Mansfield-based charity A Place To Call Our Own (APTCOO) has new Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) equipment, including books, sensory lights and motor coordination tools, thanks to a £500 donation from The Mansfield Building Society’s Community Support Scheme.

APTCOO aims to improve the life chances of people with special educational needs and/or disabilities.

The equipment will help pupils be more adaptable to new environments by introducing them to new sights, sounds and colours.

It aims to build their overall confidence in day to day situations.

Carol Burkitt, chief executive officer at the charity, said “It’s wonderful to receive the donation from The Mansfield.

“The money has enabled us to buy more sensory equipment, which will be used for many years to come.

“It’s important that we have a variety of tools available to all our pupils so we can adapt our teaching methods to suit their needs.”

Reminder Basra, of the society’s mortgage customer support team, visited APTCOO.

She said: “The work the charity does is fantastic and it’s one of the few places in the local area that offers this specific style of education.

“The benefit the charity has on its pupils and their families makes me proud to work at the society, knowing we are able to help local good causes like these.”

The Mansfield’s community support scheme funds groups and organisations in Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire.

It meets twice yearly, in May and November, to consider applications.

To find out more or to download an application form, go to mansfieldbs.co.uk/community-support-scheme

Pictured above is Reminder Basra with members of A Place To Call Our Own.