A LOCAL day service organisation for adults with learning disabilities has been praised for their efforts during the coronavirus pandemic.

Windward Day Services is offering five Zoom sessions every day for those who have previously used or need their services during these unprecedented times.

The sessions vary from yoga, choir, drama, bingo, scavenger hunts and even Windward’s Got Talent.

The organisation also delivers activity packs to people’s homes twice a week to keep them occupied when there are no sessions.

But that is not all the staff at Windward have been offering adults during the lockdown.

Director of Windward, Becky Hamilton said: "We have also set up a Facebook support group which enables everyone to share content with each other. This is empowering for our service users and they can keep in touch with their friends."

These services have been "game-changing" for Ringwood resident Sarah Meidlinger and her daughter Sally who has physical and learning disabilities.

After Boris announced the lockdown which resulted in the temporary closure of Windward’s centres and the ceasing of local community activities, many adults (including Sally) were impacted.

Sarah explained: "After the announcement, everything suddenly stopped. For my daughter, her daily routine immediately changed. She loves doing activities but cannot initiate them herself as she has the mental age of an eight-year-old.

"But within a few days of the lockdown, Windward reached out to us. Their daily programme is a godsend and has made such a difference. They have to be congratulated."

Maintaining connected and ensuring interaction during lockdown is crucial for the adults that require Windward's services, and their loved ones.