A West Yorkshire songwriting charity that helps people living with terminal illnesses or bereavement to write and record an original song, has been given a £1,000 donation.

The Swan Song Project was awarded the funding from the Persimmon Homes Community Champions scheme and will use the gift to fund more than ten group singing sessions.

During the pandemic the charity expanded its services by launching a virtual singing group helping people experiencing mental health concerns or isolation.

Gemma Cross from The Swan Song Project said: “We aim to help people cope with their circumstances by creating an opportunity for them to express their emotions or honour the bereavement of someone, through a song, even if they have no previous musical or writing experience.

“Previously, the majority of our sessions were provided in person so, due to the current pandemic, we have set up a virtual songwriting service. However, we wanted to use the power of music and reach out to support others in need.

“We are delighted with the success of our new online singing sessions and feel this is an essential addition that we want to maintain, and the donation from Persimmon Homes West Yorkshire is going to help make this possible.”

Persimmon Homes West Yorkshire makes two donations of up to £1,000 every month to grassroots groups and charities in the areas where it is building.

Christopher Hull, managing director for Persimmon Homes West Yorkshire said: “Our Community Champions scheme is all about supporting the communities where we are building.  The Swan Song Project’s services reaches out to so many in their time of need in a safe and effective way – we are very pleased to support their work.”

The Persimmon Homes Community  Champions online application form can be found at www.persimmonhomes.com/charity