Jolly Josh

Jolly Josh is a local charity based in Rochdale that provides dedicated peer support and safe spaces for children, families, and carers of children with profound disabilities, complex, and special needs. Jolly Josh was set up by devoted mum Carole in September 2017, exactly one month after her son Joshua James passed away at just 15 months old. Within the first year of opening, Jolly Josh welcomed 63 families and 23 professionals from the NHS, other charities and services, enabling children and families to connect, support and thrive. Jolly Josh aims to enable families with children with profound multiple learning disabilities to #ConnectSupportThrive and #InspireInclusion. Thanks to our team and sponsors, we have recently opened the doors to our amazing purpose-built centre, which features a hydrotherapy pool, Changing Places facilities, and sensory room, and is home to our Stay & Play sessions with leading healthcare professionals.