19 January 2023
Intergenerational workshops create understanding and compassion thanks to funding from Hinkley Point C Community Fund

Hundreds of young people in education and older people in residential care across Somerset West and Taunton and Sedgemoor have taken part in inclusion and equity workshops delivered by the charity State of Trust. The workshops were funded by a grant for almost £50,000 from the Hinkley Point C (HPC) Community Fund, which is managed by Somerset Community Foundation (SCF).
State of Trust is a small local charity based in Taunton. It builds social cohesion using the arts as a tool to bring communities together and develop relationships through the common language of music and dance.
Amelia Thompson, Senior Programmes Manager at Somerset Community Foundation explained: “We were delighted to approve the application for funding that we received from State of Trust. Their work connecting local schools with care home residents speaks volumes to the priorities of the fund; of better-connected communities supporting one another.
“Feedback from the sessions delivered showed that the workshops have helped to improve confidence, broken down barriers and created understanding and compassion between peers, particularly in schools.”

Pupils at Eastover Community Primary School in Bridgwater, taking part in one of the State of Trust workshops.
Deborah Baddoo from State of Trust said: “There is a growing need in the area for communities to develop understanding and respect for each other regardless of racial or cultural background. Our ‘Where Is Home?’ workshops are participatory movement, dance and music workshops. They explore themes of identity and belonging, offering social and cultural education to children and older adults, highlighting the positive aspects of migration and integration.
“The workshops aim to break down preconceptions and offer reassurance, with the older adults’ workshops incorporating both physical activity and mental stimulation, alongside reminiscence and movement work.”
Andrew Cockcroft, Senior Community Relations Manager, Hinkley Point C said: “We’re delighted to be supporting a scheme which is working to enhance Somerset’s strong sense of community. Improving the lives of local people is at the heart of our Community Fund, and this is another example of a grant which will bring about lasting benefit.”
Following the delivery of the workshops, State of Trust left continuity plans for further sessions for the schools to carry on, cementing the legacy of this work and helping students to see events and people from different perspectives without fear or prejudice.
The HPC Community Fund’s Open Grants Programme is for larger applications for community funding, typically over £10,000. It is an ongoing programme with decisions on Expressions of Interest made quarterly. The next deadline is Wednesday 29 March. Visit www.hpcfunds.co.uk for more details. If you would like to discuss your project or idea please contact Amelia Thompson, Senior Programmes Manager: amelia.thompson@somersetcf.org.uk or call: 01749 344949
The HPC Community Fund is part of a wider £20 million commitment of funding, provided by EDF through Section 106 agreements, for communities that are affected by the development of the new nuclear power station, to promote their social, economic and environmental wellbeing and enhance their quality of life. Hundreds of projects have benefitted, and in total almost £13.3 million in grants have been awarded to date.
Somerset Community Foundation (SCF) is a charity that helps passionate people in Somerset change the world on their doorstep by funding local charities and inspiring local giving and philanthropy. They aim to build stronger communities in Somerset where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. They provide rewarding and impactful ways for donors to give through them, to the causes and places they care about most. Together, they fund amazing organisations and the passionate people that change lives every day.
Since SCF were founded in 2002 they’ve awarded more than £20 million in funding, changing thousands of lives across Somerset.