A Leeds residential care service has received a £1,000 donation from a regional housebuilder to help support disabled residents who are struggling with loneliness during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Sense, which supports people who are deaf, blind or living with complex disabilities, received the funds from Persimmon Homes West Yorkshire, as part of its Community Champions initiative. The donation will help Bradford Road Residential Care Service, which provides a home environment for residents with specialist disabilities where they can enjoy sensory activities.

Catherine Fraser, Operations Manager for Sense, said: “COVID-19 has massively impacted communication for people with complex disabilities, many of which are reliant on touch, while social distancing and PPE has made them nervous, brought change, removed their structure and meant they are unable to see their families.

“Due to their complex health needs, our residents will be shielding for a long time, so we are delighted with this donation from Persimmon Homes West Yorkshire. We will use the money to purchase tablets and specialist equipment to help our residents maintain their fitness, health, and wellbeing.

“It means we can extend access to Sense’s new virtual activities - exercise classes, bingo, quizzes, cooking meals, gardening, conversations with ourselves and their families. The tablets will help residents overcome loneliness and can also enable participation in virtual fundraising in the future.”

Christopher Hull, deputy managing director for Persimmon Homes West Yorkshire, said: “We’re delighted to be able to support such a valuable charity during these challenging times, especially one that provides people with such caring support.”

Persimmon Homes West Yorkshire makes two donations of up to £1,000 every month. The online application form can be found at www.persimmonhomes.com/charity