The Tree of Life Centre in Wythenshawe received a cash boost thanks to the charity fund-raising efforts of Manchester company Verastar, who raised £500  as part of their Community Support Scheme.

The Wythenshawe-based company has recently set up the scheme which aims to help local charities and community groups working to improve the quality of life for local people.

The Tree of Life Centre aims to improve the lives of those most deprived living in the poorest areas of the community by running a range of projects to meet outlined goals. Projects range from volunteering and foodbanks to community re-paints and health and wellbeing classes.

The Tree of Life Centre Partnership Manager, Carys Roberts said: “We’re extremely grateful to Verastar for this funding. It will improve the lives of so many people in the community. We plan to use it towards our Job Suite computers. Last year the centre contributed to helping more than 1,500 people with IT skills, online applications and job searching. So this money will be extremely beneficial to the centre and our community members.”

COO of Verastar, Nicola Smith said: “We’re really pleased to be able to show our support for local initiatives and are proud that the money we’ve donated will help towards job seeking and employment opportunities.”

Community groups providing invaluable services to improve the quality of life for local people who could benefit from potential funding, can email the Community Support Scheme at: communitysupport@kinex.co.uk