Cash to kit out sensory room

A cheque for £2,500 has been presented by engineering business Lockheed Martin UK to the MacIntyre charity to kit out a sensory room at its lifelong learning centre in the town.

The charity supports people with learning difficulties, with up to 70 local adults and young people benefitting from the centre’s services and taking part in a range of activities to develop skills that help them lead an active life as part of their community.

The donation was handed over by Graham Harraway, director of operations at Lockheed Martin UK’s Ampthill site at a presentation on Wednesday, January 20. Graham was given a tour of the building and met staff and some of the people who attend the centre.

He said: “It was an honour to present this cheque and to see first-hand how it will really benefit members of our local community.

“The money has come from our charity fund, through which we review applications for contributions to support and improve the quality of life in the places our employees work and live.

“MacIntyre’s Ampthill lifelong learning centre was felt by our charity committee to be a very deserving cause for support. It’s a pleasure to be able to help out with their sensory room.”

Staff and supporters of the charity recently started work on upgrading their old sensory room, an area of the centre that allows people to spend time either individually relaxing and exploring their senses, or as part of a group sessions having fun in a stimulating and safe environment.

The donation from Lockheed Martin UK will help kit out the room further, including bespoke lighting and special seating to allow staff to sit at eye level with wheelchair users.

MacIntyre’s area manager, Deborah Ibbetson, said: “We are really grateful to Lockheed Martin for their support, which will make a real difference to the people supported at our Ampthill centre. It’s 50 years since MacIntyre first opened its doors in Westoning so it’s particularly timely that we are able to improve the facilities for people we support in Bedfordshire with this generous donation.”