STAFF from Mulberry and Somerset Community Foundation (SCF) received a very warm welcome when they visited the sites of two Somerset community groups to have benefitted from grant funding recently.
Earlier this year, 22 colleagues from global fashion brand Mulberry, based in Chilcompton, took on the National Three Peaks challenge, climbing Ben Nevis in Scotland, Scafell Pike in the Lake District, and Snowdon in Wales over three days.
By completing the challenge, the team raised over £9,500 for the Mulberry Somerset Community Fund (MSCF), which is administered by Somerset Community Foundation.
And since the Fund was launched last year, almost £20,000 has already been awarded to local charities and good causes that make a difference in local communities across Somerset.
The groups visited were the Lawrence Centre in Wells, a community-centred charity providing day opportunities for older people, including those living with health issues, memory loss and facing social isolation.
Alongside this, they also offer education, advice, and guidance for those caring for an older person; and Axe Valley Men’s Shed in Cheddar, which offers practical workshops and activities to build a social environment for men to connect, converse and create.
The group has over 60 members, and have recently taken on an additional unit, allowing them to continue to increase their membership and the number of activities offered.
Development manager at Somerset Community Foundation, Kelly Hall, said: “I was delighted to visit the Lawrence Centre and Axe Valley Men’s Shed with the Mulberry team and see our Mulberry colleagues witness first-hand the difference their donations will make to these wonderful local organisations.
“I will never tire of seeing the amazing work happening across the county to help communities thrive, and these visits were both fine examples of how passionate people from small charities can make a little money go a long way.”
Rosie Wollacott Phillips, head of sustainability at Mulberry said: “Our partnership with Somerset Community Foundation and the creation of our own Mulberry Somerset Community Fund in 2021 has been a great way for us to have a broad impact in our community.
“We’re proud to support the excellent work of mental health charities and organisations in the county and thank The Lawrence Centre and Axe Valley Men’s Shed for spending time with us and showing us around.”
During the recent visit, founder of The Lawrence Centre, Maggie Charlesworth thanked the Mulberry team for the £2,000 grant and said:
“It’s an amazing achievement climbing the Three Peaks, and the money is enormously appreciated. We hope to update some furniture, carpets, and other equipment that is very tired and in need of replacing.”
Any community group or charitable organisation wishing to apply for funding should visit the SCF website where they can find guidance on how to make an application: www.somersetcf.org.uk/apply
Somerset Community Foundation 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 passionate people that change lives every day.
Since SCF was founded in 2002 they have awarded over £20 million in funding, changing thousands of lives across Somerset.
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