Stockdales is one of our valued Partner Charities and in August 2025 we were pleased to give them a grant of £5,250 to cover the cost of a replacement shower bench for their Ashton Lane home in Sale. The team shared with us how essential this piece of specialist equipment is for their residents ………
“At Stockdales, we believe that the smallest moments of everyday life can have the greatest meaning: a shared meal, a familiar routine or the comfort of a warm, safe bath.
For children and adults living with learning disabilities and complex health needs, these moments don’t come easily. They depend on skilled support, adapted environments and the right equipment to make life both comfortable and dignified.
Bathing isn’t simply a hygiene task for people with profound disabilities . It’s about safety, trust, and wellbeing. The right equipment means less anxiety, fewer risks, and a sense of calm and respect that everyone deserves.
When our previous shower bench broke earlier this year, replacing it quickly became a major priority. It is used several times a day by the six adults living at our fully adapted home in Ashton Lane, Sale. These benches aren’t ordinary pieces of equipment. They adjust in height, tilt for comfort and ensure both the bather and their support team stay safe throughout.
For our residents, this means a reduced risk of slips or falls, less fear or discomfort during personal care, a sense of dignity and the chance to take a more active part in daily life.
The care workers also benefit with safer working conditions which reduce the chances of strain or injury. There is more time for them to make a meaningful connection with the resident and have the confidence that the care they provide is both safe and respectful.
Madeline Reid the Care Manager told us:
“It might look like just a bench, but for our residents it’s a huge part of feeling respected, calm and safe. It enables the people we support to relax and enjoy their showers. For our team, it takes away a lot of the physical strain, which means we can focus more on the person, not just the task.”
Many people think of charitable giving in terms of big, eye catching projects, new buildings, vehicles, or major campaigns. Specialist equipment may not make the front page of a brochure, yet it’s the heartbeat of daily care. Without it, people’s comfort, confidence and safety are compromised.
This collaboration is one small example of what shared understanding and trust can achieve. When charities and foundations work hand-in-hand, the impact is immediate and lasting not measured in grand openings, but in everyday comfort, safety, and dignity”.
We are very pleased that Stockdales felt they could come to us in an emergency. This reflects the strength of the relationship between us. We are already in discussion about the next grant.