A ‘vital and timely’ donation from Persimmon Homes is being used to reduce isolation and loneliness among seniors in Swindon.

The £1,000 pledge by Persimmon Homes will bridge a severe income gap faced by a popular community group, as a result of the Covid pandemic.

MHA Communities Swindon runs a variety of social groups and services to support older people in the local community. According to group spokesperson Nikul Patel, the past year has seen services and finances hit hard:

“We are incurring both increased costs through increased demand for the services we provide and a severe reduction in because we can no longer hold the many community fundraising events we rely on for regular income. This donation is vital as it will enable us to bridge the income gap until activities can restart.”

The group has adapted its services to local people, says Nikul, with online sessions allowing members to interact with each other, volunteers and staff from their own homes. The group also provides befriending services, important for helping tackle loneliness and isolation among older people.

Pauline Fletcher, sales and marketing director at Persimmon Homes Wessex, said that the company is glad to support the cause: “In times like these it’s so important for older people in particular to have some contact with friends and support groups in the community. MHA are doing an amazing job in Swindon and fully deserve this support from our Community Champions programme.”

Each month, Persimmon Homes identifies two good cases in the region, pledging donations of up to £1,000 to help them develop or maintain their work. Details of the scheme can be found at: persimmonhomes.com/community-champions

The award-winning housebuilder has several development projects underway or newly finished locally, including schemes at Saxon Grove, Stanton Chase and Badbury Park. For more information, visit persimmonhomes.com