South Coast region gives back to local community with £1,000 donation to Hampshire bereavement charity

Our South Coast region recently relocated its office South Coast office to Eastleigh has provided a much needed fundraising boost to Butterflies Bereavement Support, a charity based in the town centre.

The charity received £1,000 donation from our Community Champions scheme and was selected from dozens of other applications in a highly competitive process. Butterflies Bereavement Support operates from its headquarters in Pirelli Way but also provides a range of support groups, a buddy system and telephone counselling services across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

Local MP, Paul Holmes who wrote in support of the charity’s application to the Community Champions scheme helped present the cheque.

Julie Lamont, Chair of Trustees for Butterflies Bereavement Support said:

“Bereavement can be a subject that people shy away from, at Butterflies Bereavement Support we help people find their way through it by facing it. This generous donation to our funds will enable us to continue our work in supporting people struggling to come to terms with the death of a loved one by making our services accessible to one and all.

“We are volunteer led and run so always looking for new people to join our team. We are looking for people to help us with admin in our office in Eastleigh or willing to facilitate a small group in their locality, give up an hour or two a week to call people lonely or isolated and qualified counsellors who can give us an hour or two a week – I would love to hear from any one prepared to join us.

“Supporting people out of their dark place and helping them find a new future is fulfilling for everyone involved. You could be part of that. Thank you, Persimmon Homes, for giving us the opportunity to continue our work.”

Graeme Cole, Sales Director from South Coast region commented:

“We’re delighted to support a brilliant charity so close to where we work and give back to the local community.

“Butterflies Bereavement Support undertake fantastic work and are there when people need them most. I’m very pleased that we’re able to help them continue to look after so many families across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.”

Paul Holmes, MP for Eastleigh added:

“It's brilliant to see local businesses like Persimmon giving back to their community. I am delighted to present this cheque to Butterflies Bereavement Support, for the outstanding work they do to support anyone who has been impacted by the loss of a loved one across Hampshire & the Isle of Wight.

“They have rightly been recognised as Community Champions, and I hope that this award helps them to continue the hugely important community work they do.”

Founded in 2016, Butterflies provides bereavement counselling with face-to-face sessions, phone or Zoom/Teams sessions at reasonable cost for people aged 18 and over. The charity also offers a Friendship Service that provides a weekly phone call to anyone who is lonely or isolated through bereavement, illness, mobility issues or lack of public transport. The services it offers are provided by combination of trained counsellors and volunteers.

Anyone who has experienced bereavement or is aware of someone who has, can get in touch with Butterflies on 023 8155 0066 or by emailing info@bflies.org.uk