In 2008, four friends, two couples – Susannah & Steve Baker, Tracey & Richard Elliott along with their four young children embarked on a new way of living and working together. It began with the joint purchase of a house and business, Pickwell Manor, on the North Devon coast. With hard work and determination, they have grown the business and it has become an extremely popular destination for both self-catered holiday accommodation and group event bookings. The shared values and the sense of responsibility to both People and Planet, has been the glue that bonded the group firmly together. Over the 18 years working collaboratively, they have invested their time, skills and experience to a number of businesses where Social impact is the foundation on which they have all been built.

The Foundation is rooted in practical action - working towards a more welcoming, resilient, and sustainable society where both people and the planet can thrive.

We support communities to welcome those forced to flee, focusing on what makes resettlement work: housing, language, employment, and connection. When newcomers belong, communities flourish. Alongside our refugee and asylum work, we also provide housing and innovative support for vulnerable people across the Southwest of England - from those recovering from hardship or homelessness to families rebuilding their lives after trauma or displacement.

Our response to the climate and housing crises is grounded in shared responsibility and practical action. While The Pickwell Foundation does not own the social housing or renewable energy companies established by its trustees, these ventures, reflect the same values that guide our charitable work - combining environmental responsibility with social purpose.

Through partnership and shared ethos, the Foundation complements these efforts by delivering direct community programmes, supporting vulnerable people into safe housing, funding, and getting personally involved with, environmental initiatives that drive systemic change through law, policy, finance, and education. Increasingly, our work connects these global challenges - supporting efforts to better understand and respond to climate and migration.

Rooted in North Devon, but delivering and influencing nationally, The Pickwell Foundation combines hands-on community work with national policy leadership and international collaboration. We believe that caring for one another and caring for the Earth are inseparable goals - each essential to building a hopeful, sustainable future.