Partner Article

New baby unit benefits from housebuilder's cash

A mother and baby unit in Wakefield has received a cash injection to renovate its outdoor play area after receiving a donation from a West Yorkshire housebuilder.

Persimmon Homes West Yorkshire has handed Action for Children’s New Hall Mother and Baby Unit with a £1,000 donation, courtesy of its Community Champions scheme.

The initiative rewards charities that have worked hard to fundraise, with the housebuilder making two donations of up to £1,000 each month.

The unit – based on the New Hall prison estate – cares and supports for a maximum of nine mothers and ten children.

Catherine Schroeter, Fundraiser at the New Hall Mother and Baby Unit, said: “This generous donation from Persimmon Homes means that we can renovate our outdoor play area for the babies, where we hope to include a play ship, sandbox and sensory play area which will include mirrors and musical items.

“Just like any other day nursery and carehome projects, we follow the Government’s Early Years Principles. Operating in a prison means our staff have to work very hard to make sure the children are brought up in the right way and in a safe environment.

“Re-offending rates are reduced as a result of the mother’s time with the babies in the unit and it’s this impact on the community that we find so rewarding.”

Simon Whalley, sales director for Persimmon Homes West Yorkshire, said: “We are thrilled to be supporting the New Hall Mother and Baby Unit, who provide a vital service for babies and their families.

“We can’t wait to see the group’s new outdoor play area, which is sure to be a fantastic addition to an already great charity.

“Persimmon Homes West Yorkshire 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.”

Organisations can apply for funding by completing a simple online form at www.persimmonhomes.com/charity

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ross Watson .