Plymouth-based charity Harbour is benefitting from a £1,000 funding boost thanks to Persimmon Homes Cornwall.

Adrian Edwards from Harbour Plymouth explains: “Many of the people we work with have complex needs and also have issues related to poor physical and mental health, as well as homelessness and accommodation needs. The majority of our service users are currently experiencing or have a history of trauma such as physical, emotional or sexual abuse and exploitation. We are one of a number of trauma-informed organisations in Plymouth and a member of the Plymouth Alliance.

“We have been fundraising to gain enough money in order to make our reception area more welcoming for our service users. Unfortunately during the COVID 19 pandemic our reception space had to become a clinical area and service users had to ring a doorbell and wait to be admitted to the building. We are now hoping to make the area more friendly and comfortable with new carpet, spacious seating arrangements, soothing music, calming photographs and paintings - possibly produced by some of the service users themselves.

“Being able to spend the time before their appointment in a trauma-informed and safe space will mean that the service users are calmer, happier and better able to engage in their treatment session.

“We are extremely grateful to Persimmon Homes Cornwall for this generous donation. Like many charities, fundraising during the pandemic has not been easy and this will certainly give our efforts and plans a big boost.”

Jane Cartwright, sales director for Persimmon Homes Cornwall, added: “Harbour Plymouth carries out some fantastic work at the very heart of our community and we are pleased to be able to provide them with this £1,000 donation towards making their reception area a warm, comfortable and welcoming space for their service users.”