A pioneering project which sees people who have experienced life with addictions supporting their peers has been awarded £1,000 by Persimmon Homes Teesside’s Community Champions fund.

Foundations Harm Reduction Union CIC, based at the Foundations Medical Practice in Acklam Road Middlesbrough, offers peer led harm reduction advice and guidance and support, delivered by volunteers, to those impacted by addiction by creating routes into treatment and support.

The Union’s leader George Charlton explained: “Middlesbrough has the highest rate of drug related deaths each year across the whole of England and Wales and our volunteers go out into the community, connect with their peers and offer non-judgmental and compassionate approaches to ensure that people impacted by addictions know they have people who believe in them and want to help them.”

“The tireless work of our peers, who themselves have direct lived experiences of addiction, makes such a difference in ensuring people are safe and supported, and in turn a donation of this size from a national company gives them a massive boost."

Joan Peart, sales director for Persimmon Homes Teesside, added: “The work of the Union in supporting people at their lowest ebb is invaluable. Their work directly benefits their peers and the wider community in Middlesbrough.”

“We’re proud our donation is able to help the group and we wish them well.”

Persimmon Homes national match-funding programme Community Champions was launched in 2015 and seeks to support groups and charities working to improve the quality of life for local people.

Each month Persimmon Homes Teesside donates up to £2,000 to community groups across the region. This also happens across Persimmon’s other 31 operating areas, meaning up to £64,000 is dished out every single month – a total of £768,000 a year.

For more information on Persimmon Homes Community Champions scheme and to apply visit www.persimmonhomes.com/charity