A charity that offers sensory service and support for under-18’s has been awarded a cash boost.

North East Sensory Services (NESS) in Aberdeen has become this month’s recipient of £1,000 through Persimmon Homes North Scotland ‘s Building Futures scheme.

The charity holds a Young People’s Sensory Service (YPSS) who specifically support children and young people under the age of 18.

Caroline Rutherford, fundraising manager at NESS, said: “The YPSS is reliant on charitable, and trust funded income. Given the difference it has made to the lives of our children and young people we are committed to its ongoing continuation and donations such as this make our work possible.”

“Often our school age children are the only one in their class with a sensory impairment, contributing to their feelings of isolation and exclusion. Our staff, and volunteers at YPSS are highly skilled and can provide a tailored response to each child’s needs.”

“Through the support of our team and with the help of funding, these children can participate in activities such as horse riding and kayaking, which they may previously have been excluded from. This participation builds their confidence, independence and social skills, and increases their ambition. We would like to thank Persimmon Homes for helping us to do this.”

The charity currently supports over 160 children and young people through the YPSS.

James Mackay, managing director of Persimmon Homes North Scotland, said: “Young people are the heart of our future, and we are fortunate enough to be in a position where we can offer more than £1million to help support and create positive outcomes through our Building Futures campaign.”

“As we emerge from a global pandemic, young people have been feeling more isolated than ever, and we are delighted to be able to support a charity which helps to reduce isolation for the people that have been affected the most.”

The Building Futures campaign aims to support community groups working with under-18s across three categories – education & arts, health, and sport.

A total of 128 grants of £1,000 will be awarded across our 32 regional businesses to improve local facilities and the delivery of vital community projects.

Three initiatives will go on to win £100,000 each through a national online public vote. The winners will be named at a gala dinner for finalists in October.

In each sector – education & arts, health, and sport – as well as the £100,000 first prize, there will be a £50,000 second prize and a £20,000 third prize, while a further 87 shortlisted projects will each receive £5,000.

James added: “We are still currently taking applications for the scheme and are encouraging any charity working specifically with under-18’s to apply via our website.”

For more information about the initiative, visit www.persimmonhomes.com/charity