The need in Somerset

There are many reasons to love living in Somerset: plentiful green space, beautiful countryside, fantastic local food and drink, and a relaxed pace of life, to name just a few.

But if we scratch beneath the surface, the rural reality is tougher for many of our neighbours than you might think.

Poverty

Our research, published in 2021, showed that more than 70,000 people in Somerset are worried about being able to provide enough food for their household, with many people in working poverty. And 8% of Somerset’s population – or 47,000 people – live in the most deprived areas in England according to the Index of Multiple Deprivation.

Mental Health

Mental health issues are affecting more of us than ever before and many struggle to access support when they need it. Rates of hospital admissions for self-harm in Somerset’s young people are almost double the national average.

Social Mobility

In 2017, the district of west Somerset was ranked as having the lowest levels of social mobility in England. This means that children from the poorest households, regardless of talent or hard work, don’t have the same opportunities as their wealthier peers. The average Attainment 8 score for disadvantaged pupils in Somerset is a shocking 48% lower than the national average for non-disadvantaged pupils.

Older people

Somerset is an ageing county. By 2030, it’s predicted that a third of Somerset’s population will be over 65 – this is more than a third higher than the predicted population of England as a whole. For older people, or those living alone and without transport in our rural communities, isolation and loneliness are often made worse by the physical distance from essential services and social activities. This is then compounded by the lack of public transport.

Local challenges need local funding and local solutions.

That’s why we’re passionate about inspiring local giving and growing the funding we can provide for small, local charities. These charities work tirelessly and creatively to help people in need and keep Somerset’s communities strong. They understand what their communities need and come up with innovative ways to make life better for our neighbours. In short, they do incredible things every day.

By giving through Somerset Community Foundation, you’ll help us tackle some of Somerset’s most pressing social issues. Together, we can help local communities drive social change and realise their dreams.

Back
Back
Back
Back