A charity established by former heavyweight boxing champion Frank Bruno has received a £1,000 funding boost from a leading housebuilder.

The Northampton-based Frank Bruno Foundation was formed to provide support and encouragement and the motivation to succeed for those facing and recovering from mental ill-health.

The initiative was selected for the donation from Persimmon Homes’ Building Futures scheme, which aims to support community groups working with under-18s across three categories – education & arts, health and sport.

Alison Evans from the Frank Bruno Foundation said: “We are thrilled to have received this financial assistance from Persimmon Homes. Our new building – the Round by Round Centre in Standen’s Barn – will be delivering a 12-week wellbeing programme, together with a non-contact boxing and fitness programme and a needs-led wraparound support programme.

“This is available for anyone aged over 13 years and lives in the UK and who has been referred by a professional body. We hope to make a really positive difference to people’s lives.”

Building Futures will see £1million given away across Britain to regional charities, groups, sports clubs and schools to improve local facilities and the delivery of vital community projects.

In addition to hundreds of local donations of £1,000, 96 initiatives will go on to compete for top prizes of £100,000 through a national online public vote. The overall winners will be named at a gala dinner for finalists in October.

Projects must make their applications to the Building Futures scheme at www.persimmonhomes.com/building-futures/ before the closing deadline of 31st May.

Simon McDonald, regional managing director of Persimmon Homes Midlands, said: “We are so proud of the difference our Building Futures scheme can make to the grassroots organisations working every day within our local communities.

“With so many chances to win vital funding for their projects, we urge charities, schools and sports clubs to apply online now.”

In each sector – education & arts, health and sport – as well as a £100,000 first prize, there will be a £50,000 second prize and a £20,000 third prize, while a further 87 shortlisted projects will each receive £5,000.