A local charity set up to relieve the needs of children suffering with cancer and their families is the latest recipient of funding from us.

Our Wessex region has awarded Joss Searchlight a £1,000 grant as they continue to help local groups and charities in the area.

Persimmon donates up to £64,000 a month to fund initiatives as part of the highly successful Community Champions scheme.

Joss Searchlight offers emotional and practical support via its helpline as well as offering home visits, running support meetings and an online support group with over 1,200 members.

Dianne Parkes, from the charity, said: “We’re all absolutely over the moon to be awarded this donation from Persimmon Homes, thank you so much. We''re currently fundraising towards our outreach work regarding the impact of childhood cancer on self-esteem. Treatment with chemotherapy often results in hair loss and steroid-induced weight gain which are particularly distressing to adolescents.

“Many have suffered social discrimination contributing to feelings of depression and low confidence, so our project aims to address the emotional impact of these issues for teenagers and help prevent anxiety and depression. Around 76% of children with cancer aged 12+ have anxiety disorders and our initial focus group research suggests that adolescents who ‘feel better’ about their body image have been found to have better cancer journeys. “This additional funding from Persimmon will enable us to continue helping children to maintain a sense of self identity and improve opportunities for peer support.”

Pauline Fletcher, sales director for Persimmon Homes Wessex, said: “We’re delighted to be supporting Joss Searchlight with this £1,000 Community Champions donation. When we read that it’s one of very few charities nationwide that support families affected by childhood cancer, we knew we had to get involved. As well as providing weekly art and play therapists it also pays for specialist equipment not funded by the NHS so hopefully this grant will cover some of their costs and help alleviate any financial pressure.”

To apply for Community Champions funding visit the website.