Grand donation for expanding community hub

A successful community hub has been handed a £1,000 donation to help it expand and open up its services to even more people.

St Jude’s Community Hub, based in Beaumont Road, Plymouth has been awarded the donation from Persimmon Homes Cornwall’s Community Champions fund, which sees two regional worthy causes awarded up to £1,000 each month.

Ian Turner, who made the application on behalf of the group, said: “The community hub was started in January 2017, operated in partnership with the local GP surgeries, and has gone from strength to strength.

“Initially it offered a drop-in café where local people could enjoy a free cuppa and a listening ear. More recently the hub has started to offer walks in local parks in support of the city’s Get Active initiative too.

“The project is completely run by volunteers who are passionate about their local community and want to make sure the service is open to everyone.

“We are looking to make improvements to the church hall and want to make sure there is access to the hub for everyone by building a ramp and installing handrails. This donation from Persimmon Homes will go towards that and help us realise that ambition. We are very grateful for the support.”

Dan Heathcote, director in charge of Persimmon Homes Cornwall, said: “We’re so pleased to support the volunteers and clients of the hub. Their support is making a huge difference to their local community.

“This is exactly what our Community Champions scheme is all about, supporting good causes to make a positive change. We are pleased that we have been able to offer our support.

“We always receive so many applications for our Community Champions initiative. I really encourage any charities and groups looking for funding to apply to the scheme for their chance to receive up to £1000 match-funding for their own cause.”

Persimmon Homes Cornwall has two awards of up to £1,000 each to give away every month as part of the Community Champions scheme. The sums are mirrored by each of the company’s 29 other regions – meaning up to £60,000 is given away every month. 

For more information or to apply for funding through Persimmon’s Community Champions please visit www.persimmonhomes.com/charity