Southern Water donates £10,000 to SSAFA care home

An SSAFA-run residential care home on the Isle of Wight is benefitting from a £10,000 donation from Southern Water. 

The money is to be given to the award-winning St Vincent's Residential Care Home in Ryde in order to help refurbish two of the specialised bathrooms at the Armed Forces charity facility.

Southern Water announced the donation as part of its new year-long partnership with the charity.

Manager of SSAFA St Vincent's Residential Care Home, Sharon Atter said: “The upkeep and modernisation of any residential care home is essential to cater for the evolving needs of our elderly clients. 

"These generous funds from Southern Water will completely re-fit two of our bathrooms at SSAFA St Vincent’s, ensuring the privacy and dignity of our residents and making their lives more comfortable. As well as the specialised equipment, Southern Water will also fit efficiency devices that will help save the home money and water.”

Employees at Southern Water chose SSAFA for the donation and will also be lending their time to St Vincent's by volunteering for 2016/17. 

The water company has announced that it will be giving four regional grants each year to charities across Hampshire, Sussex, Kent and the Isle of Wight. Charities will be able to apply for the grants to fund a specific project that can be finished in 12 months.

All of the charities receiving a grant have been picked by Southern Water employees, who will also be getting involved with the projects that are local to them.

Emma Spicer-Howard from Southern Water was part of the judging panel that decided where the grants would be going this year. She said: "It is wonderful to be able to support this vital charity which provides support to veterans and their families in the local community. 

"We chose SSAFA and its St Vincent’s Residential Care home bathroom refurbishments as this is a fantastic organisation that helps give pride and dignity to all residents at its care homes. I am really proud to be able play a part in helping this charity and we look forward to supporting them over the coming year.” 

St Vincent's is a residential care home for former servicemen and women, as well as widows of servicemen. It helps residents enjoy independent life, whether they are staying in one of the 25 bedrooms of purpose-built bungalows and apartments set in the grounds.