Profound Impacts

Ups and Downs Southwest

The Hinkley Point C Community Fund has recently provided £47,445 to Ups and Downs Southwest, a Westonzoyland-based charity supporting local families of children with Down syndrome.

The funding will be used to support the salary of a school liaison officer working across Bridgwater and rural communities, better equipping schools to support children with Down syndrome in a mainstream setting. The officer will work with families, teachers and children to ensure the best possible educational outcomes are achieved.

Joanna Thorn, CEO of Ups and Downs Southwest, commented: 

“Thanks to this funding, we’ve been able to deepen our support in schools across the impact area – reaching more pupils, strengthening educator confidence and creating a more inclusive environment for children with Down syndrome. This grant has truly enabled us to bring sustainable change where it’s needed most.”

Sydenham Netball Club

A £4,000 grant has been awarded to Sydenham Netball Club to support the relaunch of its senior team. The money will pay for court hire and equipment, including netball posts, netball kits, balls and bibs.

“Restarting the club has enabled players who’ve been unable to play netball for many years to return to the game they love, as well as offering an opportunity for new members to participate.” – Nicola Hale, Sydenham Netball Club member 

St Mary’s Church

Weekly ‘Wellbeing Wednesdays’ are held at St Mary’s Church in Bridgwater. These sessions bring people from the community together by offering a welcoming place for them to meet over crafts, games and hot drinks.

A £20,000 grant from Hinkley Point Cʼs Community Fund will help deliver wellbeing events over the next three years – which is really positive news for the local area, as Reverend Suse Osmond said: 

“The funding we received from the HPC Community Fund has been truly transformational.

The wellbeing drop-in is a lifeline for those struggling with their mental health. It offers a safe and supportive space for people who find themselves in difficult places, and we’re already seeing the difference it’s making. One participant shared that, as someone with anxiety, they’ve gained a confidence they didn’t know was possible. We’re deeply grateful for this support, which is changing lives every week.”