Bristol Street Motors Birmingham SEAT Brings Community Funding Boost
Bristol Street Motors Birmingham SEAT has given a welcome boost to a mental health project launched by a community soup kitchen in the city.
Villa Cross Soup Kitchen in Lozells, NorthWest Birmingham, was chosen to receive the grant after the neighbourhood organisation applied to the Social Responsibility Awards, a community initiative backed by Vertu Motors plc, the Group which operates Bristol Street Motors and Vertu Volkswagen franchises.
The donation will help support the “Your Health Matters” project which offers therapeutic and practical support for Villa Cross Soup Kitchen visitors to address their mental health and anxiety concerns.
Villa Street Soup Kitchen offers an invaluable service to the communities across North West Birmingham
The initiative will involve mental health first aiders who will offer practical support on a one-to-one basis, music therapy, exercise and wellbeing sessions.
Cynthia Spence, project coordinator for Villa Cross Soup Kitchen, said: “Many of our target group have attended the soup kitchen between one and three years. We have seen some visitors whose mental health has deteriorated and some of the activities have helped. However, we know that music is therapeuticand targeted exercise helps to alleviate stress and anxiety.
“We hope that the project will help individuals to manage their mental health and have better life chances, confidently engage with others and be valued and active members of society".
“We thank Bristol Street Motors for the kind grant, which will help to make a real difference in people’s lives across Birmingham.”
Mark Gibson, general manager, Bristol Street Motors Birmingham SEAT said: “Villa Street Soup Kitchen offers an invaluable service to the communities across North West Birmingham. Through the dedication and commitment of its staff and volunteers, people affected by homelessness and mental health issues receive hot meals, clothing, advice and assistance in a safe, friendly and warm environment.
“We are delighted to support the Soup Kitchen’s mental health initiative and help people to take the next step in getting back on their feet during times of hardship.”
Vertu Motors plc is working in conjunction with New Testament Church of God (NTCG) to deliver community-based social support schemes which offer opportunities for local people to improve their wellbeing through its Social Responsibility Programme.