Local Somerset volunteers secure developer donation

A small, volunteer-run community group based near Glastonbury is the latest winner of Persimmon Homes’ Community Champions scheme.

Thrive – which is based in Meare and creates inclusive outdoor spaces where everyone can meet, keep warm, and feel connected – received the £1,000 from Persimmon’s Severn Valley business at the site of their outdoor space in the village.

Their focus is on people who often fall through the gaps — neurodivergent families, LGBTQ+ residents, disabled and low-income neighbours, and others who struggle to access safe and welcoming community places.

Persimmon’s Community Champions scheme sees £700,000 given to good causes and much-valued organisations across Britain each year. Recent local recipients include Read2Succeed, Bridgwater Chamber of Commerce, and On Your Bike Taunton.

The accredited five-star developer has sites across the Severn Valley, with high-quality homes for sale in Backwell, Bridgwater, Castle Cary, Cribbs Causeway, Tewkesbury, Weston-super-Mare, Wooton-under-Edge, and Yatton.

Commenting, Persimmon Homes Severn Valley Sales Director Carly Spear said:

“We are very pleased to be supporting Thrive, a community organisation that plays an important role in bringing together people from marginalised communities in the area.

“Our Community Champions scheme is all about supporting organisations and charities in the areas where we develop, and as a prominent housebuilder in Somerset, we are committed to leaving a positive lasting legacy in the area.”

Tessa Wills, Founder of Thrive, added:

“We’re really grateful for this support. It allows us to create a space where neurodivergent children and their families can spend time outdoors, build relationships and explore their interests in ways that feel safe and meaningful. Small grants like this make a real difference for grassroots organisations like ours.”