A Stonehouse based suicide support group will be extending its services after receiving funding from a regional housebuilder.

Sunflowers Suicide Group has been handed £1,000 from Persimmon Homes Severn Valley through its Community Champions scheme.

Each month the housebuilder donates up to £1,000 each to two groups or individuals in the local area.

The group works with the local community to reduce the stigma of suicide, giving members of the local area the confidence to discuss suicide. The support group also provides bereavement support services, ensuring members of the community feel less alone.

The funding from Persimmon Homes Severn Valley will be used to further extend the bereavement support team. The £1,000 will enable the group to run a new pilot group for five months.

Abbie Warren, founder and charity coordinator for the group, said: “Our bereavement team support those who have suffered loss in various ways on what is an extremely tough grief journey.

“We are also currently looking to expand the bereavement support team. We would like to bring in two additional support groups in Cheltenham and the Forest of Dean.

“The funding will allow a pilot group to be ran for five months and we are extremely grateful to Persimmon Homes.”

Carly Spear, head of sales for Persimmon Homes Severn Valley, said: “We are delighted to support Sunflowers Suicide Support, they provide a fantastic service to the local community, helping prevent suicide and supporting people through devastating bereavements.”