Favourite Beyond Words book: The Drama Group

Nigel is one of the co-founders of our charity, and the inspiration for our word-free picture stories, as well as a multi-award winner, a Dimensions Leader, and co-author and trialler of lots of our books.

Beyond Words grew out of the personal experiences of Nigel's family, with his mum Sheila going on to found the charity with Nigel. His learning and communication disabilities had sometimes led to him being excluded from ordinary opportunities in life. Nigel’s parents, Sheila and Martin Hollins, found innovative ways to help him join in. This included creating visual cartoon like stories.

Sheila adapted what she had learnt at home in her professional work at St George’s University of London to create When Dad Died, the first book in the series, assisted by artist and storyteller Beth Webb and bereavement expert Dr Lester Sireling. Nigel and his sisters were our first readers to check the story worked.

Nigel was also a pioneer with our Book Clubs. Our very first one was co-faciliated by Nigel and his support worker, Sonya, in their local library. They were then developed throughout Kent, eventually becoming a network that reaches as far south as Bognor Regis, and as far north as Carlisle!

The Drama Group, Peter's New Home, Getting Help with Gas were all written with Nigel as one of their authors. His co-author on The Drama Group is a name you might recognise - Hugh Grant. They remain friends to this day. He has helped trial countless more titles, and often speaks at our events about his experiences.

In 2022, Nigel was awarded a Learning Disability National Leadership Award, as well as a Lifetime Achievement Award from Beyond Words.