Posted on 7th Sep
Two groups dedicated to supporting the elderly in Nottinghamshire have been boosted by a housebuilder’s charity fund.
My Sight Nottinghamshire and Sharewear Clothing Scheme have each been selected to receive a £1,000 grant from the Persimmon Homes Community Champions scheme to help fund their work.
Supporting the blind and partially sighted, My Sight Nottinghamshire predominantly supports the over-70s. The current health crisis has meant the charity has had to adapt and create a new support network, requiring more volunteers time and resources.
Lydia Fenton, from My Sight Nottinghamshire, said: “Many of the people we support need to shield due to their age making them high risk. For many this can have an increase feeling of loneliness and isolation which is compounded by sight loss.
“We have contacted around 1,500 elderly people and set up ‘telebefrienders’ so they can feel more connected, launched online support groups and provided a regular food delivery service. Although restrictions are lifting many will remain house bound for some time. Persimmon Homes’ donation is helping us to continue our service – we are very grateful.”
Sharewear Clothing Scheme provide free pre-loved and brand-new clothing, shoes and bedding to people in the region. In 2018 the charity began supplying Nottingham University Hospitals with clothes for elderly patients who lacked a family network. This has now extended to other regional hospitals and several care homes requesting their service.
Louise Cooke, from Sharewear Clothing Scheme, said: “We are seeing a large increase for our service from the dementia units in hospitals, and care homes, where their elderly residents were sadly living in poverty before moving to the home. This increase incurs more costs and its support of companies like Persimmon Homes that helps us to continue our work.”
The match-funding initiative seeks to support grassroots groups and charities in areas where the company is building.
Neil Follows, managing director for Persimmon Homes Nottingham, added: “Covid-19 is having a massive impact on older people, so we are pleased to support two organisations taking practical steps to support these members of our communities.”
Persimmon Homes Nottingham makes two donations of up to £1,000 every month. The online application form can be found at www.persimmonhomes.com/charity
