A Dorset mental health charity is set to benefit from cash raised through a housebuilder's charity matching scheme.

Dorset Mind has been awarded a £1,000 donation from Persimmon Homes South Coast as part of is Community Champions project. The initiative allows local groups and charities to apply for funding up to the value of £1,000 to match money they have already raised themselves.

Two match-funded donations are made locally each month.

Dorset Mind helps people across the county who are facing mental health challenges.

Its support groups educate people about the signs and symptoms of mental ill health and help people to identify and develop new coping skills. It also runs an accredited one-to-one befriending programme, designed to help people regain confidence and social skills.

Marianne Storey, CEO for Dorset Mind, said: "We are grateful to receive a £1,000 donation from Persimmon Homes as one of the lucky winners in the Community Champions initiative. Our organisation is independently funded so the donation will directly benefit those who live in Dorset.

"Our charity is at the heart of the community as we shape futures and change the lives of many people in the area. This donation will help us meet the rising demands of our community."

Local causes hoping to benefit from the Community Champions scheme are invited to complete an online form, explaining why their group or charity deserves a donation.

Matt Paine, managing director at Persimmon Homes South Coast, said: "We are delighted that we are able to support Dorset Mind as it will be of benefit to many people in the area.

"We encourage any good cause in the South Coast to apply for funding by completing an application form."

To find out more information about the scheme or to nominate a charity or group, visit persimmonhomes.com/community-champions.