A new children’s activity service for those who have experienced difficulties in traditional learning settings has received a £1,000 donation from a builder.

Mansfield-based R.E.A.L. Foundation Trust received the funding from the Persimmon Homes Building Futures initiative, launched in partnership with Team GB.

The children’s charity recently launched its ‘Freetime’ project, which aims to help young people develop their social and independent skills through a range of activities. The Persimmon Homes’ donation funded taster sessions during the summer.

Rob Lyons, of the charity, said: “This is a wonderful boost to our latest service.

“We support young people from the age of five who struggle to settle in formal educational settings and our Freetime project supports those currently not accessing mainstream out-of-hours activities.

“We understand that for projects to be effective we need realistic, engaging activities with creative ways to inspire. Persimmon Homes’ support funded a series of taster sessions over the summer holidays so that the individuals could gain a clear understanding of how we can support their needs.”

Building Futures will deliver more than £1m to good causes across England, Scotland and Wales to support community groups working with under-18s across education and arts, health and sport.

A total of 128 grants of £1,000 will be awarded across Persimmon’s 32 regional businesses to improve local facilities and the delivery of vital community projects.

Three initiatives will go on to win £100,000 each through a national online public vote. The winners will be named at a gala dinner for finalists in November.

In each sector, as well as the £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.

Neil Follows, managing director for Persimmon Homes Nottingham, said: “Our Building Futures initiative is all about supporting the younger generations, so we are delighted to support REAL Foundation Trust’s new and inspiring project.”

In addition to the housebuilder’s Building Futures initiative, the Persimmon Homes successful Community Champion scheme continues where, every month, donations of up to £1,000 are awarded to two good causes within its 32 operating businesses.

Groups can apply for Community Champions funding by completing an online form at www.persimmonhomes.com/charity.