A group mobilising to support vulnerable people in their community has been awarded £1,000 from a Persimon Homes North Midlands Community Champions scheme.

Community Together CIC, based in Tamworth, has been handed the funds by Persimmon Homes North Midlands as its Community Champions scheme looks to assist the over 70s during Covid-19.

To support the community, the group set up a telephone contact support line to assist and support residents of Tamworth during Covid-19. The group also offers a befriending service, calling more than 250 people on a weekly basis. Community Together has also partnered with local GP surgeries, which have been referring isolated over-70s for regular check-in calls. The donation will be help pay phone bills for the group.

Steve Hodgetts, on behalf of the group, said: “Tamworth has over 9,000 people who are age 70 and over; for many our support line has provided a helping hand or a friendly voice when needed.”

“We have a team of dedicated volunteers and are looking to continue the support line and our befriending service for the future and the funding will be uses to pay for our phone bills.”

Persimmon Homes North Midlands launched Community Champions in 2015 with a view to helping community groups, charities and good causes the areas in which it builds.

However, as the nation continues to feel the effect of the Covid-19 outbreak, Persimmon Homes feels that, at the moment, elderly communities are in the most need of support. The change of direction came into effect from April.

Nadine O’Dowd, sales director for Persimmon Homes North Midlands, said: “This is a truly invaluable service to the elderly residents of Tamworth and we’re honoured to be able to support the group.”

“Our Community Champions scheme allows us to support the groups where we are building and with our development Mercians Place in Tamworth, it seemed fitting to support Community Together CIC and its fantastic work.”

Persimmon Homes North Midlands makes two donations of up to £1,000 every month. The online application form can be found at www.persimmonhomes.com/charity