Local MP, Justin Tomlinson, has presented Gorse Hill's 'Open Door Centre' with new equipment which will allow the group to reach a greater number of people in the community.
Open Door provides a day centre on Monday to Friday from 9.30am to 4pm, but are planning to open evening sessions and provides amazing daily support to adults with learning disabilities, who may also have physical disabilities or mental health issues.
Justin had been asked by Jez Webb of Webb's Wood Products to nominate a charity which could use a donation of £500 to reach a wider audience.
Justin Tomlinson MP said: "I've visited Open Door several times and have friends who use the day centre. They provide amazing daily support to adults with learning disabilities, who may also have physical disabilities or mental health issues. We went shopping on 22 April and used our powers of persuasion at several retailers in the town centre and came away with the TV, and an older generation Wii which Craig at Open Door had asked for. We were also able to supply several games like Wii-fit. It all came in at £498 which was really pleasing. The TV was so big that we couldn't get it in our vehicle and had to carry it through the town and leave it at the MPs office for the night."
Senior support worker Craig Hiscock said: "I thought we'd get a 32" TV but it was amazing when Justin arrived with the huge Panasonic. We're going to turn one of the rooms in the church hall into a mini-cinema; a 52" screen will really make it feel like it is a cinema where members can get together to watch films together during our usual opening hours and in the evening. We also want to run Wii-fiit sessions with members so that they can get fitter in a fun way with others. They'll be able to work out in front of the TV as if they're at the gym. Many of our members don't have a lot to do of an evening, so coming out to meet up with friends in a safe environment will be attractive. The donation from Jez Webb means we now have a stepping stone to apply for grants to expand our activities. We're really grateful to Jez and Justin for thinking of us."
