Dexam is increasing its focus on helping disadvantaged young people in its local area of West Sussex for 2020.
“Everyone thinks that the Home Counties are rich and have no particular social problems. That couldn’t be further from the truth. High house prices, disappearing rural jobs and the extra cost of living in the country have driven a surprising number of people into poverty,” explains Bryony Dyer, Dexam’s managing director.
In the last two years, Dexam has actively supported an after school Drop-in Centre for children, youth clubs in Petworth and Midhurst and a holiday-time packed lunch scheme with the Chichester Food Bank. The latter helps to provide food during school holiday time for children receiving free school meals due to low income.
Dexam is now adding to the list of initiatives it is supporting in 2020. “Much of this need has arisen from the drop off in government funding for, example, youth services, as a result of austerity,” reflects Bryony.
She reports: “We have an active charitable trust associated with the business, and we set aside at least £20,000 a year for these initiatives. Our staff members feel involved and motivated by this, and we see it as an important part of our role in the South Downs National Park community.”
Top: Some of the charities that Dexam is supporting.
