Acorn Community Care is a local charity based upon an 8 acre farm in Norton. The charity provides care and support for people living with learning and physical disabilities through a wide range of activities on offer based at our Farm. We also enable people living with such challenges to enjoy  independent lives within our community. We achieve this by providing a bespoke support package within their own homes delivered by a team of well trained and dedicated Support Workers.

The charity was the ‘brain child’ of Chris Holliday (C.E.O), who realised back in 1999 whilst working at a secure unit, that people with learning disabilities were not being provided with the appropriate care that they deserved. Instead of just thinking about the problem, Chris and his partner Ruth moved their family to Malton and started to fund raise.

The charity really got off the ground back in 2001 when they received a £150,000 grant from the government to set up a recycling service with three of the charity’s first clients. Eventually they expanded into providing gardening services for Ryedale residents helped by Ryedale District Council, providing them with a lawnmower and strimmer (which we still have to this day).

It was whilst trimmimg trees at Whinflower Hall they discovered the tenancy was coming up for renewal and there was the possibility of starting up something very new and quite unique in this part of the world.

Fast forward to 2022 the charity supports 22 clients using its day services on the farm and another 10 clients living in the community all supported by over 40 staff and 2 Volunteers.

Whilst at the farm our people are given opportunities to help feed and care for the various animals we have. From pigs to Alpacas as well as an impressive range of chickens and goats there is always something meaningful to do. There is a prolific market garden producing seasonal vegetables and fruits from its polytunnel and raised beds and there is always a glut of free range eggs. As well as all that we have workshops for welding and car mechanics and general wood working activities.

In the future the charity is looking to expand its services to provide more bespoke care for people with complex care needs. We are also looking to raise funds via a ‘friends of Acorn ‘ scheme, online shopping via our web site  and may even venture into a ‘pop up’ charity shop!