A LOCAL care home has introduced a new initiative to help residents living with cognitive impairment, dementia and those in end-of-life care.

MHA Mapplewell Manor, on Greenside Avenue, has brought in three HUG dolls following training sessions on how they can be used.

The purpose of the dolls is to help comfort residents and replicate the same feelings they would get from hugging a loved one.

Karen Hugill, care home manager, said: “The dolls are weighted around the arm which gives you a strong hold and it genuinely feels like you are hugging someone.

“We are aiming to distribute the dolls across the home and will see where they get most use.”