Due to Covid 19 restrictions on visiting in care homes, I would like to help raise funds to help purchase some modern technical equipment (Ipads, Laptops, speakers, tv's, WIFI boosters, etc) so that my fabulous son Jake and his fellow residents, can at least communicate with their loved ones, via video calling.

Jake like so many other children/young adults/elderly, living in a special residential setting, has complex health needs and disabilities and is missing out on regular contact with his family, due to his vulnerability and Covid. Issues like poor internet connection, no speakers on laptops, old equipment, etc has prevented us doing this as regularly as we would like, with sometimes very little clarity or connection problems due to the rural setting he lives in.

NOTHING can or ever will, make up, for not having that hug or kiss with our loved one. Physical contact is important across the whole of our lifespan. Positive touch stimulates pressure receptors under the skin, lowering the heart rate, slowing the breath, decreasing stress hormones and boosting the immune system. In other words, touch helps bodies stay healthy. Both physically and mentally.

I can't imagine how Jake must be feeling or thinking right now..things like, "Why hasn't Mummy took me home for a weekend visit for so long?, why can't I hug her? Why isn't she visiting? Why haven't I seen my sister, my brother or any of my family?" Jake has severe learning disabilities too, so he won't understand what is going on in the world today. So I can't even answer any of those difficult questions, other than, "Mummy will take you home soon". But I know deep down this is looking less likely by the day....

It absolutely breaks my heart so much, to even type those questions out, as I know that is exactly what he's thinking and my own pain of not being able to provide that physical comfort and contact, is heart wrenching and makes me feel like the world's worst mum. I'm sure there are other parent's and families out there that feel the same. And whilst we are having to wait so long for testing within care homes for families to visit, to be implemented and done quicker, this would greatly help ease the pain...a little, in the interim.

It has to be said, the care staff are tremendous in their efforts to keep Jake and others safe and have done an absolutely marvellous job! They are unassuming, committed, kind hearted individuals that I owe alot to. The government haven't made it easy for our care homes and I want your help to change this or at least support our local community.

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE! Help this great cause in time for Christmas! The money would go directly to the care home and any surplus to others like it. It would help, not only my amazing son Jake, but ALL the other residents and their families to help them keep in touch.

Thank you in advance XX