The Somerset Youth Fund
We created The Somerset Youth Fund to raise vital funds to change young people’s lives in Somerset. When you donate, you’ll join others to make an even greater impact with your giving.
The charities and projects we support are guided by our research and consultation with local charities and young people. That means your donation supports things that matter to local people and will make a lasting difference in our communities.
Your donations will help to make sure that every young person in Somerset has the support, opportunities and confidence to thrive and build a bright future.
Our funding priorities
Our Fund is guided by research and shaped by listening to the people working closest to young people in Somerset – and young people themselves.
Together, this has shaped 3 key priorities:
- Increase opportunities for young people in receipt of government benefits, with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), living in rural or coastal areas or areas of high deprivation.
- Improve access to counselling and support for young people experiencing mental health problems.
- Strengthen the transition to adulthood for young people leaving care.
Our supporters
Founding Donors:
- Maureen Whitmore
Donors:
- Cornwall Glass
- Dillington Farms
- Ewen Cameron Charitable Trust
- The Ringham Fund
Why Somerset’s young people need your support
Growing up in Somerset can have many benefits: wonderful countryside, close communities and a feeling of safety.
But there are challenges too. Young people can feel isolated, cut off from support and far from the opportunities they need to thrive.
In our county 8% of the population (that’s 47,000 people) live in communities considered the most deprived in England. Young people growing up in poverty are more likely to experience mental health issues and bullying than their peers. They’re also more likely to struggle in education and get worse exam results. And more likely to earn less as adults.
Here in Somerset:
- The rate of self-harm in young people aged 10-24 is 60% higher than the rest of England.
- Young people who get free school meals are 22% less likely to go on to higher education than young people nationally.
- Young people are less likely to have access to reliable transport, mental health services and after-school activities.
We’re determined to do everything we can to level the playing field for our young people. To give them the opportunities and support they deserve to thrive and make sure no child’s left behind. Will you join us?
Talk to us about the Somerset Youth Fund
If you’d like to know more about The Somerset Youth Fund and how you, your company or charitable trust could support the Fund, get in touch. We’d be delighted to tell you more.
The rate of self-harm in young people in Somerset aged 10-24 is 60% higher than the rest of England.
We want LGBTQ+ young people to feel it’s OK to be you in Somerset. LGBTQ+ people need acceptance, support, and a sense of belonging. Funding from SCF helped us reach more young people through learning to work online – especially in areas where travel can be difficult. Creating a sense of community and belonging is essential for positive wellbeing. The perfect future for 2BU would be where we’re not needed, but there will always be young people who can benefit from a support service like ours.
Lisa
CEO of 2BU
