Local MP supports Manchester Community Football Group

5.14.55pm GMT Fri 4th Dec 2009

The money will go towards helping the Grassroots football scheme

A local charity has received a donation of £500 from the parliamentary football team, after being nominated by John Leech, MP for Manchester Withington, who presented its chief executive with a cheque today.

The donation was to the Health & Advocacy Resource Project (HARP), a charity which provides advice services and community cafés to people affected by mental health problems. This donation is from the parliamentary football team's sponsors, National Grid plc, and will go towards the Grassroots football group, which they run in partnership with other mental health organisations.

While the parliamentary team has regularly donates money to charitable causes, this is the first time a local organisation such as HARP has received this support.

The charity's chief executive, Elaine Dixon, said:

"The Grassroots Football group has been going since 2005. The group is targeted at those with mental health problems, but anyone can attend. This kind donation will enable us to pay for training venues and entrance to competitive leagues for the next year."

"We are very proud of the Grassroots partnership initiative and the difference we have been able to make to people in Manchester. It means a lot to the team to know they are being supported by their local MP and by the politicians at the Houses of Parliament."

John Leech said:

"A wide range of people are affected by mental health problems, and organisations such as HARP play an important role in helping to empower those individuals so that ultimately they can live a full and satisfying life."

He added:

"I'm glad I can make this donation on behalf on National Grid plc, and hope it helps to support the good work performed by this group."