Yorkshire Asperger's support service receives £1,000 cash gift

A vital service that provides support to children with Asperger’s Syndrome in Sheffield has been gifted £1,000 from a national housebuilder.

Asperger’s Children and Carers Together (ACCT), who provide a weekly support group to children and their families, were handed the cash-gift by Persimmon Homes West Yorkshire as part of their Community Champions project.

The Persimmon Homes Community Champions scheme is a national programme where clubs, groups and good causes can apply for funding up to the value of £1,000 to match money they have already raised themselves.

The group, which operates out of St. Mary’s Community Centre on Bramall Lane, was established in 2006 due to a lack of support services for families and children dealing with autism in the Sheffield area.

Peter Friend, Funding and Strategy Coordinator at Asperger’s Children and Carers Together, said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to have received this money from Persimmon Homes West Yorkshire.

“Our group is extremely important to both the children we help and the 448 families we support.

“As well as weekly club meetups, we also organise day trips in the summer providing new opportunities and experiences for over 890 children and adults.

“For parents and carers, our sessions provide a much needed weekly break from what is often a demanding caring role and our team of part-time staff and 48 volunteers work tirelessly.

“We fundraise every year to help towards the cost of running our popular clubs and I can confirm that the £1,000 donation from Persimmon Homes West Yorkshire will be put towards this.”

Wayne Gradwell, managing director for Persimmon Homes West Yorkshire said: “I’m pleased to see such a wonderful charity benefiting from this cash gift.

“At Persimmon Homes we’re passionate about the communities we build in and want to support charities and groups where possible.

“I’d advise any other charities and groups looking for funding towards an event, running costs or equipment to apply to the Community Champions scheme for their chance to receive up to £1,000 in match-funding.”

For more information on the Persimmon Homes Community Champions initiative and to apply, please visit www.persimmonhomes.com/charity and fill in the quick and simple form.