The South Oxfordshire Muslim Association (SOMA) is a community organisation dedicated to promoting inclusion, wellbeing, and educational opportunities for the Muslim and wider communities in Didcot and surrounding areas. One of its key initiatives, Soma Youth, was recently recognised during a visit by His Royal Highness The Duke of Gloucester, in celebration of the work supported by the Didcot Powerhouse Fund.
Launched to meet the growing needs of local young people, Soma Youth provides leadership development, mentorship, and youth-led volunteering activities. The initiative received a grant from the Didcot Powerhouse Fund, which enabled it to expand its impact and outreach over the past year. The programme reflects a broader commitment to building safe, inclusive spaces for young people to grow in confidence and engage constructively with their community.
A Royal Visit to Mark Local Collaboration
On 2nd August 2025, His Royal Highness The Duke of Gloucester visited Bee House at Milton Park to mark the success and impact of the Didcot Powerhouse Fund. Over the past three years, the fund has awarded £400,000 in grants, reaching nearly 9,000 residents across Greater Didcot. The celebration brought together representatives from grant recipients, corporate donors, and community leaders whose collaboration underpins the Fund’s effectiveness.
The event opened with remarks from Elizabeth Paris, Chair of the Didcot Powerhouse Fund and Deputy Lieutenant for Oxfordshire with special responsibility for Didcot:
“It’s an honour to welcome The Duke of Gloucester to meet the people behind this collaboration – from donors and volunteers to frontline charity workers. It’s a story of placemaking in action, where purpose-led businesses and community groups are coming together to shape a more hopeful future for Didcot.”
His Royal Highness engaged in a roundtable discussion with several corporate donors whose support has been instrumental to the Fund’s operations. These businesses exemplify a strong commitment to local investment and long-term community wellbeing.
Participants included:
- Mark Johnson, Croft Associates Limited
- David Pryor, Didcot First
- Kathryn Wilkes, Evotec
- Matt Wright, Hachette UK & Hachette Book Group US Distribution
- Bobby Patel, Infineum
- Luke Marion, Oxford Bus Company (The Go-Ahead Group)
- Kate Wareing, Soha Housing
- Philip J. Vickery, Total Projects (UK) Ltd
Recognising Soma Youth’s Contribution
During the visit, Soma Youth was one of 12 local organisations invited to showcase their work. The initiative’s inclusion reflected its growing role in youth engagement, especially among marginalised groups. Through its diverse programming, including wellbeing workshops, community projects, and leadership pathways; Soma Youth continues to foster positive youth development in Didcot.
The grant provided by the Powerhouse Fund has been key in scaling up these efforts, allowing Soma Youth to build sustainable structures and deliver targeted outreach. The recognition of this work during the royal visit signals the broader value of inclusive, community-driven youth initiatives in shaping a more cohesive and empowered local society.
Other Organisations in Attendance
Alongside Soma Youth, the event featured a wide range of charities and community groups working across four key areas:
Support in Crisis
- The Cornermen
- Survivor Space Oxfordshire
- Reducing the Risk of Domestic Abuse
Support for Early Years
- Didcot Baby Monday
- OXPIP – The Oxford Parent Infant Project
- Home-Start Southern Oxfordshire
Raising Potential
- Digit<all>
- International Welcome Café
- South Oxfordshire Muslim Association (SOMA)
Supporting Young People
- ARCh – Assisted Reading for Children Oxfordshire
- TRAIN – Inspiring Young People
- Quest for Learning
Looking Ahead
The royal visit served as both recognition and encouragement for local organisations and donors who continue to work together to address challenges and create opportunity across Didcot. SOMA remains committed to advancing this mission, and through the Soma Youth initiative, will continue to empower young people as active contributors to a resilient and inclusive community.
Credit— Link to the original photo and post: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/the-didcot-powerhouse-fund_hrh-the-duke-of-gloucester-visits-didcot-activity-7354531551352614912-y_pH?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAADJc1gBqE1JwK1yfFCIth3ryN5cRqpJflg
