A developer has pledged a year of fundraising to support a Manningtree charity helping people with learning disabilities. 

City and Country have partnered with Acorn Village to broaden opportunities on offer in the area. 

The developer has set a target to raise funds of £10,000 across 12 months, starting this October. 

Acorn Village offers supported living, residential care and community activities in Mistley, where less than a mile away the developer has started a five-phase project of 484 new homes at Manningtree Park. 

Since 1975, the charity has worked tirelessly by providing accommodation, therapy sessions and gardening opportunities. 

Jessica Eaton, fundraising coordinator at Acorn Village, said: “Our philosophy here is People First, Disability Second, and our motto is Life is For Living – which means we do everything we can to help our service users live life to the fullest, whether that’s learning to ride a horse, joining a choir, achieving a new qualification or going on an exciting day trip. 

“We are very grateful for the support from City and Country that will help us to plan even more activities and events at Acorn Village, both for those who live with us, and for people in the wider community who attend courses here.” 

City and Country has set a new aim to support charities close to its new developments and wants to build lasting relationships with the surrounding communities. 

To kickstart the fundraiser, the developer has planned a sponsored Peak District Challenge, trekking 25km as well as a football match alongside other community events throughout the year. 

Shelley West, sales and marketing director for City and Country, said: “Acorn Village is just down the road from Manningtree Park and does fantastic work to support people with learning disabilities and their families, so we are excited to be working together to provide even more opportunities.  

“Our plan is to raise £10,000 over the year, through a variety of fundraising events that will probably include a The Peak District challenge for staff, a Christmas event that will be open to the public and a contractors versus staff five-a-side football tournament.”