Young people across Somerset are set to benefit from a £15,000 donation from the Persimmon Foundation to local charity Young Somerset.
The funding announcement was marked at Young Somerset’s Bridgwater workshop alongside Bill Revans and Jo Roundell-Greene.
Established in 2015 by housebuilder Persimmon plc, the Persimmon Foundation focuses on supporting social mobility and youth development through learning, training and community initiatives.
Young Somerset, which began in 1997 as the Somerset Rural Youth Project, is now the county’s largest youth and community support charity. The organisation provides targeted help for young people facing a range of challenges.
Its work includes alternative education programmes for those struggling with mainstream school, offering practical ‘learning by doing’ experiences that lead to accredited outcomes.
The charity also delivers mental health support as the largest NHS-commissioned provider of low-intensity cognitive behaviour therapy for young people in the South West in community and education settings.
Young Somerset also runs enterprise initiatives including a café and shop where young people can take part in supported internships and work-based learning, helping them gain valuable skills and confidence.
In addition, youth workers operate across healthcare and community settings, working alongside statutory partners to support vulnerable young people.
Anthony Vigor, Chair of Trustees for the Persimmon Foundation, said, “We are delighted to support Young Somerset and the fantastic work they do across the county. This £15,000 donation reflects our ongoing commitment to supporting grassroots initiatives that make a tangible difference to people’s lives, particularly young people and those most in need.
“We were pleased to be joined by local representatives to celebrate the impact this partnership is having, and we look forward to seeing the positive outcomes this funding will help deliver.”
Nik Harwood, Chief Executive of Young Somerset, added, “We are incredibly grateful to the Persimmon Foundation for this generous donation. As a company rooted in Somerset, their commitment to supporting initiatives that make a genuine difference locally is invaluable.
“This funding will allow us to grow our programmes, reach more people, and create opportunities that transform lives. With their support, we can continue helping people in our communities reach their full potential and ensure that no one is left behind.”
