Performance hub named after Chamber patron following charity donation

A charity supporting people who are deafblind and have complex disabilities has benefited from a significant donation by a Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce patron.

National disability charity Sense, whose community hub Sense Touchbase Pears is located in Selly Oak, Birmingham, has named one of its spaces - which is used for activities such as dance, music and yoga - The Douglas Wright MBE Performance Hub.

The space has been renamed in recognition of McDonald's franchisee and Chamber patron Doug Wright's pledge to the charity.

Sense TouchBase Pears aims to create an accessible environment where everyone can feel connected, included and part of the community.

The Bristol Road-based hub combines health and social care services with arts, sports and wellbeing activities.

It also supports disabled people to access employment, education, volunteering and training opportunities and offers free play sessions for children under eight with complex disabilities, and their families.

Richard Kramer, chief executive of Sense, said: “The performance hub at Sense TouchBase Pears is an important space for disabled people from across the West Midlands to be able to participate in art and sports sessions that they might otherwise not be able to access.

“The charity runs a wide variety of different sessions here, from sensory music for under-8s to seated yoga for over 50s, and these have a hugely positive impact on people's physical and mental health.

“Spaces like the Performance Hub at TouchBase Pears bring people together, helping to tackle isolation and loneliness which is prevalent amongst disabled people. We want to build a sense of community and encourage people to try new things and meet new people.

“We're so thankful for Mr Wright's generous donation to Sense, which will help us to reach and support even more disabled people across the region, and we're delighted to rename the space to The Douglas Wright MBE Performance Hub as a symbol of our gratitude.”

Mr Wright is the owner of Wright Restaurants (T/A McDonald's) which employs just under 3,000 people across 26 McDonald's sites in the West Midlands.

Last year, he received an MBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours list for services to the Economy and Charity.

Mr Wright said: “I'm delighted to support an exceptional charity who do so very much for local people in our communities. I was very smitten by how they support people who are deaf, blind and or have complex disabilities. I was particularly struck by their commitment to ensuring that everyone should be able to take part in life, no matter their disability.

“I wanted to assist them within their centre in Selly Oak. I'm delighted that I can help them to provide activities such as dance, music and yoga. I've seen first hand how loved these classes are.

“I'm very grateful to have my name associated with their performance hub. I would encourage businesses to reach out and visit the centre which is magical in so many ways.”

Pictured: The performance hub hosts activities such as dance, yoga and music