Charities vye for shoppers’ support

WOKINGHAM shoppers are being urged to vote for one of three life-enhancing local charities that are in the running for a Tesco Community Grant.

California Gardeners’ Club, Younger People with Dementia and Soulscape have been nominated for the funding, with up to £1,500 available.

Younger People with Dementia was formed in 2012 to support those diagnosed with young onset dementia, who often experience a more rapid decline in quality of life at a time when they may otherwise have expected to be in employment, have an active social life or are raising a family.

David Fisher, a Trustee for Younger People with Dementia, said: “As we emerge more fully from social-distancing restrictions, we’re aiming to go back to in-person support, workshops and activities, while maintaining a level of online support for those who still feel safer staying at home.

“Funding from Tesco would enable us to keep the workshops going, providing improved outcomes for people with dementia, including positive mental health and wellbeing, as well as beneficial respite for carers.

Soulscape is a charity working in partnership with Berkshire schools to enable young people to reflect, ask big questions, explore what’s going on in their lives and to express their own ideas creatively.

Nick Barnett, CEO at Soulscape, said: “We are seeing a mental health epidemic in our young people. The number of teenagers with mental health problems has doubled in the past 20 years.

“We run workshops in their schools, where young people can explore, debate, reflect and express themselves through the creative arts.”

And California Gardeners’ Club offers social interaction, guest speakers and gardening tips, with evening meetings on the first Monday of every month.

Richard Hawes, chairman of California Gardeners’ Club, said: “Over many years, we have noticed that our membership has slowly declined. It is a recognised problem not only in Berkshire but nationally.

“We are looking for support to help us reach out to residents in the area, encourage them to take an interest in gardening and possibly join our club.”

Throughout the pandemic, Tesco’s Wokingham Superstore continued its community work, and through the Community Grants scheme it handed out funding to a number of local organisations such as schools and charitable groups.

Shoppers at the Finchampstead Road Superstore can use a blue token they receive at the checkout to vote for California Gardeners’ Club, Younger People with Dementia or Soulscape.

Louise Jedras, the store’s community champion, said: “These are three incredible charities, doing some amazing work. I’d urge local people to use their blue token to vote when they shop.