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Loose Women star becomes patron of new Send centre

Lauren Carter/BBC Linda Robson, who is wearing a black leather jacket and a black-and-white blouse, with her arm around Heather Hill, who is wearing a navy blue "Happy Hill"-branded polo shirt. They are both smiling and standing in the Send centre's playground.Lauren Carter/BBC
Loose Women and Birds of a Feather star Linda Robson with Heather Hill at the Happy Hill Essex centre

Loose Women star Linda Robson has become the patron of a new centre for children and young adults with special educational needs and disabilities (Send).

Happy Hill Essex has opened in Great Notley, near Braintree, in premises left empty when the charity Parc (Essex) - which gave respite care to children with additional needs - closed without warning in 2022.

Robson - who was in the long-running sitcom Birds of a Feather - said she felt connected to Happy Hill because her daughter's best friend has a child who is autistic.

She said: "My sister has got three sons and four grandsons, and three of her grandsons are autistic as well, so we're all doing whatever we can to help in any way."

Robson, a regular panellist on ITV's Loose Women talk show, added that her daughter's friend "would be lost if she didn't have this place".

At the opening, the charity - whose services will include offering short breaks to carers and families of children and young adults - showcased the centre's facilities.

Heather Hill, founder of Happy Hill Essex, said: “As a mother of two young adults with special educational needs, I understand first-hand the challenges families face.

"That’s why I’m so passionate about creating a supportive, inclusive environment at Happy Hill Essex, where children and young adults with SEND can thrive."

Lauren Carter/BBC A colourful mosaic in the grounds of the Happy Hill charity's centre. In a blue, yellow and red border it shows the sun rising over a green hill. It reads: "Welcome to Happy Hill Essex"Lauren Carter/BBC
Happy Hill Essex is in the building previously used by the Parc (Essex) charity, which closed suddenly in 2022

Kevin Bowers, cabinet member for resources and performance at Braintree District Council, said: “We’re pleased to have played our part in getting this building ready and safe for occupation after the sudden and unexpected closure of the previous charity two years ago.

"An incredible amount of work and time has gone into bringing this important asset back into operational use and into the hands of a reputable charitable organisation equipped to operate it safely, efficiently and, most importantly, sustainably over the long term."

The charity opened its doors at the beginning of the summer holidays.

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