AN Oxfordshire charity which supports adults with learning disabilities and autism has received a £35,000 donation from HSBC UK.

Style Acre, based across the county, received the grant from the bank’s ‘Community Support Fund’ to purchase sensory, play and communication equipment for the people they support.

Style Acre is a charity that supports over 270 adults with learning disabilities and autism through supported living houses, three community hubs and three social enterprises where people they support undertake paid and voluntary placements.

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The donation was championed by the Oxfordshire HSBC UK branch team, who will also be providing over 200 volunteering hours to support the implementation of the project across the various locations in Oxfordshire.

The funding will enable Style Acre to invest in sensory, play and communication equipment for adults with learning disabilities and autism to use in sensory rooms and at group activities.

Sensory and play equipment helps people to relax, exercise, communicate and socialise.  It also improves the mental and physical wellbeing of vulnerable adults and can reduce anxiety.

The project will see new and refurbished sensory rooms and areas in seven supported living houses managed by Style Acre and new and upgraded equipment in the community hubs.

Additional play and communication equipment will also be purchased for use across Style Acre.

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The charity states the long-term impact of the project will be ‘happier, healthier disabled adults’ who can use sensory rooms and equipment to relax, interact and communicate.

Chris Ingram, chief executive of Style Acre, said: “We are delighted to have received this funding from HSBC UK.

“We have a great relationship with the local team and are deeply appreciative of both the financial as well as volunteering support.

“This project will make a huge difference to the people that we support as they will be able to use the readily accessible quiet spaces and therapeutic equipment whenever they need to.”

Sharon Hoare, HSBC UK’s Oxford market local director and project champion, added: “Every day we work to open up a world of opportunity for our customers and the communities we’re part of, and I am so pleased that we’re able to support Style Acre’s efforts to enhance the lives of people with learning disabilities and autism.

“My team are looking forward to volunteering and seeing in person the positive impact of this project.”

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The fund supports local registered charity projects driven by HSBC UK employees. The focus of all projects is ‘supporting vulnerable people in local communities, regardless of background, age, ability or ethnic origin’.

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This story was written by Gee Harland. She joined the team in 2022 as a senior multimedia reporter.

Gee covers Abingdon, Didcot, Wallingford and Wantage.

Get in touch with her by emailing: gee.harland@newsquest.co.uk

Follow her on Twitter @geeharland