SHE hopes to become the Cilla Black of the south. Her dream is to bring love and laughter to the lives of the hundreds of vulnerable people left feeling isolated from the rest of the world.

Inspired by the struggles of her 21-year-old autistic daughter, Hollie, Nicole Hamerton is launching the county’s first dating and friendship agency for those with special needs.

After two and a half years of hard graft and fighting for funding, Nicole is finally set to help transform the lives of adults with learning difficulties with Stars in the Sky.

Nicole, from Warsash, has already met with some opposition from parents and carers about the taboo subject but, as a mum herself, she is well aware of their concerns.

She said: “Many parents have been worried about the dating side of Stars in the Sky, but once I have had a chance to explain how it will work they realise there is nothing to fear.

“All dates will be chaperoned, with both parties knowing we are there to help if they need it. However, we won’t intrude, we won’t be sitting in between the couple – we will be sitting a few tables away in the restaurant.”

Nicole decided to leave her job as an NHS rehabilitation worker and throw herself into setting up Stars in the Sky without pay, after watching a documentary about it on Channel 4.

She said: “As I sat there watching it in bed I just thought ‘Oh my god, this is what we need in Hampshire, to help all the Hollies out there.

“It is heartbreaking to watch your child grow up in a world that is alien to them and see them struggle, so I knew I had to do something to change that.”

The agency will hold at least nine social events a month, including discos and bowling and support a number of one-to-one dates, whenever they are required.

Nicole added: “I have always tried my utmost to support Hollie and catch her when she falls.

“I have been able to sort any problems she has or be there for her when she is unhappy.

“But the one thing I haven’t be able to fix is the level of isolation she has had to endure throughout her life.

“Her guts and determination to succeed is outstanding – she is the bravest person I know.

“It’s that determination that has inspired me to throw everything I have into setting this up.

“I want to help all the Hollies in Hampshire, to let them have the freedom to go out, socialise and make friends in a safe environment with people who understand them.

“And, who knows, I could be Hampshire’s very own Cilla Black.”

Hollie said: “This has to go ahead. It’s a must because I cannot always fight my vulnerability, as hard as I try – sometimes I get out of my depth with certain situations. Stars would prevent that happening.

“It took me two whole years to make friends at college, two years of feeling so alone, like I was completely by myself.

“This is why Stars is so important – it can change all that for people like me.”

After finally securing the funding from the NHS Hampshire Learning Disability Partnership Trust, Nicole swung into action and launches the agency on October 29, with a disco and a chance to sign up.

However, she has only basic funding which will only last for one year so she is desperate to find sponsors who believe in what she is doing.

“There is nothing like this for people with learning difficulties in Hampshire so it is vital to keep it going.

“With only the basic funding we are desperately looking for sponsorship.”

The launch will take place at Queens Road Church, Fareham, from 10.30am. If you think you can help with sponsorship, e-mail Nicole at nicolehamerton@starshants.co.uk.