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Powerhouse launches 2023 Impact Report
Published on 27 March 2024
The Didcot Powerhouse Fund, which launched in 2021 to fuel better futures in Didcot and the surrounding areas, has released an Impact Report detailing the outcomes of donations.
As a founding member and a quantum donor, Milton Park was proud to host a celebratory launch of the Powerhouse’s 2023 Impact Report at Bee House this month. The event brought together donors, VIPs, volunteers and those who have benefitted from its grant giving in recent years.
The report shows the Powerhouse raised £310,000 in just two years following the launch of the charity and, to date, has distributed 35 grants across the area, totalling £175,000.
The event was an opportunity for the charity, beneficiaries, and Milton Park to recognise the milestone and to give thanks to all donors and volunteers. It was also an opportunity to celebrate Milton Park’s community, who regularly attended dozens of Powerhouse fundraising events at the Park, which have raised over £1.5k in 2023 and £750 this year alone.
Recognising the impact
Elizabeth Paris, Powerhouse Chair and a Deputy Lieutenant for Oxfordshire, gave thanks to all those who have given support in recent years. She said: “Alongside paying tribute to the hard work of all the charities across the area, I would like to say a massive thank you to our corporate and private donors, because without their support, none of this could happen. You are quite literally changing lives and helping the Powerhouse to fuel better futures.”
Speaking at the event, Philip Campbell, Commercial Director at Milton Park, added: “The idea behind the Powerhouse was to ensure donations went to where they are most needed locally. Having seen the scale of the report, it’s evident the Powerhouse is having a real impact in areas where there is a critical need.
“It’s a privilege for Milton Park to be part of the Powerhouse. We’re joined alongside other occupiers and donors, who play a significant role in affecting the lives of more than 3,000 direct beneficiaries who have been supported from the grants over the past two years.”
Fuelling better futures with The Abingdon Bridge
Gary Hibbins is CEO at The Abingdon Bridge, a charity providing mental health and wellbeing support for young people across the area, which has supported 33 young people via one-to-one professional counselling services.
Commenting on the grant-giving support, Gary reflected: “The Didcot Powerhouse grant has really enabled us to support some of the most vulnerable young people living in Didcot and surrounding villages. We have seen a huge surge in referrals from individuals who are crippled with anxiety or concerned about their futures. Your support has enabled us to act fast and provide local young people with a timely professional counselling service and educational workshops.”
One young person who has benefitted from the charity has been receiving support from The Bridge for over a year.
Speaking at the event, he said: “I can’t explain how much they have helped me grow as a person and gain confidence. Even a year ago, I wouldn’t be here talking to you now as I was feeling down about issues at school, which brought down my attendance and grades.
“After attending a few counselling sessions with The Bridge, things started to progress, I was feeling myself again and not everything was as bad as it seemed, and I was brought back up. I’m now at football college and studying for my A-levels.”
Endorsement from both Houses
The event was also attended by The Didcot Powerhouse Fund’s Patron, Lord Ed Vaizey of Didcot, and David Johnston, MP for Wantage and Didcot and Minister for Children, Families and Wellbeing.
Speaking at the event, Lord Vaizey said: “I am immensely proud of everything the Didcot Powerhouse Fund has achieved in just two years. The charities and community groups in and around Didcot deserve our support, and this Impact Report shows how our donations make a real difference and can help change lives.”
David Johnston MP concluded: “I’m so impressed at how fast the Powerhouse has been able to make such a big impact. You’ve created a really strong and sustainable organisation which is a really tough thing to do. Whether you are a sponsor or a charity delivering services, I would like to say a big thank you, what you’re doing is incredibly important and you’re tackling all the right issues.”
A Park community
Milton Park would like to give special thanks to all its occupiers and other donors who have supported the Fund in recent years.
This includes Hachette UK Distribution.
The company’s CEO, Matt Wright, said: “Having been a founding donor, we are delighted to be able to double our contributions to the Powerhouse Fund this year. It does an amazing job of ensuring the contributions go to deserving, local causes.
“It is run extremely professionally, and provides brilliant communication back to donors. In our case, I am able to share [the report] with all of our staff who help to raise the funds. Seeing the local impact is incredibly motivating for everyone in our business and we hope to do a lot more in the near future.”
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