Manchester child therapy service gains new HQ following six figure funding loan

A specialist service that helps children who have suffered abuse, trauma or neglect has opened a new base thanks to a six-figure funding loan from Unity Trust Bank.

Tim Woodhouse, a former social worker, established Tiptoes Child Therapy Services in 2010 in Greater Manchester and used the £309,000 loan to help buy The Old School House in Ashton-under-lyne.

A far cry from the previous office blocks the company used to be based in, the Old School House offers a homely, warm welcoming environment to children seeking help.

Tim, who is a Director of Tiptoes alongside his wife Kim, said: ‘This is a beautiful building which has the opposite feel to your usual therapy rooms. The first client who visited said ‘it’s like walking into a big hug’ and that sums it up perfectly.

‘We wanted somewhere where we could not only provide the best service for our clients, but also support our therapists who need space to relax and support each other in between sessions, because this work can be inherently stressful.

‘I approached Unity for a mortgage because I was interested in their social values, and we wouldn’t have this building if it wasn’t for their belief in our vision.

‘Meeting Paul Nugent, our relationship manager, was really refreshing. Paul had faith in us and the services we provide and held our hand throughout the whole process.

‘It feels good to be supported by a bank that is socially aware and ethical. We’re a good match because it’s all about putting something back into society; this building is our legacy so the company can keep operating long after we have gone.’

Tiptoe provides a number of therapy services and works closely with schools, local authorities, regional adoption agencies, police, charities, private providers and NHS mental health services.

The organisation also provides additional training, clinical supervision and emotional wellbeing support to its staff and offers two placements a year for college students.

Paul Nugent, Relationship Manager at Unity Trust Bank, said: ‘We lend to organisations that make a positive difference to people’s lives and Tiptoes epitomises everything we stand for.

‘We were delighted to help finance this new building as it will enable Tim and his team to continue their valuable work.’

Image: Janko Ferlič