VISITORS to a play scheme for young people with complex medical needs have been given £500 of sensory equipment by a housing developer.

Mulberry Homes Yorkshire, whose developments include the 925-home Sowerby Gateway development near Thirsk, donated the equipment to The Oaks project for 12 to 18-year-olds, in Northallerton.

The Thirsk Community Care Association scheme, which is based in the Mencap Centre in Goosecroft Lane, is aimed at young people with complex medical needs who require access to activities and support during school holidays.

Referrals to the scheme are made from parents, carers, North Yorkshire County Council and other statutory agencies.

The equipment included boxes full of toys, such as teddy bears that vibrate when they are squeezed, mirrors, lights and buzzers, that are designed to stimulate senses such as touch, feel and sound.

Alison Grainger, director of Mulberry Homes Yorkshire, said: “Mulberry Homes’ first development in Sowerby, Thirsk, is also known as The Oaks, so when we heard about the scheme we were very keen to offer our support.

“With projects like these, Thirsk Community Care Association is doing a fantastic job in local communities and this is the just the start of what we hope will be a long-term relationship with the association.”

For details about the schemes, call 01845-523115 or email sue.wright@tscca.org.uk