Pontefract mum leads community project to create inclusive SEND hub

A Pontefract mum is leading a community project to bring a former church building back into use as an inclusive hub for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and their families.

The Holy Family Hub is a parent-led initiative, founded by Pontefract mum and business owner, Melissa Bullen, who has firsthand experience of the challenges faced by SEND families.

Project lead Melissa Bullen pictured with the Flawless cleaning services during a volunteer clean-up at the former Holy Family Church, ahead of plans to transform the building into an inclusive community hub for SEND families.

placeholder image — Project lead Melissa Bullen pictured with the Flawless cleaning services during a volunteer clean-up at the former Holy Family Church, ahead of plans to transform the building into an inclusive community hub for SEND families.

She is also the founder of Neurohappy, an award-winning sensory-friendly supplement brand developed to support neurodivergent children, giving her both lived experience and a strong understanding of inclusive design and family needs.

She said: "The project was created in response to a clear gap in local provision and aims to transform the former Holy Family Church into a safe, welcoming community hub where children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and their families can access support, activities, respite, and connection under one roof."

Project lead Melissa Bullen speaking to students at a local college about the Holy Family Hub project and plans to transform the former church into an inclusive community space.

In the early stages of the project, a volunteer YouTube team joined local supporters to help clean and secure the building, documenting the process and sharing it online. The video attracted significant attention, generating widespread interest, messages of support, and offers of help from both the local community and further afield.

Plans for the hub include inclusive activity areas, therapy and support rooms, a community café, and outdoor sensory spaces, alongside work to preserve the heritage of the building. A digital archive is also being developed to capture memories and history connected to the church, ensuring its legacy is protected as it is brought back into use.

With no background in construction or large-scale development, Melissa has been learning as she goes, supported by professional advice and strong community backing. Local businesses, councillors and organisations have already offered practical support, including surveys, professional services and fundraising help.

The project is being delivered entirely through grants, donations and community fundraising, with no commercial funding. Charity registration is currently underway, alongside planning, architectural work, and funding applications.

The former Holy Family Church in Pontefract, which is set to be transformed into an inclusive community hub for SEND families.

Melissa said: "The long-term aim is to create a sustainable, community-run hub that will support local families for generations to come."

Local businesses or organisations who would like to get involved, offer support or explore ways to contribute to the project are encouraged to get in touch via the project’s social media channels.