In the 1970s the only way that families affected by disability could have a break was if their child or family member was admitted to a special hospital. In 1977 a group of parents in Stockport decided to work together to set up an alternative.
With support from the local authority, they found a large building, which was turned into a holiday home for a small number of children. It was known as ‘The Pines’ and the service enabled parents to have a break, knowing that their children were being looked after in a positive, stimulating and nurturing environment.
‘The Pines’ became Independent Options and three decades after it was set up, the organisation offers a range of services to people of all ages, which are delivered by professionally qualified staff teams. We support over 600 people every year, our services operate in Stockport, Oldham and Trafford and we support people from other boroughs across the North West.