‘Grand’ donation supports vital mental-health work in Hants

A Hampshire charity offering support for ‘neurodivergent’ individuals and their families has received a £1,000 Community Champions donation from the South Coast region, to further develop its work.

Koala Community Hub is dedicated to supporting people who have non-typical brain and behavioural patterns, including autism, dyslexia, ADHD and Tourette’s syndrome. Collectively this is known as neurodiversity.

Spokesperson Tori Rist explained: “Through mutual support activities, our neurodivergent community can create connections which, in turn, helps with mental health issues and combats isolation. We currently operate on a volunteer basis but are trying to raise funds to operate further training and support groups.

“We now support all age groups, from toddlers to adults, and also provide support for parents and those young people who cannot access a formal education setting. We hope to now expand with high-quality training and mental-health support drop-ins.”

To help develop its valuable work, the Andover-based group applied for Community Champions funding, and was selected as one of two locally-based good causes to receive a donations this month.

Commenting on the latest award, director in charge Joe Lindsay said: “Koala Community Hub put forward an application which outlined their vital work in this area, supporting people and families. There is clearly still much to be done in educating the wider public about neurodiversity and providing the right support for those who live with these conditions.

“We hope our donation can go some way towards achieving greater understanding and bringing about necessary improvements.”

Persimmon South Coast makes two donations of up to £1,000 every month through its Community Champions scheme. To find out more and make an application, visit www.persimonhomes.com/charity