An Alton-based assistance dog charity has received £1,000 of funding from our South Coast region.

Dogs for Autism received the funding through the Community Champions scheme, which supports grassroots charities and voluntary groups in the areas where the company is building.

Sales director Graeme Cole said: “Small charities have been hugely impacted by the pandemic, with many struggling to maintain their usual calendar of fundraising activities.

“We are proud to be able to support this worthwhile organisation, which makes a genuine difference to the lives of people living with autism.”

Dogs for Autism trains and provides autism assistance dogs to support independence, access to education, the workplace and community for autistic people of all ages.

Charity spokeswoman Jan Kiley said: “The people we work with experience profound barriers to experiencing their world, but with the help of an assistance dog their potential is finally unlocked in a way that no other support or interventions achieve, providing a lifeline where no comparable help is available.

“Persimmon’s donation will help us to purchase more puppies that we can train as life-changing autism assistance dogs for our recipients.”

Anyone interested in the charity can find out more at www.dogsforautism.org.uk

Persimmon’s Community Champions scheme offers donations of up to £1,000 to local UK groups and charities which have already raised vital funds themselves.

To find out more or to apply for the Community Champions fund, visit: www.persimmonhomes.com/community-champions