Exmouth based CIC RV.One secures permanent base thanks to grant funding support from The Exeter Chiefs Foundation!

RV.One, a community interest company, formed by Tom Merriman in 2019 to tackle the ever growing fight against poor mental health through functional fitness and adventure activities, has secured its future with a permanent base building sponsored by The Exeter Chiefs Foundation.

RV.One was founded by Tom, a current serving Royal Marine Commando; supported by a small team of volunteer directors who are serving or veteran Royal Marine Commandos. The idea is simple; to provide structured support, health and fitness activities and adventure activities within the green and blue spaces in the community to drive positive mental health experiences aiming to tackle the ever growing mental health crisis.

RV.One saw a growth of 2900% in its members over lockdown and have successfully organised a ladies three peaks challenge fundraiser with a view to raise money to fund a static base which would provide prominence within the community and a secure, visible base point; but with covid restrictions it has been hard to capitalise on that fundraising momentum and the realisation of the permanent base seemed impossible.

With an offer of land at Warren View alongside Exmouth Football Club, RV.One approached local councillors Trail & Scott and revived the campaign with £1000 pledge. The Exeter Chiefs Foundation saw potential in securing the permanent base and with a massive show of support of a huge £10,000 grant funding they have helped make the dream a reality.

Founder and Director Tom Merriman said, “We are so thankful for this huge show of support from such a prominent community organisation; the directors of RV.One run classes and events on a purely voluntary basis alongside working full time and supporting their own families. We all share a unified mindset that supporting the positive mental health opportunities within our community is vitally important. RV.One so desperately needed a permanent base point to be visible within the community and accessible to more people who have need for our support. We look forward to opening our doors very soon and being able to offer much more support to members of our community.”

Exeter Chiefs Foundation Trustee, Keiron Northcott, added: “We are delighted to be able to support the great work being carried out by RV.One. Tackling Mental Health is a huge subject matter in these current times and for us to help RV.One secure a permanent site for them to carry out their outstanding work is hugely satisfying. I’ve no doubt that it will be a great addition to the local community and that it will help transform lives in a variety of different ways.”

RV.One have started work on the project and hope to officially open the doors of the Warren View base hub at the beginning of March! The hub will be available for free of charge community classes and will be a base point for support for those in the community who need some support!

This year RV.One has a series of further challenges planned including a Men’s 3 Peaks Challenge! All monies raised are invested straight back into RV.One and the service to the community.

To get involved or if you need some support please reach out on RV.One’s social media pages OR website www.rvone.co.uk