The charity SENSE was founded 70 years ago by two mothers whose children were born deaf and blind after they contracted Rubella during pregnancy.
It now runs seven hubs across the UK – with an eighth opening in Belfast this year - helping children and young people with a range of complex disabilities to communicate, experience the world and fulfil their potential.
The Wain Foundation is supporting the work of the Charity’s Bristol hub with a donation of £2,500 which will fund specialist play equipment for the centre’s toy library.
Simone Lennox-Gordon, Trusts and Statutory Manager at Sense, said: “Our hubs are bright and welcoming spaces and when families come to us we ask: What can we do?; what do you need?; how can we help?”
The Bristol centre, on the Kingswood Foundation Estate, offers a sensory room, a family room with accessible tech and toy library, activity studios and a sensory garden and outside play area. It also provides free play sessions for the under 8’s and and a range of sports and physical activities.
Simone said: “The equipment available in the toy library is often quite specialist and making it available to families can make a huge difference helping them to find new ways to interact and engage with their child. We are very grateful for the Foundation’s grant which will allow us to increase the range on offer.
“Last year we reached more than 32,000 people through our services and continue to expand and grow, made possible by generous donations and grants.”