Just champion! Teesside windfalls support ongoing good work

Two local good causes are celebrating news that Persimmon Homes has pledged a total of £2,000 to support their forthcoming activities.

The donations come from our innovative Community Champions fund, which rewards charities and good causes with financial support, with two organisations awarded up to £1,000 each, every month.

The first beneficiary from the latest round of donations is Stockton-based ‘community interest company’ Knock Out Depression. With the focus on boxing, its role is to provide accessible programmes to support people struggling with mental health issues following the Covid pandemic.

Founding director Matthew Williams said: “Mental health services are currently under more pressure than ever. Covid and the resulting lockdowns led to high levels of isolation, illness and bereavement, along with financial hardship.

“We are delivering boxing-related programmes to help people cope, with some physical workouts followed by classroom sessions. We approached Persimmon to help fund a range of boxing equipment and with their help we can now secure more gloves, ropes, medicine balls and other gear.”

Also in receipt of £1,000 is the Under-11s team at Stockton Town FC. The club, which runs several boys and girls’ sides for various age groups, does have a fund-raising programme to supplement income from player subscriptions, though much of this goes towards the cost of entering tournaments and paying for matchday officials.

According to the club, the Persimmon donation will be put towards new football kits as the team moves to the U-12 category. This will give a boost to young players and help release existing funds for other uses.

On behalf of Persimmon Homes Teesside, Joan Peart, sales director, said: “Community Champions come in many different guises but they all strive to enhance the lives of local people in some way. For many, sport is a great outlet as it not only involves a physical release but teaches young people the value of teamwork, commitment and discipline.

“We encourage applications via our online form for future Community Champions winners, which is simple to complete and offers two organisations each month the chance to gain up to £1,000 in funding.”