Why Hayle’s Sapphire Holidays Just Gave £1,000 to a Penzance Studio

It started with one email. An IT technician told his colleagues about a project close to his heart, and the company decided to put money behind it.

Hayle-based Sapphire Holidays has donated £1,000 to The Bridge Studios (Penzance) CIC, a new creative hub designed as a bridge between education and employment for young neurodivergent people.

The email that made it happen

The donation came about after Mikey Watson, an IT support technician at Sapphire Holidays, emailed colleagues explaining the project and why it mattered so much to him.

Mikey set up The Bridge Studios with his mother, Lynn Watson, drawing on their own experiences with neurodiversity.

“I’ve seen first-hand how much creativity can change someone’s trajectory when they’re given the right space and support,” Mikey said.

“My younger brother is autistic, and despite being incredibly capable and creative, through unsuccessful job applications he has experienced how often neurodivergent people are overlooked, underfunded or expected to adapt to systems that were never built for them in the first place.”

Sapphire’s human resources manager Laura Summers said the company was glad to step in.

“Mikey and his mum are doing a wonderful thing, and we were delighted to donate £1,000 to get them over the halfway point towards their initial fundraising target,” Laura said. “We wish them all the luck and success in their exciting venture.”

Over the halfway mark

The £1,000 pushed The Bridge Studios past its initial £2,000 Crowdfunder target, which covers start-up costs including office space, insurances and training in first aid and safeguarding.

“None of this would have been possible without such a generous donation at this crucial stage,” Lynn said. “The Sapphire Holidays donation has truly meant the world to us. These are exciting times.”

Lynn, who is neurodiverse herself, realised how many families were in the same position when she turned to social media to describe her own circumstances. The response was a flood of similar stories.

What The Bridge Studios will offer

The plan is for a multi-functional studio where young people can practise photography, videography, music, arts and crafts. There will be workshops, gallery space and a community cafe.

A high-street presence is central to the idea. It would let users show and sell their work to the public, rather than keeping it out of sight.

“This won’t just be a ‘safe space’ for young people, but also a platform where their creativity is taken seriously, while being shared publicly and highly valued – somewhere they can build up their confidence, skills and a sense that what they do really does matter,” Lynn said.

“Their parents, carers and workers will also benefit from a new social network, and opportunities to watch their young person go from strength to strength. This is a big project and with the support from our community can be brought to life.”

About the donor

Sapphire Holidays is a Cornwall-based group of self-catering holiday letting agencies, made up of Aspects Holidays, Boutique Retreats, Classic Cottages and Unique Hideaways. It is based in Hayle and employs more than 200 people.

The search continues

A permanent home for The Bridge Studios has not been found yet. While the hunt goes on, Lynn and the team keep the project moving with fortnightly jumble sales and coffee mornings at the Pulse Venue in Heamoor, held courtesy of the Royal British Legion.

📷Mikey Watson , Laura from Sapphire Holidays and Lynn Watson