Member Article

Developer lends support to specialist play-scheme

Children and young people at a play-scheme in North Yorkshire are enjoying new specialist toys and equipment funded by a local housing developer.

Mulberry Homes Yorkshire has donated £500 to The Oaks play-scheme in Northallerton.

The money has been used to buy new sensory equipment for the young people aged 12 to 18 who attend the specialist scheme run during the school holidays by Thirsk Community Care Association.

The scheme, which is based in the Mencap Centre in Goosecroft Lane, Northallerton, is aimed at young people with complex medical needs who require access to activities and support during the school holidays.

Alison Grainger, Director of Mulberry Homes Yorkshire, was invited to the play-scheme to see the equipment that had been bought with the donation. This included boxes full of toys and items – such as teddy bears that vibrate when they are squeezed, mirrors, lights and buzzers - that are designed to stimulate senses such as touch, feel and sound.

“Mulberry Homes’ first development in Sowerby, Thirsk, is also known as The Oaks, so when we heard about the scheme we were very keen to offer our support,” she said.

“With projects like these, Thirsk Community Care Association is doing a fantastic job in local communities and this is the just the start of what we hope will be a long-term relationship with the Association.”

Ellen Cross, Chief Officer for Thirsk Community Care Association, said: “As a charitable organisation we rely on donations like this to help us fund the many activities we run in the community, so we are very grateful to Mulberry Homes for their kind support.

“The children and young people who attend The Oaks benefit from sensory experiences so being able to buy new equipment for this specific purpose will have a very positive affect on them.”

Thirsk Community Care Association run three specialist holiday play-schemes for children with complex needs. Each scheme runs from 10am to 3pm during each school holiday and they are open to children and young people in Hambleton and Richmondshire. Referrals are made from parents, carers, North Yorkshire County Council and other statutory agencies. For further information telephone 01845 523115 or email sue.wright@tscca.org.uk

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Neil Shaefer .