TWO local charities have been given a combined boost of £13,000 from the Cadbury Foundation thanks to Crediton-based workers at Ernest Jackson.

A healthcare company which produces medicated confectionery, vitamin pastilles and other products, Ernest Jackson has been in Crediton for more than 200 years and employs more than 150 people across two sites in the town.

It is a member of the Mondelez International family of companies, along with the Cadbury brand.

This year, to mark Cadbury’s 200th anniversary, a special roadshow for colleagues toured locations across the UK, including Crediton, inviting them to vote for charities to receive a share of £200,000 from the Cadbury Foundation.

Ernest Jackson employees chose FearFree, a Devon domestic abuse and sexual violence charity, and Westbank, a health and wellbeing charity, which have received £8,000 and £5,000 respectively.

FearFree provides personalised support services to help victims change or move on from abusive relationships, supports people who have experienced sexual violence or stalking, supports children and young people affected by abuse to move on with their lives and runs voluntary programmes for perpetrators to help them change their behaviour.

With the £8,000 donation, FearFree will expand its support for individuals facing domestic abuse, offering tailored one-to-one advice for both children and adults, as well as group sessions and workshops, to raise awareness.

FearFree Head of Fundraising Jessica Gay said: “We are so grateful to have the support of the Cadbury Foundation.

“This donation will help us continue supporting adults and children experiencing domestic abuse in Exeter, East, and Mid Devon.

“The grant received is vital at this challenging time, keeping families safe and helping them rebuild their lives, happy, fulfilled, and free from fear.”

Westbank supports people across Devon to improve their quality of life through a range of health and wellbeing initiatives such as cookery lessons, social activities, health workshops and exercise.

Last year, the charity supported over 37,000 people across the region and employed over 250 staff and employees.

The £5,000 grant will help Westbank fund a pilot project to create “dementia cafés”, offering support to those living with dementia and their families.

Westbank Head of Fundraising and Marketing Katie Elliott said: “We are absolutely thrilled to have received an extremely generous donation of £5,000 from the Cadbury Foundation.

“Thanks to the grant, we can support more people in our community by setting up dementia cafés, which will provide a safe space for people and their families navigating a very complex and challenging disease.”

The Cadbury Foundation was set up in 1935 in recognition of Richard and George Cadbury and their investment in the welfare of their employees and the local community.

Mondelez International Community Affairs Manager Kelly Farrell said: “As we celebrate the incredible 200th anniversary of Cadbury’s, we’re also celebrating two centuries of giving back.

“Carrying on the spirit of the Cadbury brothers is something we’re incredibly proud of, as we continue to support amazing charities and projects like Westbank and FearFree that positively impact countless lives each year.”