Supporting the local community
As part of the development of Hinkley Point C, we have committed £20 million of community funding to improve the social, economic and environmental wellbeing of communities that are affected by the construction of our new nuclear power station.
Our community funds have already delivered £11 million of investment into local projects and have been managed by both West Somerset Council and, more recently, by the Somerset Community Foundation.
Together, we have supported a large number of community projects across the local area. From a new play area and a village hall in Stogursey, to a new cycle path in Brean; museum restorations in Watchet and an Education Business Partnership for Somerset, to name but a few.
How to apply for funding
More information on how to apply for funding can be found at hpcfunds.co.uk or by calling Somerset Community Foundation on 01749 344949.
The Community Fund in numbers
£20m
COMMUNITY FUND
84
PROJECTS SUPPORTED
£11m
AWARDED SO FAR
Explore the projects
Use the interactive map below to explore the projects supported so far. It may inspire you to submit your own application.
Case studies
Home-Start West Somerset
One of the first groups to receive a grant from the Hinkley Point C Community Fund was Home-Start West Somerset. Based in Minehead, the group provides support services for families who are going through difficult times. Although Home-Start is a national charity, no central funding is provided, which means that the West Somerset scheme has to raise all its own funds, which is a real challenge for the team.
Clare Pound, Manager and Senior Support Co-ordinator, said: “We are absolutely thrilled with the funding from the Hinkley Point C Community Fund. It has allowed us to make excellent progress in building our Home-Start presence in the areas surrounding Hinkley Point C. The funding has meant we are now able to hold monthly Story-Start sessions, delivered in Stogursey, Stogumber, Williton, Dulverton, twice a month in Luxborough, and soon to be in Watchet.”
“We support families in their own homes and have been able to recruit a Home-Start Coordinator. We’re continuing to recruit and train home visiting volunteers – we currently have 12 and counting! We’ve established some wonderful links with the community and local schools and have delivered five paediatric First Aid training sessions for parents so far – that’s over 100 newly trained parents! We also deliver group support (called Jump-Start) for parents or carers of children with additional needs and/or a disability. We’re really pleased with how the funding has supported Home-Start in helping families and we aim to continue this beneficial development.”
Please visit their website if you would like to find out more about how you can help the group or benefit from its services.
Rusty Road 2 Recovery
Rusty Road 2 Recovery is a service for people of all ages struggling with their mental health. Based in Bridgwater, the group works with iconic British classic vehicles, restoring them to their former glory and along the way, encouraging participants to take pride in themselves and their achievements. Alongside the work to British classics, they also run art therapy sessions, which focus on communication and supporting one another. One of the group’s main aims is to provide a support network for participants.
Vince Davis, Director at Rusty Road 2 Recovery, said: “With the help and support from Somerset Community Foundation, the Hinkley Point C Community Fund grant we’ve been awarded has meant that we can deliver a better and more rewarding service to the people of Sedgemoor – with an immediate effect.”
“The money from the grant is being used to better equip our metalworking workshop, enabling us to teach new skills and trades. This will help our users gain a better, more satisfying and fulfilling life, and also help them back into work.”
Visit the Rusty Road 2 Recovery website if you would like to find out more about how you can get involved.
YMCA’s Beach Hotel Theatre Kitchen
The Beach Hotel prides itself on sourcing from and working closely with local producers. The food does the talking from a menu that reflects modern English cuisine with a French influence.
The Community Fund contributed £12,500 to the project, allowing a new Theatre Kitchen to be designed and installed for use by experience staff and new trainees from the community alike.
Together Team, Sydenham Community Hub and Coronation Park
The Together Team work in partnership with local councils, housing providers and the police to promote a strong sense of community within Sydenham and Bower. The Together Team also seek to increase local community aspirations by encouraging participation and volunteering in order to make the local area an attractive and welcoming place to live, work and enjoy.
Coronation Park and Sydenham Community Hub are two much-needed community projects that benefitted from a £60,000 Community Fund donation. These venues are designed to bring the community together and to provide activities and space for the community to use.
Wembdon Village Hall and Sports Pitches
The Wembdon Village Hall and Sport Pitches is a facility that has been built for both residents of Wembdon and the wider Bridgwater community to use.
The space provides substantial facilities for meetings and events as well as unrivalled sports facilities. It also includes parklands and walking areas for all to use. The Community Fund was able to contribute £250,000 to complete this high-profile regeneration project.
Contact us
The best way to contact us about Hinkley Point C is by completing our online enquiry form. You can also call us on 0333 009 7070 (24 hour free phone number).
For EDF's 24/7 media enquiry line call 01452 652233.