Leeds charity celebrating after receiving £50k donation

A charity in Leeds that works to improve employability in underserved communities is celebrating after receiving a £50,000 donation from Persimmon Homes.

Hamara Healthy Living Centre was one of three charities chosen from hundreds of applicants after applying to the Persimmon Homes Charitable Foundation’s open application programme in March.

The charity say the donation will help them to support dozens of young people in the local area.
Funding will be put towards its Youth Employability & Skills Programme, reaching at least 120 young people over 12 months with targeted support, including employability workshops, accredited training, work experience opportunities, and fast-track recruitment pathways.

Anthony Vigor, Chair of the Foundation, said: “This is our third round of funding and we continue to be impressed by the quality of applications.

“We’re delighted to be able to support the fantastic work that Hamara is doing to remove barriers to work and improve outcomes for young people.”

Arnie Sajad, Development Director of Hamara, said: “This support enhances our capacity to deliver skills-focused programmes that lead to clear employment outcomes.”

The Persimmon Charitable Foundation was set up in 2015 to help support the communities in which Persimmon Homes operates.

Persimmon’s open application programme launched in 2025 to give more charities the opportunity to access Foundation funding. The next funding round will open in June.

The Persimmon Charitable Foundation supports projects that address deprivation or disadvantage, especially among young people. These include social mobility and youth development, such as learning and training.

Since 2021, the Persimmon Charitable Foundation has donated more than £3 million to good causes.