A Leicester arts and education charity are celebrating the award of a £1,000 donation which will help provide course materials and resources for vulnerable young people.

Pedestrian, based in Leicester city centre, supports people who are excluded, or at risk of exclusion, from mainstream education in the city and county. Now, thanks to the donation from national housebuilder Persimmon Homes, the charity is on course to develop a dynamic library to engage vulnerable learners.

“Our learners are often described as ‘disaffected’ due to their low motivation and behavioural challenges at school,” said charity Director Hema Mistry. “However there are many other factors that young people face, such as special educational needs and mental health or anxiety issues, which affects their ability to engage.”

“We are so excited about having the funding to build an inspiring library with innovative books and materials to complement our courses, in our subject areas of creative arts, photography, business and music.”

 Persimmon Homes made the donation as part of its Community Champions scheme, which invites applications from charities and good causes, making two grants per month in each of its regional divisions.

Nadine O’Dowd sales director for Persimmon Homes North Midlands: “When we heard about Pedestrian and the outstanding work they do with vulnerable people in this area, we wanted to help out. It has been a very tough year for many young people in terms of their mental wellbeing and, financially, for organisations who support them with their education. We hope our donation makes a difference in providing new and inspiring course materials for people who really need it.”

 Persimmon Homes is currently active in Leicester and the east Midlands with a number of new-build projects currently underway. For more information, www.persimmonhomes.com