Devon And Somerset Law Society Supports
Community Foundations

Mr James Cross, who took office as President of Devon and Somerset Law Society (DASLS) in April, has chosen local charities, Devon Community Foundation and Somerset Community Foundation as his charities of the year.

DASLS will be backing the Foundations in their bid to secure an extra £1 million for voluntary and community groups across the counties by helping to raise a matching £1 million.  The matching cash is available from government as part of its Grassroots Challenge initiative.

DASLS will also be helping to raise the profile of the Foundations as cost-effective and personal way for individuals and organisations to invest in local community projects and make a lasting difference to the lives of local people in need.

The two Community Foundations have made over £8.5 million in grants to date to local community and voluntary groups, supporting everything from lunch clubs for the elderly to support for young carers and from clubs for those with disabilities to help for the homeless.

James Cross, who is also a joint managing partner of law firm, Kitson Hutchings explains, “The Community Foundations do a great job in supporting small local groups and charities which are often forgotten but are at the heart of good, local communities and often in the frontline in helping local people in need. 

“Our DASLS members play a valuable role in their local communities too, so it made sense to support charities which are close to home and making a difference to local people across a wide range of causes and across the counties DASLS represents.”

The Devon and Somerset Law Society has over 1080 members and is one of the largest in the country. It provides a range of training and recruitment services as well as representing members’ interests and providing a forum for discussion.

All money raised by the Devon and Somerset Law Society will be matched £1 for £1 by the Foundations as part of their Grassroots Challenge initiative. 

Angela Yeoman, Chairman of Somerset Community Foundation said, “We’re delighted to have been chosen by DASLS as their charity of the year and we’re looking forward to working with members both to raise money and to raise the profile of Community Foundations as a professional and effective way for people to give back to their local communities.”

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