Two deserving groups in Northampton have received a cash boost from our Midlands region.

Read Together for Wellbeing and Hackleton Pre-School Playgroup were each awarded £1,000 through Persimmon Homes’ Community Champions scheme.

Read Together for Wellbeing, which was set up by a research team at the University of Northampton, will use their funding to provide an intergenerational community reading scheme.

Hayley Barton, from Read Together for Wellbeing said: “The project is aimed at improving the wellbeing of older adults in the local Northamptonshire community through the experience of reading alongside young people.

“Research suggests that when an older adult reads with a younger, less experienced partner, there are boosts to wellbeing and mood through the shared experience. The money from Persimmon will allow us to potentially make this a permanent community initiative as well as providing a community space and reading materials.”

PICTURED: Persimmon Homes Midlands area sales manager Claire Wyatt (left) presents Community Champions funding to Charmaine Walker from Hackleton Pre-School.

Hackleton Pre-School Playgroup has operated from the heart of Hackleton for more than 56 years, supporting the growth and development of many children.

Charmaine Walker, setting manager for Hackleton Pre-School, said: “Children have been so affected by pandemic that expert early-years education plays an even bigger role. They have missed family, friends and so many opportunities that support the development of their social and language skills.

“Fundraising has been extremely difficult so Persimmon’s donation will allow us to improve the outdoor space at the local village hall where we are based. Not only will this offer a stimulating and exciting environment, but it will also improve the mental health and well-being of all the users that regularly use this space, both young and older generations.”

Claire Dearsley, sales director of Midlands region, said: “We are committed to giving something back to groups who have a real positive impact on our local community. Both Read Together for Wellbeing and Hackleton Pre-school demonstrate just that.

“We would like to encourage more charities and good causes alike to apply via our website.”

Persimmon’s Community Champions scheme offers two donations of up to £1,000 each month by where they are building.

For more information or to apply online, visit www.persimmonhomes.com/charity

PICTURED Photo top right: (from left) Persimmon Homes Midlands sales manager Ginny Hughes and sales negotiators Toni Copp and Tracy Wells with Dr Hayley Barton from Northampton University’s Read Together for Wellbeing.