Persimmon Foundation Announces Major £15,000 Donation to Young Somerset
The Persimmon Foundation has proudly revealed a significant new donation of £15,000 to Young Somerset, the largest youth and community support charity operating across the county. This generous contribution was officially announced during a special event held at the charity's workshop in Bridgwater.
Celebrating Community Partnerships
The announcement ceremony was attended by prominent local figures, including Cllr Bill Revans, Leader of Somerset Council, and Cllr Jo Roundell-Greene, the Council's Associate Lead Member for Children's Services and Education Strategy. Their presence underscored the collaborative effort between charitable organizations, local government, and corporate supporters in addressing youth needs.
Established by the national housebuilder Persimmon in 2015, the Persimmon Foundation has consistently focused on enhancing social mobility and youth development through targeted learning and training initiatives. This latest donation continues that mission with a specific local impact in Somerset.
Young Somerset's Comprehensive Support Services
Originally founded in 1997 as the Somerset Rural Youth Project, Young Somerset has evolved into a vital resource providing targeted assistance to young people throughout the region. The charity's multifaceted approach includes several key programs:
- Alternative Education Provision: Designed for young people who struggle within mainstream educational settings, this program emphasizes "learning by doing" methodologies with accredited outcomes that provide tangible qualifications.
- Mental Health Services: As the largest NHS-commissioned provider of low-intensity cognitive behavior therapy for young people in the Southwest, Young Somerset delivers crucial mental health support within both community and educational environments.
- Enterprise Opportunities: Through operational ventures including a café and shop, the charity offers supported internships and work-based learning opportunities that help young people develop practical skills and professional experience.
- Youth Worker Deployment: Specialist youth workers operate within healthcare settings and broader community contexts, providing essential support in partnership with statutory organizations.
Leadership Perspectives on the Partnership
Anthony Vigor, Chair of Trustees for the Persimmon Foundation, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration: "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."
Vigor added: "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, responded with gratitude: "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."
Harwood continued: "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."
Cllr Bill Revans, Leader of Somerset Council, emphasized the charity's importance: "Young Somerset plays a vital role in helping young people build their confidence, develop skills and find the support they need to thrive. We know this generous donation from the Persimmon Foundation will make a real difference to our local families by strengthening the programmes that so many rely on."
Revans concluded: "We are grateful for this wonderful investment in Somerset's future and proud to stand alongside partners who share our commitment to giving every young person the chance to reach their potential."
