A major charitable injection of £50,000 is set to transform the prospects for young people in Merthyr Tydfil, thanks to a new partnership between The Persimmon Foundation and the Stephens and George Charitable Trust.
Investing in Practical Skills
The significant grant was formally presented at the Dowlais Community Centre, where the Trust is based, with local MP Gerald Jones in attendance. This funding is earmarked to provide hands-on vocational training for 100 young people in key sectors where practical skills are in high demand.
The programmes will cover areas such as printing, construction, and catering, offering accredited qualifications that directly improve employability.
A Partnership for Long-Term Change
The Stephens and George Charitable Trust is a multi-award-winning organisation renowned for its alternative education and youth development work. Its holistic approach, which also includes forest school programmes and community wellbeing initiatives, supports over 1,000 individuals every year.
Anthony Vigor, Chair of Trustees for the Persimmon Foundation, emphasised the importance of the collaboration. "Partnering with the Stephens and George Charitable Trust is an incredible opportunity to support long-term, meaningful change in the region," he said.
Raising Life Chances in the Community
Helen Hughes, Programme Lead at the Trust, explained the profound impact the donation will have. "This generous donation will make a real and lasting difference to the lives of young people," she stated. "By investing in hands-on vocational training, we're not just teaching skills — we're raising life chances."
Gerald Jones MP echoed this sentiment, expressing his pride in supporting initiatives that invest in the future of the area's youth. The Persimmon Foundation, established in 2015, has a strong track record, having donated over £1 million to local causes in the last three years alone, focusing on education, health, and community regeneration.
