Millfields Trust invests over £1million in Stonehouse
The Millfields Trust has donated £1000 to a local primary school, taking it well beyond the £1 million milestone mark it has ploughed into and invested
in the local community of Stonehouse. This is a remarkable achievement which is being celebrated by a Trust with volunteer Directors and a small staff team.
Jan Digweed, Head Teacher of St Peter’s Church of England Primary School says: “With the help of The Millfields Trust, more children will be able to benefit from the cultural learning experience in Spain. We have built a great working relationship with The Millfields Trust. They’re continually helping us to raise aspirations and install a sense of pride and adventure in our youth. Through the Widening Horizons project they’ve already given our pupils a unique insight into the world of construction, medicine, dentistry and aviation. The children have enjoyed every single minute and we thank them for this latest boost!”
Many people will be familiar with the work of the Millfields Trust. For the past 15 years the Trust has been a provider a high quality business accommodation from its base in Stonehouse. Many successful Plymouth businesses have begun life in HQ or on the Millfields site. What people may not realise is that income from trading is not only sustaining the Trust to continue in business, but that its surplus is used to support the community of Stonehouse.
One of the main beneficiaries is the young people of the neighbourhood.
Seven years ago the Trust established the Widening Horizons project. This ground-breaking project is funded by the Trust and works with year 5 children in 6 local primary schools, giving them the opportunity to visit inspirational workplaces that have the ‘wow’ factor and provide a different insight into the world of work. Since it was established over 700 young people have been through the programme.
In addition the Trust has invested in buildings now owned by the community, contributed to an endowment fund for the Drake Foundation, and given grants and donations to a number of community groups and organisations in Stonehouse.
Chair of the Trust Father Sam Philpott says: “This is a magnificent achievement for a small community focused organisation. We have come a long way in the last 15 years and touched the lives of many people. The money we have spent has been invested, in our buildings, in our community and in our future. There is much to be done and our Genesis building is demonstrating our determination to continue to change the built environment of Stonehouse, raising the aspirations and self-esteem of our community”
To find out more about Millfields Trust click here. Millfields Trust is also a registered Social Enterprise Mark Holder.
