Hartlepool group gets a cash boost to keep on helping the elderly in lockdown

St Aidan’s Kitchen, in Oxford Street, has been handed the funds by Persimmon Homes Teesside from its Community Champions scheme.

The boost comes as Persimmon looks to help people aged over 70 during Covid-19.

Persimmon Homes Teesside launched Community Champions in 2015 to help community groups, charities and good causes in the areas in which it builds.

But because of the continuing effect of the Covid-19 outbreak, bosses felt elderly people were most in need of support. The change of direction came into effect from April.

Rev Gemma Sampspon said: “St Aidan’s Kitchen has been running since August 2017, feeding the hungry, homeless and vulnerable in Hartlepool. We regularly feed more than 150 people each week, but because of Covid 19 we have had to close the church kitchen.”

“Instead, we have set up a meals-on-wheels and food delivery service, direct to doors, for the elderly and those who are most isolated.

“We feed 230-plus people a day at this time, six days a week, and it costs us £3,000 a week to do that. We are committed to running until the virus passes.

“Thank you to Persimmon Homes for helping us with the donation.”

Each month, the house builder donates up to £2,000 to community groups across the region.

Joan Peart, sales director for Persimmon Homes Teesside, said: “We are fortunate to be able to support our communities and give back in the areas in which we are building.”

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