a similar charity that will continue to provide the excellent range of services that Hop, Skip & Jump have developed over a number of years.”

A spokesman for the charity Trustee’s said, “In collaboration with the joint administrators, we are working tirelessly with local authorities and other agency stakeholders to ensure continuity of care to all those who rely on our services.”

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HSJ was launched by their ambassador and BBC Breakfast presenter Louise Minchin on Wednesday November 18, 2015 and was the charity’s first care centre in the North West.

The service allows parents and carers the opportunity to have a break from the responsibilities of full-time care.

Located next to the Wigan Youth Zone, the state-of-the-art facility is quipped with a large soft play area, light and dark sensory rooms and a fully-accessible wet room and changing facility.

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