Benevolent Fund gives New Directions' home a financial boost

Ian Southcote presents the cheque to New Directions staff members.

Poppy Place was opened earlier this year by local charity New Directions. It provides 24 hour support for seven adults with physical and learning disabilities, whilst encouraging them to live more independently.

The £15,000 donation was made by the Rugby Group Benevolent Fund, which supports former employees of Rugby Cement as well as charitable causes within the town.

The foundation’s trustee Ian Southcote presented a cheque on his visit to Poppy Place where he met staff members and some of the people who are supported by New Directions.

The money will be put towards the installation of solar panels and lift hoists at the residential home.

New Directions’ registered care manager, Emma Daffey, said: “We would like to thank Rugby Group Benevolent Fund for dedicating this funding to reduce our charity’s carbon footprint and to help the people we support with limited mobility.

“Solar panels will reduce our electricity bills and lifting hoists give the people we support more control and independence.”