A HOUSING developer has donated more than £10,000 to an organisation committed to improving employment opportunities for under-resourced communities across the South-West.

Persimmon Homes’ Persimmon Foundation has donated £15,000 to the South-West Social Mobility Commission (SWSMC).

With around £1.5 million donated to more than 1,400 organisations in the past three years, the foundation, which was established in 2015, continues to make a tangible impact in communities where the Persimmon Group operates.

The South-West Social Mobility Commission (SWSMC) was established two years ago in response to the alarming findings of the 2022 report Social Mobility in the South West, which revealed the region as having the lowest social mobility in England.

The SWSMC is represented by a group of passionate civic leaders from a range of sectors across the peninsula, all committed to improving social mobility in the region.

Together with a dedicated strategy unit housed within the University of Exeter, the SWSMC aims to drive and co-ordinate action to transform life chances for children and young people from under-resourced backgrounds across the South-West peninsula now and over the next 25 years.

The Persimmon Foundation hopes its donation will help expand these initiatives, fostering a future where everyone has the chance to thrive.

Anthony Vigor, Chairman of Trustees for the Persimmon Foundation, 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.’

Professor Lee Elliot Major, representing the South-West Social Mobility 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.’