The scheme will span three sectors – education & arts, health and sport.

“As the country really starts to feel the effects of the Covid-19 outbreak, we believe that now more than ever we need to look after the health and wellbeing of the youngest and oldest members of our communities,” said Matt Paine, managing director for Persimmon Homes South Coast. “Persimmon has already pledged to re-direct its Community Champions funding initiative towards groups that work with and support the over-70s for the duration of the pandemic crisis. Now, with the launch of Building Futures, we aim to help the younger members of our society.

“We will make donations from £1,000 to £100,000 to grassroots sports groups, charities dealing with physical and mental health issues, as well as community arts and education projects.”

Building Futures is delivered through the Persimmon Charitable Foundation in partnership with Team GB, the British Olympic Association, and the company enlisted the help of World Championship silver medallist and Tokyo Olympic Games and Team GB hopeful Laviai Nielsen (Track and Field) to launch the scheme.

The 24-year-old 400m sprinter said, “Persimmon Homes and Building Futures can change the lives of thousands of youngsters across Britain, so that gets a massive ‘thank you’ from me.”

It’s also straight-forward: simply request an approved FREEPOST bag from the Think Inks website: www.inksnhs.com. This will be sent to your address. Fill the bag with your empty cartridges (two to 10 cartridges are permitted in each bag) to recycle. The bag can be posted in any post box, for free. No direct contact with others is required.

NHS Charities Together COVID-19 Urgent Appeal provides emergency funds for a variety of initiatives to help NHS staff, volunteers and patients. These include: well-being packs/gifts of refreshments/wash-kits; temporary accommodation; parking costs; volunteer expenses; food deliveries; electronic communication devices to help patients in isolation stay connected to their family and friends to assist during the current crisis.

Ellie Orton, chief executive of NHS Charities Together said, “We are truly impressed with the sheer volume of support we are receiving and this innovative Think Inks campaign, that not only helps those wonderful NHS staff and the volunteers working day and night to save lives at a time of critical importance for us all, but is also healthier for our planet.”