Founded in 1982, Hop Skip & Jump Foundation has five centres across the UK, all of which are equipped with sensory rooms, soft play facilities and art rooms. Tony McDonough reports

A Liverpool charity that provides respite care to children and young adults with disabilities and special needs has collapsed into administration.

Founded in 1982, Hop Skip & Jump Foundation has five centres across the UK, all of which are equipped with sensory rooms, soft play facilities and art rooms to aid development, as well as providing support services for families and carers.

Administrators Graham Randall and Mark Roach of business advisory firm Quantuma say they are hoping to sell the organisation, which employs 50 people at sites in Liverpool, Bristol, the Cotswolds, Swindon and Wigan, as a going concern.

Hop, Skip & Jump collapsed after failing to recover from an tough financial year in 2018/19. Staff remain in situ whilst the joint administrators review the immediate options for available to the charity, which include the possibility of a sale.

Mr Randall said: “It is unfortunate to see this long-established charity fall into administration. Charities such as Hop, Skip & Jump are reliant on funding and donations to stay afloat and the recent downturn in support has had a significant impact on cash flow.

“The joint administrators are working to ensure continuity of services, whilst we explore the immediate options for the charity. They are reviewing the options for the business, which includes the possibility of a sale of either the whole or part of the business, most likely to a similar charity.”

A spokesperson for the charity’s trustees, added: “In collaboration with the joint administrators, we are working tirelessly with local authorities and other agency stakeholders to ensure continuity of care to all those who rely on our services.”