How it all began.....
Our Story
It all began with a question: What if care could feel different?
Acorn Community Care is a local charity based on an 8-acre farm in Norton, North Yorkshire. From this unique rural setting, we support adults with learning disabilities, physical disabilities, and complex needs to live full, independent and meaningful lives — whether that’s through hands-on activities on the farm or personalised support in their own homes.
We don’t believe in ticking boxes or fitting people into systems. We believe in building support around the person — with dignity, choice and purpose at the heart of everything we do.
How It Started
Acorn was founded by Chris Holliday, who had spent years working in secure services. Back in 1999, Chris became deeply concerned by how little freedom, choice and opportunity was being given to people with learning disabilities. He saw lives limited by systems — not by disability — and knew things had to change.
So instead of waiting for someone else to act, Chris and his partner Ruth moved their family to Malton and began fundraising for a different kind of support. One that felt more human, more grounded, and more ambitious for the people it served.
Taking Root
In 2001, Acorn received its first major grant — £150,000 from a government scheme — to start a small recycling service, working alongside three of its first participants. That hands-on, person-led ethos quickly took shape. Supported by Ryedale District Council, Acorn expanded into garden maintenance for local residents. We still have the original lawnmower and strimmer from those early days.
While trimming trees at a local property called Whinflower Hall, Chris and Ruth discovered the tenancy was coming up for renewal. It felt like the right place — and the right time — to try something new. Something rooted in land, community and real opportunity.
They took the leap.
Growing Something Unique
Fast forward to today and Whinflower Hall is at the heart of everything we do.
Our Day Services now support over 20 people each week through a wide range of meaningful activities — from animal care and gardening to woodwork, welding and food growing. People come here to connect, to learn, to feel proud of what they do, and to spend their day somewhere they’re valued.
Alongside that, we provide individualised Supported Living across the local area, helping people live safely and confidently in homes of their own, supported by a team they’ve helped choose.
We now have over 50 staff and a growing team of volunteers, but we still hold tight to the founding values that shaped Acorn from the very beginning — person-led, honest, hands-on, and guided by the belief that everyone deserves a life they can be proud of.
Looking Ahead
We’re excited about the future.
We’re expanding our services to support more people with complex needs, developing our workshops, and continuing to shape services around the people who use them. We’re also growing our community through our Friends of Acorn network, online shop, and plans for a future ‘pop-up’ charity shop.
And through it all, we’ll keep doing what we’ve always done — helping people live the life they choose, with the right support, in the right place, at the right time.