Selfless community groups receive a helping hand

Two richly-deserving community-based causes in the west of Scotland are among the latest recipients from our pioneering Community Champions programme. Each has been awarded £1,000 by the company’s Glasgow-based West Scotland division.

Amputee Football Association Scotland was set up in 2017 to provide opportunities for amputees in Scotland to play football. Based in Glasgow but catering for players from all across Scotland, it aims to give players with congenital limb differences the chance to play at grassroots, club and international level.

Spokesperson Ashley Reid said: “We are now resuming competitive games in the post-pandemic environment. Our national team now has overseas commitments and to fulfil these we desperately need help towards travel costs and to acquire new reinforced crutches for all amputee players.

“In addition, we are busy developing training sessions and events for young people, so they can pursue their passion in a fun and friendly environment. We work hard to raise funds to support these developments but have a shortfall. That’s why we turned to Persimmon for some help.”

Around 12 miles away, Old Kilpatrick Food Parcels (OKFP) is the name of an emergency foodbank and community hub based on Station Road, Old Kilpatrick. Set up in the wake of the pandemic, the group relies on the support of a dedicated band of volunteers, who are trained on life skills such as cooking, housekeeping, budgeting and counselling, as founder Maureen Cummings explains:

“Our training enables the volunteers to help vulnerable families in our community who are experiencing social exclusion as a result of being isolated for long periods of time. This has been a particular issue during the pandemic.”

“Many of the individuals and families we work with have lost their confidence in social settings. That’s why we are so committed to helping rebuild their self-esteem and wellbeing, by teaching them new skills and offering training opportunities.”

On behalf of our West Scotland region managing director Chris Logan said: “Our region has been hit hard in recent years, through the pandemic and, more recently, the cost-of-living crisis. This creates very real difficulties for all but especially for those facing challenges, be it physical impairment or less visible issues, such as social exclusion.

“Our Community Champions programme is designed to offer much-needed support for those groups and the selfless people who work hard to create opportunities and help their communities thrive. That’s why we are so pleased to announce this funding for OKFP and the Amputee FA Scotland. We wish them all every success in the future.”

To find out more about the Community Champions scheme, including details of how to apply, visit: https://www.persimmonhomes.com/community-champions

The company has a number of upcoming and recently-completed residential developments in the region. For details, go to: https://www.persimmonhomes.com/find-your-new-home

Photo caption: Keeley, Amputee FA and OKFP Hub CIC supporting image.