A charity which supports people with disabilities and long-term health conditions has been chosen as the Bracknell mayor’s charity.

Bracknell Forest mayor Jenny Penfold announced The Ark Trust would be receiving the accolade this year, working together with the council to fundraise for its important work.

The Ark Trust, based in Bracknell Forest, has been helping people for more than 30 years. It started as an arts-based disability charity but has since expanded to provide a wider range of services for people with disabilities or long-term health conditions. It also works to support carers and young people who are not in education, employment or training.

The charity organised the Covid vaccination clinics at Waitrose during the pandemic. Volunteers also delivered prescriptions and shopping during lockdown.

The mayor said: “The more we can raise for The Ark Trust, the more people and groups we can help in Bracknell Forest.”

Andrea McCombie, CEO of the charity, told the News: “The Ark is delighted to have been chosen as the mayor’s charity this year.

We hope that it will raise the profile of not just our charity, but also give our members the opportunity to raise awareness in the community about disabilities and unpaid carers and the challenges many are currently facing.”

They had already discussed ideas for fundraising – including quizzes, raffles and bucket collections at the Lexicon.

Ms McCombie added: “Our members, staff and volunteers are looking forward to supporting the mayor with her fundraising activities and events throughout the year across the borough.”