A Somerset charity that promotes health and wellbeing for older people has received a cash injection from a leading house builder in the region.
Age UK Somerset, based in Taunton, has been handed £1,000 from persimmon Homes South West’s Community Champions fund. The grant will go towards organising new sessions for clients to improve their activity levels, helping to reduce and prevent illnesses and generally improving their quality of life and wellbeing.
Ageing Well, is a programme managed by Age UK Somerset and it is dedicated to improving the health and well-being of older people. It organises events, activities and sessions in both Somerset and North Somerset.
Ageing Well’s Manager Dianne Ramsay , who applied for the grant, told Tone News: “The friendships that are made in our classes make a real difference, helping them to feel a real connectedness in the communities in which they live.
“We strive to create and develop healthy and safe communities, ensuring a healthy standard of living for all and help prevent loneliness and isolation. Activity sessions will include Tai Chi, Movement to Music, Yoga and Stay Strong Stay Steady as we know this is what older people like to be doing, as they focus on strength and balance.”
The house builder’s national match-funding programme Community Champions seeks to support groups and charities working to improve the quality of life for local people.
Nina Hester, sales and marketing director at Persimmon Homes South West, also spoke to Tone News: “This charity has a large impact on the lives of its clients and their families and we’re thrilled to hand over £1,000 funding to Age UK Somerset.
“Persimmon Homes South West has had a fantastic response to its Community Champions scheme and it is always a tricky task to pick our winners each month.
“If applicants were unsuccessful last month, we urge them to visit the Persimmon Homes website and to try again and hopefully they will become our next Community Champion.”