A group supporting people with Down Syndrome has secured the funding for more swimming lessons at Bramley Baths following a cash donation from a housebuilder.
Sunshine & Smiles Leeds Down Syndrom Network has been selected by Persimmon Homes West Yorkshire’s Community Champion scheme and awarded £1,000 which will fund six months of swimming lessons at the Edwardian Grade II Listed baths in Broad Lane.
The Leeds parent-led charity works with children and their families living with Down syndrome by offering a range of regular groups and events such as speech and language therapy, dancing lessons and swimming sessions.
The group also provides individual advice and support and helps to raise awareness and challenge preconceptions in the wider community.
Ailith Harley-Roberts, from Sunshine & Smiles, said:
“This is wonderful news for our group as we provide swimming lessons at Bramley Baths every fortnight.
“Swimming is an essential life skill and knowing we can provide this beneficial service for so many of our members, with no additional funding, is truly wonderful.
“We are incredibly grateful for Persimmon Homes’ support.”
Simon Whalley, sales director for Persimmon Homes West Yorkshire, said: “Sunshine & Smiles provide an excellent service in the area we build so we are delighted that our Community Champions Scheme can help support their ongoing work.”
The Community Champions initiative began in 2015, allowing charities and groups to apply to the matching-funding scheme, up to the value of £1,000. Organisations can apply here.
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