Daniel Zeichner MP visited the Sense shop in Burleigh Street to find out more about the charity’s work supporting families that have been “forgotten” in the coronavirus crisis.

Sense supports people with complex disabilities including deafblindness, and their families.

A recent survey shows that 62% of families and carers have taken on additional caring responsibilities during the pandemic but sadly a third of families say that a reduction in support has made their role much more challenging.

At the socially distanced visit to Sense’s Cambridge shop, Mr Zeichner met staff and volunteers to learn more about how the charity has stepped up support during the coronavirus crisis, before being taught how to spell his name using the deafblind manual alphabet.

Daniel Zeichner MP said: “The pandemic has changed many things and we’ve all had to learn to live differently. I am pleased to visit the Sense shop and find out more about how they are raising vital funds in a safe and socially distanced way. But just as every family and shop has adapted so too the government needs to change the way it works. The government should recognise that community support has been withdrawn for many families during the Coronavirus pandemic and that local services can’t operate as they used to. They need to outline a clear way forward and take action to deliver the support and care that disabled people and their families deserve.”

Adrian Darkin, from Sense, said: “We are delighted to welcome Mr Zeichner to our Sense shop in Cambridge to see how Sense has adapted our stores post-lockdown. Sense shops are important hubs for communities, helping to boost volunteering and tackle loneliness, and play an important role in safely bringing people together. We’re so grateful to everyone who continues to support our shops, with money raised by donated stock helping us to support some of the most vulnerable people in society who need us more than ever.”