An OSWESTRY-based charity is better off to the tune of £1,000 after a donation from a leading housing developer.

PANDAS Foundation is based in Artillery Park, in Park Hall, and it provides information on perinatal mental health to those in need and signposts people to medical aid where needed.

They also have a free telephone helpline, and email and online support alongside their local support groups, which offer valuable peer to peer support.

The donation is from Barratt and David Wilson Homes, which has contributed £1,000 to PANDAS Foundation, as part of the developer’s Community Fund scheme, which sees it support a local charity or organisation each month.

Annie Belasco, head of PANDAS Foundation, admitted the donation has been a blessing for her charity and praised the work of the Community Fund Scheme.

She said: “When we found out we were getting the donation from Barratt and David Wilson Homes, we felt very privileged and lucky, but eternally grateful as we rely on donations to keep going.

“Their Community Fund scheme is a fantastic idea and really great for communities too like PANDAS Foundation.”

The funding will go towards recruitment and employee safety checks, as well as safeguarding and insurance for new starters joining their team.

This will enable them to carry out their work effectively throughout a difficult time.

Since March 2020 when lockdown began, PANDAS Foundation has witnessed a 101 per cent rise in calls.

The new funding will help support the recruitment of the charity’s list of 70 volunteers who are waiting to help with their inundation of calls.

Mark Cotes, managing director at Barratt and David Wilson Homes North Midlands, admitted they were delighted to be supporting the project.

He said: “During times like this, it’s important for communities to come together to support those in need and we’re delighted to have the opportunity to help PANDAS Foundation through our Community Fund scheme.

“There are many people in need of extra support, especially during such a difficult time, and the efforts of the team at PANDAS is extremely admirable.”

For more on PANDAS Foundation, visit the website at https://pandasfoundation.org.uk/