Powys holiday farm thanks fundraisers
A holiday centre in Mid Wales which provides respite breaks for disabled people and their families has opened a new sensory room.
The room was created thanks to the generosity of local businesses and a grant of almost £5,000 from the People's Postcode Lottery.
Kerry Farm, near Newtown, which is run by the Papworth Trust, opened its doors last year after receiving £2 million from the Big Lottery Fund to buy and renovate the farm.
The new sensory room has been added, complete with bubble tubes and flexible light tubing, a night sky constellation and strobe light. There is also a special padded cube providing a safe, quiet space for people to spend time in.
The addition was funded by a £4,989 grant from the People's Postcode Trust, and local businesses JA Morgan builders, Andrew Davies plumbing and Travis Perkins provided materials for the room either free or heavily discounted.
Farm and service manager Natalie Webster said the room can be used by disabled people and their families who want to spend time away from the stresses of the outside world.
She said: "We are very grateful for this support and are pleased with the sensory room. A young person with autism spectrum disorder who has used the sensory room said to us 'thank you for understanding my world'. Another said "It speaks to me in my language. I feel safe here.
"We will also purchase an accessible summerhouse, playground equipment and a picnic table for the garden with the remaining People's Postcode Trust funds.
"Together with the sensory room this will help to give families an even more amazing experience at the farm."
During their stay at Kerry Farm, families can get involved with farm life, helping to look after the animals or grow fruit and vegetables. Experienced staff and family experts are on hand if they need any extra support and guidance.
The farm is open to people of all ages and with any kind of disability, impairment or long term illness.
