The charity has used the money to support vulnerable families during the coronavirus crisis

An emergency appeal by Sense Scotland has raised more than £100,000 to help provide support to vulnerable disabled people and their families during the coronavirus crisis.

The charity’s four-month Urgent Appeal is now closing just as its high street shops begin to reopen and fundraising events get back on track.

Money raised from the appeal has already helped the charity adapt their family advisory service and provide activities via their website, encouraging families to “Be Well, Be Playful and Be Creative” during lockdown.

“The generosity from our supporters has helped us survive lockdown,” said Sense Scotland’s executive director Angela Bonomy. “They’ve shown just how much they care, not only in terms of their donations, but in their words of encouragement which have kept us all going.”

Angela continued: “We’ve tried to keep things as calm and normal as possible, whilst working hard in the background to minimise the risk posed by the virus. Staff came up with innovative ways to maintain routines for people. They learned how to use new technology to keep families connected, at a time when they had to be apart. And they reshaped services – in some cases quite considerably – to keep everyone safe.

“We are not out of this pandemic yet, but at least we can get on with the recovery plans we’ve put in place. The fantastic total raised by our appeal allows us some breathing space to do that. Thank you to everyone who donated.”

Among those supported by the charity is Julie, whose daughter has complex learning difficulties. When Julie’s husband contracted coronavirus, Sense Scotland staff were able to provide support for the family as they self-isolated.

She said: “We had to self-isolate for 14 days and the staff kept in touch. When she went to respite it was a great relief for me to know that she was looked after so well, and I was in need of a bit of a break as I was also having to take care of my husband.

“I am grateful for the way they’ve cared for her.”