As part of our 40 Stories for 40 Years campaign, we’re sharing 40 individual stories that reflect the journey, people, and moments that have shaped Umbrella since 1985. Each story highlights a different voice from within our organisation, celebrating the impact we’ve made together over four decades.
20 Years at Umbrella: Nicola’s Story
Hi, I’m Nicola, and I’m the Project Manager for Umbrella’s Play and Leisure Service, or PALS as many families know it.
PALS provides youth clubs for young people aged 11 to 18, as well as a wide range of family activities and events throughout the year. From Christmas parties and pantomimes to Circus Starr performances and family fun days, our aim is to create opportunities for children, young people and families to connect, have fun and make lasting memories together.
One of the most rewarding parts of the service is seeing friendships develop. Many of the young people who attend our groups can feel isolated and may not attend school locally, making it difficult to build social connections. Through our youth clubs, they find a place where they belong and where meaningful friendships can flourish.
Twenty Years of Change
This year marks 20 years since I first joined Umbrella.
Back in 2006, I started on a six-hour contract working on a project called Your Turn. At the time, Umbrella was a much smaller organisation, with only a handful of services available.
Over the years, I’ve watched the organisation grow and evolve. New projects have been introduced, services have expanded and, perhaps most significantly, the age range of the people we support has increased.
When I first started, Umbrella supported young people up to the age of 18. Today, we support people up to the age of 30 through our adult services, creating opportunities for individuals to continue accessing support, friendships and activities as they move into adulthood.
Seeing that growth and knowing how many more families can now access support has been incredible.
A Journey of Different Roles
My role at Umbrella has changed many times over the years.
I started as an Activity Support Worker before becoming a Children’s Services Coordinator and later joining the Play and Leisure Service. Along the way, I’ve also supported areas such as Daybreak and volunteer coordination, taking on a variety of responsibilities as the organisation has grown.
What began as a small part-time role has evolved into a full-time career that I’m incredibly passionate about.
Before joining Umbrella, I worked in a leisure centre and fostered young people with additional needs. When I saw the opportunity to work for Umbrella, it immediately appealed to me because it combined the things I cared most about – supporting children and helping them access opportunities in their community.
Looking Forward
One of the things I love most about the Play and Leisure Service is that it continues to evolve based on what families tell us they need.
Whether that’s introducing new clubs, exploring new activities or working with different providers, we’re always looking for opportunities to offer experiences that matter to the children, young people and families we support.
As we move into the future, I hope we can continue growing, adapting and creating even more opportunities for families to connect, learn new skills and enjoy life together.
One Word: Adaptable
If I had to describe Umbrella in one word, it would be adaptable.
The children and young people we support are at the heart of everything we do. Whether someone accesses our Play and Leisure Service, Children’s Services or Adult Services, we work hard to make sure the support is right for them.
And if something isn’t working, we adapt and find a better way.
That flexibility, combined with the dedication of our staff and volunteers, is what makes Umbrella such a special place.
Supporting PALS for the Future
As Umbrella celebrates 40 years, we’re raising funds to support our Play and Leisure Service and ensure even more disabled children and young people can access the opportunities Nicola describes.
PALS helps young people build friendships, gain confidence, develop independence and create lasting memories through youth clubs, activities and family events. For many families, these experiences provide vital opportunities for connection, inclusion and fun.
Every donation helps us continue providing these life-changing opportunities and reach even more families in the years ahead.
If you’d like to support our 40th Anniversary Appeal and help fund the future of PALS, please donate here: