A CHARITY that helps adults with learning disabilities in the Malvern area to lead independent lives has received a funding boost.

Heart of England Mencap has been awarded £5,000 from the Heart of England Community Foundation to provide more activities.

The charity is based in Stratford but provides services in Malvern and currently supports 180 adults with learning disabilities aged between 18 and 90.

The day sessions are filled with a range of activities including music therapy, arts and crafts, hydrotherapy and adapted sports activities.

The funding from the foundation, a specialist grant-making organisation which awards money to projects across the West Midlands, is set to help the charity expand the activities it provides.

Cath Errington, fundraising manager at Heart of England Mencap, said: “There are so many activities that we want to do but just can’t afford it, so the grant will make a huge difference.

“Our aim is not only to provide a support network for our customers, but go over and above to help them live independently, learn new skills and achieve their goals.

“We hold a variety of activities and also have a sensory room. All of those we support are of varying abilities meaning that activities are held both in groups and on a one-to-one basis to meet the needs of each individual.

“The grant will help us provide extra activities and will have a big impact on the lives of the people we support.”

Tina Costello, CEO of the foundation, said: “It was excellent to meet Cath and hear more about the fantastic work being done at Heart of England Mencap.

“We are delighted that this grant will make such a huge difference to the lives of local people, and look forward to hearing more about the activities they have planned.”

Last month, Heart of England Mencap was given £2,860 by the Gannett Foundation UK, founded by the publisher of the Malvern Gazette, to buy garden items for its respite centre in Evesham.