PEOPLE with learning disabilities in Redditch are set to benefit from a refurbished sensory room, after their support workers got on their bikes to raise more than £1,700.
Robin Simcock and Simon Dyke work at a day opportunities service run by Hft, a national charity supporting adults with learning disabilities.
At the end of last year, the pair were inspired to take on a fundraising challenge which saw them cycle non-stop for eight hours, covering nearly 120 miles in one day.
Following a huge response from family members and other staff, £1,750 was raised, which is set to fund a sensory room makeover.
The dedicated duo work at a learning disability service in Redditch that supports more than 50 local adults with learning disabilities which has been a lifeline for many during the last year.
Despite not being open to as many people as normal, staff have replaced their community-focused activities with a timetable intended to boost wellbeing during a difficult time.
Support workers have run art and craft sessions designed to stimulate people and soothe anxieties while for those unable to receive face to face support, tablets have been used to keep people in touch with staff.
Thanks to Simon and Rob’s fundraiser, the service’s sensory room is now set to benefit from a makeover, with work already underway.
Simon said: “The pandemic has been really tough on the people we support, so while I was cycling on my exercise bike at home one day I came up with an idea to put a smile on everyone’s faces.
“Our sensory room needed updating and I wanted to come up with something that would really benefit people so it was a no brainer.”
Find out more about working at Hft at http://www.hft.org.uk/jobs
