One of United Response’s York services, called The Boot Shop, provides support through daily activities such as music, sport, drama, baking and art.

In April 2025 The Boot Shop moved to York after 30 years of fantastic support in Easingwold.

The move, although only 12 miles, felt like a big change for lots of the People we Support, who had attended the service in Easingwold for many years. For lots of those people, the service was on their doorstep and they had built positive relationships with many local people and businesses and were valued members of the local community. The thought of attending a service in York seemed like a major change in their lives.

Our team worked with the People we Support to reassure them that, despite moving premises, lots of the activities they enjoyed and most of the staff that supported them would remain largely unchanged. We arranged visits to the new site at the Centre@Burnholme, in York, and people were impressed with the modern, light and spacious feel to the building.

In total, 19 of the 23 People we Support made the move with The Boot Shop to its new home in York and the Centre@Burnholme became the base for their daily activities.

Nearly six months on from the move we spoke to some of the People we Support to find out how they found the move and how they have settled in to their new surroundings:

How did you feel when you found out The Boot Shop was moving?

Phillip – I felt excited. I very much liked the idea.

Digby – I was worried about the travel arrangements as York is a long way from my house. Now it is alright. I’ve got used to it.

Vicky – I felt a bit worried about that.

Francis – I felt happy.

What did you think when you first saw the Centre@Burnholme?

Phillip – Well, when I saw how modern it is inside, I thought ‘nice!’. I do like having the bigger space.

Digby – A bit new, a bit posh! Not the same as before! Enjoyed the introduction from you when you showed us around.

Vicky – It’s different. It’s much bigger! There’s a library.

Francis – I liked it. I like the hall and the books in the library.

How are you finding things at Burnholme?

Phillip – I am liking it a lot! The other place in Easingwold, it was a bit small and run down.

Digby – Still trying to get used to it, the new members of staff who work at Burnholme and the people who attend the Base@Burnholme but I like most things.

Vicky – I like it. I’m happy and want to keep coming

Francis – I find it happy.

What is the best thing about The Boot Shop at Burnholme?

Phillip – More space, bigger and modern.

Digby – You! I like the Tool Box activities and sports and games.

Vicky – I like the cooking and Tool Box with Alysha where we do drama.

Francis – I like the music and playing games and sports. I really enjoy Tool Box activity and joining in with my friends.

What do you miss about being at The Boot Shop in Easingwold?

Phillip – Well…furniture restoration with Jake. I like the sandpapering and varnishing.

Digby – It’s the main people – the people who lived locally and in the shops, and the old staff.

Francis – I do miss (staff who have left) and I do miss the old Boot Shop in Easingwold sometimes.

What are you looking forward to in the next 6 months?

Phillip – I am excited to try the Diamond Art. I do it at home and I enjoy it.

Digby – Not sure. Just see what comes.

Vicky – I’d like to be a volunteer in the library.

Francis – I would like to try more of the Tool Box activities.

We would like to say a huge thank you to all members of The Boot Shop for embracing this change and seeing the positive benefits it has brought about.

if you’d like to know more about The Boot Shop or any of our York services, contact Joe Smart – joe.smart@unitedresponse.org.uk