A HOUSEBUILDER has put the kettle on in a bid to help tackle isolation across the borough.
Persimmon Homes Thames Valley, which is based in Camberley, has made a donation of £2,000 to The Link Visting Scheme, a Wokingham-based charity that runs sessions and a befriending scheme aimed at ending social isolation for the borough’s older and vulnerable people.
The property developer, based in Camberley, donated £2,000 to The Link Visiting Scheme, which works to prevent isolation and reduce the need for further support from already under-pressure NHS services.
Volunteers run coffee mornings, online classes and arts sessions, all of which support physical and mental well-being.
Marjie Walker, of The Link Visiting Scheme, said: “We have more than 500 older people that we work with who are all struggling with loneliness, and none of this would be possible without our army of 420 volunteers.
“This very generous donation from Persimmon Homes will go towards recruiting even more volunteers and ensuring our existing volunteers have access to all of the training and support they need.
“We would like to thank Persimmon for this money and allowing us to continue our work in Wokingham.”
Wokingham Borough Council Norreys ward councillors Cllr Phil Cunnington and Cllr Marie-Louise Weighill visited the Link’s coffee morning at All Saints Church in Wiltshire Road to meet members and celebrate the donation.
Cllr Cunnington said: “This money is going to be extremely useful in supporting services that provide so much for those in our community who demand so little. Thank you to Persimmon.”
And Cllr Weighill said: “The Link has always done an amazing job in helping people who might feel a little isolated find social links, and, importantly, maintain those new friendships through their various projects and activities.
“This donation from Persimmon will help sustain that work, and ensure people can continue to access these courses for free or a small contribution.”
Lee Farmer, land director of Persimmon Homes Thames Valley, said: “As people get older their needs are different and groups like this help people to not only socialise but also access other services that can support them. It is proving invaluable here in Wokingham and we are delighted to have been able to support Link.
“Here at Persimmon Homes we take great pride in the work we do within the wider community, creating a lasting legacy for generations to come.”
