An award-winning service that provides care and support for older people in North Staffordshire has received a major cash boost.

West Midlands has awarded MHA Communities North Staffordshire a £1,000 grant as it continues to support local groups and charities in the area.

We donate up to £64,000 a month to fund initiatives as part of the highly successful Community Champions scheme.

The charity enables older people to stay living independently in their own homes for as long as possible, with the best quality of life. 

The scheme's activities programme is designed and led by its members and volunteers to ensure that it provides the required practical and social support.

Liz Daley, from the charity, said: “We’re so grateful to Persimmon Homes for their support in donating £1,000 to our project.

“As the local MHA Communities scheme, we offer a variety of exciting and fulfilling social activities and services for people aged 55 and over. From befriending and lunch clubs to online activities and dance and exercise classes, there's something to suit people of all abilities.

“Our aim is to enable older people to live independently in their own homes for as long as possible, helping them to live later life well, stay connected and supported in their local community.

“With a small staff and many dedicated volunteers, we deliver many groups and services to prevent social isolation and loneliness.

“With this donation from Persimmon we will be able to help fund our current programme and devise new exciting and creative solutions to a need increased by the recent pandemic and help get many older people back out, active, socialising and engaged.”

David Greengrass, Sales Director Designate for West Midlands, said: “We’re pleased to be supporting MHA Communities North Staffordshire with our Community Champions donation this month.

“Liz and the team support over 300 older people every week through social interaction, with the aim of reducing loneliness and isolation, which I think is an essential service for the local community.

“It’s donations like this £1,000 that help them continue this great work every day, so it makes us massively proud to be involved.”

For more information visit www.persimmonhomes.com, or to apply for Community Champions funding visit www.persimmonhomes.com/charity.