An outdoor education centre in Buxton that facilitates the personal development of children has received a £1,000 grant from leading housebuilder Persimmon Homes.
The White Hall Outdoor Education Centre at Long Hill has been selected for the donation from Persimmon’s Building Futures scheme, which aims to support community groups working with under-18s across three categories – education & arts, health and sport.
The centre is owned and operated by Derbyshire County Council and 90% of its income comes from parents of children who attend residential outdoor education programmes, with the rest made up from grant funding and donations.
Dan Riley, Programme Leader, said: “We use outdoor education to facilitate the personal development of children. Specifically raising self-esteem, social and environmental awareness, independence and self-reliance, team-work, health and fitness.
“Thank you to Persimmon Homes, this is fantastic news and really exciting for us. We will use the money to buy specialist equipment that will facilitate inclusivity allowing those with additional needs to participate alongside their peer group.”
Entries have now closed for Building Futures funding, which will see £1million given away across Britain to regional charities, groups, sports clubs and schools to improve local facilities and the delivery of vital community projects.
In addition to hundreds of local donations of £1,000, 96 initiatives will go on to compete for top prizes of £100,000 through a national online public vote. The overall winners will be named at a gala dinner for finalists in October.
Dave Hodgson, sales director of Persimmon Homes North West, said: “Organisations like the White Hall Centre are exactly why we launched our Building Futures scheme, and we are so proud of the difference the scheme can make to the health and well-being of young people.”
In each sector – education & arts, health and sport – as well as a £100,000 first prize, there will be a £50,000 second prize and a £20,000 third prize, while a further 87 shortlisted projects will each receive £5,000.
For further details about the White Hall Outdoor Education Centre visit www.whitehallcentre.com