Our Lost Love Years – O.L.L.Y
About Us
Our Lost Love Years (OLLY) was created by Joseph, a young boy who lost his mother to murder.
OLLY provides children and young people who have suffered the loss of a loved one through acts of violence and also children from communities across merseyside with support and a range of activities designed at helping them to re-gain the fun in their lives and help them re-establish and make friendships following their traumatic experiences.
How it all began…
Chantel Taylor was tragically murdered aged 27. Her son Joseph and his siblings were left distraught and feeling unable to talk about the loss of their mum to their relatives for fear of causing further upset. They tried to carry on as normal but found it increasingly difficult.
Joseph spoke out to his nan Jean Taylor and asked for a place where children who have experienced the loss of a loved one due to acts of murder or violence could come together and talk with the same understanding and feelings.
OLLY now has over 600 children using our service and we hope to reach out to more children in need every day.
Click here to see the number of Our Lost Love Years (OLLY) members.
The age range of the children is from 4yrs old (if toilet trained) to 16 years of age.
The children come from all over Merseyside, Wirral and Southport.
Following the loss of a loved one children are often left devastated, feeling isolated, confused and they might be unable to communicate with their friends and family.
Not being able to talk about their loss can cause children to hold their feelings and emotions locked inside which does not help the child to deal with their grief and loss. This is where Our Lost Love Years (OLLY) can step in and help.
OLLY is a place where children can meet and make new friends as we have children welcomed from communities spread across Merseyside and Wirral as we believe that children are often more willing to talk to other children about how they are feeling. They can share their emotions during our various activities and days out. This helps each child with their grieving process.
OLLY also supports children within communities were deprivation and hardship exists we know because we see it.
All children are equal.
Some of our activities include…
Play activities
Allowing children and young people to be themselves and gain confidence.
Dramatisation Workshops
This can be very important to OLLY children, allowing them to gain confidence.
Team Building (Sports)
This helps to reinforce the bonds and friendships made, whilst also being enjoyable.
Memory Jars
Where the children can place in a jar, that they have decorated, their memories or feelings. This helps the children to express their feelings.
Arts & Crafts
This can help them to express themselves through drawing and painting.
Music/Dance Sessions
Another way in which the group can express themselves and have fun together.
Story Telling Sessions
Informal sessions that allow for groups to participate in storytelling.
Pick up Service
Our specially designed red minibus is sponsored by Liverpool Football Club via Variety GB in memory of the Hillsborough 97. This is our pride and joy.
Outdoor activities
Visits to local parks, Southport day trips, cinemas, museums and the list is endless. Please see our gallery.
Sports Activities
Once a year we hold an “OLLY Olympics” at Birkenhead Park. This helps our children both emotionally and physically.
Camping Trips
We now hold two camping trips a year at Lyons Bells of St Mary’s, Prestatyn. The first one is a family camping trip. This is where families can bond and spend quality time together. Our camping trips include swimming, horse riding, outdoor games and a full day at the Robin Hood campsite. These are just a few of the activities that we provide.
Our teen camp is where the older children within our OLLY group can have their time together as this can help them to deal with their issues more effectively.
Caravan Holiday
Olly provides our Olly kids with a break away in North Wales in our amazing static caravan. Giving respite and also a break out of their communities in an amazing Caravan Park.