Community Story: In the Mix Project

For our first feature on an awardee of a grant from the Community Matters Fund (Green Spaces 2026) from National Grid we travel to Somerset to connect with the In the Mix Project, where Luke Upton chats to their Chief Executive Officer Nick Harvey about going young people receive consistent support, their GREEN TEENS project, the importance of community-wide partnerships and more.

Luke Upton (LU): To start, could you tell us a little about the origins of In the Mix Project and how the organisation has evolved over the years?

Nick Harvey (NH): In the Mix started back in 2011 because there was a real need for accessible, community-based opportunities for young people following a reduction in statutory youth services. Initially a CIC, we developed into a registered charity in 2015. We’ve grown considerably since then, supporting around 500 young people each year across Taunton Deane, West Somerset and the wider county. Our work has expanded to include open-access and detached youth work, holiday activities, targeted support, mentoring, youth participation, volunteering, outdoor learning and alternative education. Although the organisation has grown, our approach remains rooted in local communities, trusted relationships and listening to young people so that our services reflect their needs, interests, and aspirations.

LU: Thanks, so what are you currently focusing on, and what are the main priorities for the organisation at the moment?

NH: At the moment, our biggest priority is making sure young people can access consistent support when they need it. We’re seeing more young people experiencing anxiety, isolation, financial pressures and difficulties engaging with education, so having trusted adults and safe places available is incredibly important. We’re continuing to develop our youth clubs and holiday activities, alongside mentoring, detached youth work, wellbeing programmes and alternative education. Rural access is another major focus because transport and distance can make it difficult for young people to take part. Behind the scenes, we’re also working hard to make sure the charity remains financially sustainable and able to respond to changing local needs

LU: You’ve recently received funding through National Grid and Localgiving’s Community Matters Fund (Green Spaces) 2026. Could you tell us more about the project, what the funding will support and what you hope to achieve?

NH: We are delighted to have received funding for our GREEN TEENS project, young people will take part in practical environmental activities at our community garden, as well as in other local green spaces. The funding will support staff-led sessions and provide resources for planting, gardening, and materials for things like bird boxes, bug hotels and a wildlife pond. Young people will also undertake eco activities like litter-picking, and environmental volunteering. We expect around 60 people to benefit. So, thank you to everyone at National Grid and Localgiving who help deliver the Community Matters Fund.

 LU: How important is grant funding like this to In the Mix Project and what difference does it make to the work you’re able to deliver in the community?

NH: It’s hugely important. As a charity, grant funding allows us to provide opportunities that many young people and families simply wouldn’t otherwise be able to access. Funding like from National Grid this means we can bring in skilled staff, buy the right equipment and deliver safe, inclusive sessions without putting that cost onto families. It also gives us the freedom to respond to young people’s ideas and try something new.

LU: As we always like to ask our community members when we speak to them, beyond financial support, what do you think would make the biggest difference to your organisation and the communities you support?

NH: Good partnerships and people getting involved make a massive difference. It could be a business donating materials, someone volunteering their time, an organisation sharing specialist knowledge or a local venue giving us space to deliver activities. Employers can also help by offering work experience or showing young people what different jobs and career paths look like. We’d also like to see young people included more often in community decisions. They have plenty of ideas and a genuine desire to improve the places where they live, but they need adults and organisations to listen and create space for them. When charities, schools, businesses, councils and residents work together, we can achieve far more for local young people.

LU: Finally, is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers—perhaps upcoming projects, events, achievements or other ways people can get involved?

NH: We would love local people to follow the progress of GREEN TEENS Champions. Recently we’ve also secured all the funds to purchase an accessible minibus to support our work and accessibility. More widely, In the Mix Project continues to deliver youth clubs, holiday activities, mentoring, outdoor learning, alternative education and volunteering opportunities across the area. There are lots of ways people can support us, whether that’s volunteering, fundraising, donating useful resources, partnering with us or simply sharing information about our services. We’re always happy to hear from local people and organisations who have ideas, skills or opportunities to offer.

LU: Superb, thanks for sharing the details of your work, we’ll be sure to keep the community updated with your progress.

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