The Persimmon Foundation is delighted to announce a new donation of £15,000 to Young Somerset, the county’s largest youth and community support charity.

The announcement was marked at the charity’s Bridgwater workshop alongside Leader of Somerset Council, Cllr Bill Revans, and the Council’s Associate Lead Member for Children's Services & Education Strategy, Cllr Jo Roundell-Greene.

Since its establishment by the housebuilder in 2015, the Persimmon Foundation has focused on social mobility and youth development, such as learning and training.

Founded in 1997 as Somerset Rural Youth Project, the charity provides targeted support for young people, including:

• Alternative education provision, for those struggling with mainstream education – focused on “learning by doing” with accredited outcomes;
• Mental health provision as the largest NHS commissioned provider of low intensity cognitive behaviour therapy for young people in the Southwest in community & education settings;
• An Enterprise offer, which includes a café and shop, where young people can engage in supported internships or work-based learning opportunities for their development; and
• Youth workers operating within health care and the community in support of statutory partners.

Anthony Vigor, Chair of Trustees for the Persimmon Foundation, commented:

“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:

"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."

Leader of Somerset Council, Cllr Bill Revans, commented:

“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.

“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.”