A CONTRIBUTION of £50,000 is to be made by Somerset Council to a fund set up to support individuals and their families affected by last week’s Minehead Middle School fatal coach crash.

The money will go to Somerset Community Foundation’s Together For West Somerset Appeal, which is co-ordinating several other online appeals.

It takes the collective sum raised to more than £110,000.

The foundation launched its emergency appeal for the children, families, and wider community affected after a coach carrying pupils and staff on a school trip crashed off the A396 Cutcombe Hill and killed one child and injured 21 other people.

The Together for West Somerset Appeal will be distributed with guidance from a range of partners, including the council, NHS Somerset, local schools, the National Emergencies Trust (NET), and fund-raising regulator the Charity Commission.

The council wants to see immediate and effective support for those affected, ensuring appropriate governance and flexibility as the charity responds to both immediate and longer-term needs.

Beleagured Somerset Council Lib Dem leader Cllr Bills Revans faces declaring bankruptcy next year. PHOTO: Daniel Mumby.
Somerset Council leader Cllr Bills Revans has confirmed the authority will make a £50,000 donation to appeals to support those affected by the Minehead school coach crash. PHOTO: Daniel Mumby. ( )

It said the fund aligned with best practice guidance from NET, which advocates for structured, community-led responses following major incidents to ensure support is delivered fairly, efficiently, and with accountability.

Council leader Cllr Bill Revans said: “Our hearts and our thoughts remain with everybody affected by this tragedy.

“This donation reflects Somerset Council’s deep commitment to standing beside our communities in times of need, ensuring support reaches those who need it most, swiftly, compassionately, and with care.

“We are grateful to Somerset Community Foundation (SCF) for launching its appeal and for offering to co-ordinate community efforts and donations.

“I know they will ensure funds swiftly reach those who need immediate help and support our communities in the months and years to come.”

SCF chief executive Justin Sargent said: “We are very grateful for this contribution from Somerset Council.

“This significant contribution is invaluable as we work to distribute funds swiftly to those affected to fund a package of short and long-term support.”

The council is also continuing to develop a co-ordinated plan of support which considers the needs of impacted children, families, school staff, and the wider community, including a child psychologist directly deployed to support Beacon Education, which runs the middle school.

It is working in close liaison with mental health services, family support teams, and the local voluntary, community, faith, and social enterprise sector to ensure the right support is in place over the coming days and through the summer holidays.

There has also been additional engagement with the community to seek direct feedback on the type of support which might need in the coming weeks.

Anybody who wants to donate to the appeal or read more about it should visit the SCF website.