Saltash Memory Café Receives £1,000 Donation from Persimmon Homes

Persimmon Homes Cornwall & West Devon has donated £1,000 to Saltash Memory Café, supporting people in the town living with dementia and those who care for them.

The group, which meets twice a month at Burraton Methodist Church, received the cheque after applying to the housebuilder’s Community Champions scheme. The presentation was attended by local councillors Keith Johnson and Paul Cador.

Support for people living with dementia

The café is run by MHA Communities Cornwall and provides a friendly and supportive space for people in Saltash living with dementia, along with their carers. Its work focuses on improving wellbeing, reducing isolation, and strengthening connections within the community.

Community Champions funding

Persimmon’s Community Champions scheme sees £700,000 donated each year to organisations and good causes across Britain, as part of the company’s commitment to leaving a positive and lasting legacy in the areas where it builds.

Recent local recipients of funding include Plymouth Argyle Community Foundation, The Box Museum, St Luke’s Hospice, and Cornwall Air Ambulance.

Housing developments in the area

The five star housebuilder currently has two major developments in Plymouth at Palmerston Heights in Derriford and Saltram Meadows in Plymstock, offering homes ranging from one bed flats to four bed houses, with prices starting from £170,000.

Persimmon has also recently consulted the public on plans to bring up to 350 new homes to Latchbrook Farm in Saltash, ahead of submitting a planning application. The proposals include public open space, children’s play areas, a wildlife nature trail, and housing association properties.

What those involved said

Jane Cartwright, Sales Director at Persimmon Homes Cornwall & West Devon, said the company was committed to leaving a positive and lasting legacy where it has a significant presence. She added that Persimmon was pleased to support the Memory Café after it applied for funding.

Elizabeth Hewer, Locality Manager for MHA Communities Cornwall, thanked Persimmon for supporting the café, known fondly by members as ‘Decaf’. She said the donation would help provide vital support, guidance, and activities that make a meaningful difference to everyone who attends.

Councillor Keith Johnson described the Saltash Memory Café as a lifeline for people living with memory loss and their families, while Councillor Paul Cador said the donation would go a long way in helping the café continue its work and hoped other local businesses would also lend their support.