A DONATION from a regional builder has helped a special needs youth club in Urmston continue to provide a much-need service to the community.

Funtastic Friday Special Needs Youth Club received £1,000 after applying to Persimmon Homes North West to become one of its community champions.

The scheme invites local groups and charities to bid for a match-funded donation from a national fund, with two donations of up to £1,000 being made locally every month.

The club, which meets every Friday during term time from 5-7pm, provides support and activities for children with learning disabilities, their parents and siblings.

Claire Owens, spokeswoman for the club, said: “There is nothing else like our club in this area and we aim to meet all the needs of the children and adapt activities for their likes and dislikes. We give everyone the chance to meet new people and socialise and our activities include arts and crafts, a sensory room, bingo, a soft play area, darts, a disco and karaoke.

“We cannot thank Persimmon Homes enough for their support. To keep the club running we needed £1,000 to retain our youth worker. Everyone enjoys coming to the youth club and the parents’ feedback has been amazing since we opened six months ago.

“It gives them a time to relax, meet other parents and know their children are in a safe and stimulating environment. It is very much needed in our community.”

Dave Hodgson, sales director of Persimmon Homes North West, said: “It is clear that the Funtastic Friday youth club offers a much-need and valued service for the local community and we are delighted to be able to support their work.

“We get many entries every month for our Community Champions scheme. If people were unsuccessful last month, we urge them to visit the Persimmon Homes website and to try again and hopefully they will become our next recipient.”

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