The High Sheriff’s Trust aims to improve the quality of life for those living in Somerset. It is wholly independent and receives no public funding. It grants awards of up to £1,500 to a wide diversity of charities, volunteer organisations and projects in Somerset, whose objectives are to benefit and support children and young people, as well as the elderly. Through education, we seek to divert young energies into ways other than crime.
The Trust is administered by Somerset Community Foundation, in partnership with Quartet Community Foundation.
Here are a few examples of organisations which have benefitted from funding:
Voices for Life is an incredible charity helping children express themselves through music, build confidence, and promote wellbeing, bringing schools and communities together through creativity and joy. Their mission is to improve children’s lives by inspiring them to be happy through music in a way that makes everyone want to sing, smile and dance.
The Conquest Centre near Taunton is a truly special place offering therapeutic support for people of all ages with a wide range of complex needs. With equines, small animals, and a calm, natural environment, the team supports improvements in emotional, social, physical and mental wellbeing. With 150 clients currently registered, the Conquest Centre delivers life-changing experiences every day. A remarkable service, run by a passionate and dedicated team.
The Duke of Edinburgh Awards scheme is deeply embedded in the educational sector in Somerset and is a powerful pathway to independence. Somerset’s inclusive and flexible approach is helping ensure that all young people aged between 14 and 24 can take part.
A High Sheriff grant is enabling a group of Year 9 students from King Arthur’s School a fantastic six-month provision programme, delivered in partnership with Somerset Council’s Duke of Edinburgh Awards team and Carymoor Environmental Trust, equipping them with skills and confidence to join in main school activities in the future.
Somerset has more than doubled the national average participation from disadvantaged students and we were delighted to support this initiative.
Key4Life works with young men in prison and those at risk of going to prison by offering a programme to help increase personal development and employability skills; reducing the risk of reoffending. It also works with children caught up in knife crime and runs mentoring programmes with young men (key mentors) talking about the negative effect crime has had on their lives.
“This generous grant helped Key4Life deliver a preventative ‘At Risk’ programme for 13 young men in Somerset, diverting them away from crime and into meaningful activity, training and employment. All participants joined the programme as NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training); most left school pre-16 and more than half were care-leavers.”
SWALLOW was established in 1993 by people with learning disabilities and a group of supporters. The charity based in north Somerset.
SWALLOW Charity supports teenagers and adults with learning disabilities to live their lives to the full.
The charity is based in Bath and North East Somerset, is user led and supports more than 150 people and provides a range of services to support people in all areas of their lives.
SWALLOW has two cafes, both for eat-in and takeaway services – one in Radstock and one in Peasedown St John.
Prodigal Bikes runs bike maintenance courses for young people aged between 13 – 15. Donated bikes are refurbished, teaching engineering skills and giving work experience to those who need a second chance. The bikes are then donated to other charities.
“What has been unexpected is seeing how well some of the children do once they get the hang of it; seeing them work for two hours or so, engrossed in what they are doing with no support or intervention required.”, says AJ Raybould, founder.
County Lines pose a huge problem to our communities, sucking children as young as ten into drug dealing. This child exploitation is of great concern to both parents and schools. Through raising awareness of the different kinds of gang culture that exist and the dangers that they pose to our youngsters, Escapeline offers real help. Their workshops and programmes promote a deeper understanding of how gangs use peer pressure to recruit and also give young people the confidence to just say, “no”.
Back on Track works with schools in Somerset to support children who struggle with mainstream education. The ten-week programme encourages children to achieve goals, improve confidence, develop teamworking skills and improve intrinsic motivation through learning to care for and to ride horses.
Unlocking Potential Somerset works with schools and colleges to deliver programmes which help young people find positive ways of realising their potential. The focus is on apprenticeship programmes with local and national employers from both the public and private sectors.
