£15,000 Donation Sparks Hope for Young People in the South West

Backed by Persimmon Foundation’s Support for Change

The South-West Social Mobility Commission has received a £15,000 donation from the Persimmon Foundation, boosting efforts to improve education and job opportunities for under-resourced communities across Cornwall, Devon and Somerset.

The Commission was formed two years ago, following the findings of the 2022 report Social Mobility in the South West (Sim and Elliot Major), which revealed the region had the lowest social mobility in England. In response, civic leaders from across the peninsula united to take action.

Backed by a strategy unit at the University of Exeter, the South-West Social Mobility Commission (SWSMC) is working to transform life chances for children and young people over the next 25 years. Their focus includes enhancing equity in education, challenging the region’s low-skill, low-wage perception, and encouraging businesses to rethink recruitment and development practices.

A Track Record of Giving

Since it was established in 2015, the Persimmon Foundation has donated around £1.5 million to more than 1,400 organisations. It supports causes linked to urban regeneration, health, education, and poverty alleviation in the areas where the Persimmon Group operates.

Chair of Trustees for the Persimmon Foundation, Anthony Vigor, said:

“Partnering with the South-West Social Mobility Commission is an incredible opportunity to support long-term, meaningful change in the region.

As the Persimmon Foundation, we are proud to play a part in helping young people across the South West achieve their full potential.”

Driving Change Across the Region

The donation is expected to help the Commission grow its work across Cornwall, Devon and Somerset, enabling more targeted support for young people in disadvantaged areas.

Professor Lee Elliot Major, representing the Commission, said:

“We are very grateful to the Persimmon Foundation for their generous £15,000 donation.

This support will significantly enhance our ability to conduct research and implement projects aimed at breaking down barriers to social mobility across the South West.

Together, we aim to create lasting change by ensuring that everyone, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to succeed.”