The centre received a share of the £250,000 grant from the Sir Jules Thorn Charitable Trust. Holme Hall now has a new computer and laptop, a set of keyboards, plasma and touch screens and a digital movie camera.

Many of the residents, living with severe neurological conditions including multiple sclerosis, Huntington’s disease and stroke, find it difficult to express themselves verbally and staff hope the new IT facilities may help them to communicate better. The equipment will also be used by the recreational team in the daily activities.

Susan Stainforth, a recreational activity assistant, said: “It can be a hard task at times trying to engage residents to come out of their room for a few hours and be involved in some activities. With this new equipment, some residents are now more keen to take part in activities that can help them socialise with others, develop new skills or find a new way to do things such as reading a book on a computer screen.”

Linda Chapman, care centre manager, said: “Residents and staff alike are delighted with the new equipment. It is a fabulous example of new technology making a genuine difference to people’s lives. I would like to thank the Sir Jules Thorn Charitable Trust for this grant”.

l Holme Hall is looking for volunteers with IT skills to spend a few hours at the centre to help staff and residents use the new equipment.

Linda Chapman said: “There is so much to learn about it. It would be great to have some IT ‘experts’ to come and help us discover its full potential.”.

Contact Linda on (01430) 860904 or email linda.chapman@suerydercare.org for more information.