A community centre that offers young people opportunities to participate in activities that encourage physical and mental wellbeing has been given a £1,000 boost by one of the country’s leading housebuilders.

Beechtree Youth Project, based in Whitchurch, offers a friendly environment for local children to take part in free sessions that teach the benefits of a healthy lifestyle.

The charity has been handed the grant from Persimmon Homes West Midlands as part of the housebuilder’s Building Futures campaign, which runs until August.

Building Futures will deliver more £1m to good causes this year.

Penny Beddoes, chief officer at the charity, said: “This donation from Persimmon Homes is extremely generous and we can’t thank them enough for choosing us.

“The money will allow young people in the local area to participate in regular art, music, drama and media activities that are led by a qualified youth worker and a team of volunteers. 

“The children we work with live within the 27% most deprived areas in England and cuts to other local services has meant that we are the only organisation offering this type of facility.

“This last year has been especially difficult for some of our young people because they’ve struggled with the pandemic and lockdown restrictions so this news will give everyone a much-needed boost!”

Building Futures aims to support community groups working with under-18s across three categories – education & arts, health, and sport.

A total of 128 grants of £1,000 will be awarded across Persimmon’s 32 regional businesses to improve local facilities and the delivery of vital community projects.

Three initiatives will go on to win £100,000 each through a national online public vote. The winners will be named at a gala dinner for finalists in November.

In each sector – education & arts, health, and sport – as well as the £100,000 first prize, there will be a £50,000 second prize and a £20,000 third prize, while a further 87 shortlisted projects will each receive £5,000.

Penny added: “Further funding would help our youth worker to develop and deliver more tailored services for young people in the community which would enhance their personal, social and educational development.

“The project would be able to develop programmes that include observation, consultation and shared decision making as well as planning time frames for each individual.

“We’re really keen to develop a more efficient support network for young people who are disadvantaged and to help make a positive difference to the lives of the youngsters who attend the project.”

David Greengrass, head of sales for Persimmon Homes West Midlands, said: “Beechtree Youth Project is a fantastic local service and a deserving Building Futures winner this month.

“The Covid crisis has been a very difficult period for the younger generation and there’s a real worry that some children have become socially isolated due to a lack of contact with family and friends.

“Community projects like this are absolutely vital as lockdown restrictions start easing so we’re delighted to award them this £1,000 donation.”

To apply for Building Futures funding visit www.persimmonhomes.com/charity.