A REDDITCH charity which provides work experience and training for people with learning disabilities and other disadvantages has received a £500 boost from the West Brom building society.

Staff from the Redditch branch of the building society in Evesham Walk made the donation to the Where Next Association in the charity’s 30th anniversary year.

Karen McVeigh, business support manager at Where Next, said: “We’re so grateful for this support from the West Brom and its customers. We have been established since 1984, making a real difference to people’s lives. Our clients develop their skills in a number of social enterprises which produce goods and provide services for local people.

“The public know us through our garden nurseries, landscaping and garden services and the products we make and sell. We have links with schools, local groups and businesses and the local authority and enjoy strong public support in the community.”

Each week more than 80 people of all ages attend placements with Where Next to help them reach their potential and grow in confidence and skills.

There is also an increasing number who attend a variety of leisure and learning activities at the charity’s local Hub in Ipsley Street.

Redditch Nightstop, which works to prevent youth homelessness, and Redditch Friends Together, which is active in helping to make Redditch a dementia-friendly community, also received £250 each from the West Brom.

The money was awarded as part of the building society’s ongoing Community Counts scheme.

David Peckham, branch manager at Redditch, said: “We really believe in supporting the community and the good causes that do so much to improve the lives of local people.

"It has been a privilege to spend time with the various charities our customers have chosen to support and I know the donations we are offering will be put to tremendous use.”