Fen Hands receives a donation from Forterra in Peterborough

Fen Hands, which provides activities for children and young people with health needs, has received the donation from building products manufacturer Forterra.

The charity runs sessions once a month, which include activities such as crafts, adapted sports, and sensory play.

The donation will allow Fen Hands to store specialist materials and equipment, such as a hoist and large mats, on site.

Committee members previously had to store the equipment elsewhere and bring it back for the meetings.

Forterra supports Fen Hands with donation to improve services (Image: STEVE BAKER)

This not only made setting up and dismantling sessions laborious but also posed a risk of damaging the equipment.

Lisa Bedford from Fen Hands said: “There’s nowhere else quite like Fen Hands.

"We aren’t just another activities group; we are friends and a family too.

"Together we don’t feel quite as alone when we know there are others around us facing similar challenges.

"Having a couple of hours a month where we can come and connect and know our children are fully supported is such an important part of our lives.

“Fen Hands relies purely on donations and fundraising to maintain its services, so we are grateful to Forterra for making it possible for us to run these sessions more effectively now we have permanent storage to maintain the upkeep of the equipment we use.”

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Adam Smith, commercial director at Forterra, said: “We are glad our donation can help maintain such important equipment and enable Fen Hands to continue its vital work in Peterborough and the Fens.

"Communities make our worlds function and being able to provide aid in any way is a privilege.

"We hope the equipment Fen Hands uses can now be protected from extra wear and tear and potential damage by having the storage it needs.”

Fen Hands has been supporting families for two years.