Helping feed those in need in Surrey Heath

A church breakfast club that serves up to 60 people each week is set to continue for another year thanks to funding from our Thames Valley business.

The five-star business supported St Martin’s Church in Camberley through their Community Champions scheme, designed to create a lasting legacy in the areas in which we build. 

Vicar Chris Richardson applied to the fund after seeing the take up of their breakfast club grow, and was offered a donation of £3,000 from Persimmon Homes Thames Valley to provide food right through the winter months. 

Rev Richardson said: “We serve the Old Dean neighbourhood, which is a recognised area of deprivation within Surrey and we have a significant number of refugees and homeless in the area. At St Martin’s have an open-door policy and encourage anyone who may be in need of a filling meal, or friendship, to join us at one of our sessions throughout the week. 

“On a Sunday we see as many as 60 people come for breakfast and we offer a selection of cereals, toast and bacon sandwiches with a drink. This is all prepared and served by our wonderful volunteers in the 45 minutes before our service starts.” 

 
The church works to support the wider community throughout the week and also offers a parent and toddler group, a lunch club and food parcels for those in need, regardless of faith. 

Presenting the cheque to Rev Richardson and the team of volunteers, Rachel Faulkner, Sales Director for Persimmon Thames Valley, said: “It was a pleasure to meet the volunteers who give their time so freely to serve those living in Old Dean and ensuring they have access to warm food throughout the week. 

“At Persimmon Homes we are delighted to be able to support projects like this that create an inclusive community.” 

 
We have recently acquired a site in nearby Frimley from Homes England where we will be building 160 much-needed new homes for the local community in Surrey Heath.