A charity which helps vulnerable and disadvantaged people has received £1,000 from a regional housebuilder, which will help support the over 60s.

Walk Tall, which is based in Gravesend, was awarded the money by Persimmon Homes South East through its Community Champions initiative.

The match-funded scheme hands out two awards of up to £1,000 every month to community good causes.

Walk Tall was formed 18 years ago. The charity offers counselling, education and therapeutic arts.

Spokesman Ann Duke said: “We would like to have a therapeutic support and activity group for the over 60s, a gap in our service that has become apparent during the Covid crisis, as requests to provide welfare calls have become overwhelming.

"The group will be facilitated by a retired mental health nurse, and funding from Persimmon will help us set up and maintain this group, and we are extremely grateful.”

Walk Tall already offers low-cost counselling to individuals and couples who would otherwise be unable to access therapy due to financial constraints.

It also offers an education service for vulnerable young people who would otherwise have no recourse to education due to severe and enduring mental health difficulties.

The charity also provide therapeutic arts to help with confidence building and social skills.

Martin Crick, sales director for Persimmon Homes South East, said: “We have noticed that applications for our Community Champions scheme are on the rise, as charities continue to feel the effects of Covid-19.

“The funds are being put to such good use and we look forward to receiving nominations from anyone who is doing good work that makes a difference to their community.

"If a charity is not successful this month, I would urge them to reapply the following month.”

For more information about Walk Tall and its services click here.

To find out more about the Community Champions, or to nominate a charity or organisation, click here.

Read more: All the latest news from Gravesend