Grants to help Dorset grassroots groups support their communities are available


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GRANTS of up to £ 3,000 are available for grassroots groups working to build better communities across the county.

The Wessex Water Foundation Community Fund was created through a partnership between the Dorset Community Foundation and Wessex Water to fund projects that bring people together to build stronger communities.

The community fund, which is open for applications until October 22, is designed to fund work that supports people in financial difficulty or who do not have access to services, takes place in areas of multiple deprivation or isolation rural and helps build stronger and more resilient communities. It also aims to help finance projects that help people manage or avoid debt and provide training in money management and household budgeting.

Last year the fund awarded more than £ 18,000 to 11 groups in Dorset. Among the recipients was the Weymouth Skatepark Association, which used a grant of £ 1,500 to install a water-filling machine in the park, which attracts up to 100 cyclists and skaters during holidays and weekends.

Lisa Kille, Preston Beach Road Park staff, said: “The water filling station is very popular and we have one that measures the number of bottles we fill so we can see how much plastic we have. saved. We are truly grateful for the grant.

“It’s been a great asset to us by helping to reduce plastic waste and also encouraging young people and adults to drink more tap water, we’ve saved over 5,000 disposable plastic bottles – and that’s during a pandemic where we found ourselves closed for many months. We know we can save a lot more.

Bridport Community Shed used a grant of £ 1,500 to create a quiet space at its base in the yard of a former gardener hired by city council. Administrator Richard Toft said: “We have named the space the Repair Café and we will use the funding to create the Repair Café, spending it on materials for the conversion of existing structures, all of the work being donated by volunteers. ”

Dorset Mind has received £ 1,500 to cover the costs of an ecotherapy project in association with Meyers estate agents in the city. It will make three lots available to people with mental health problems. Staff member Marie Glen said, “The project will be open to all residents of Dorchester who have mild to moderate mental health issues. This is an inclusive project that aims to help around 40 people per year, mostly over 16 years old who will have experienced loneliness and isolation and may well be disengaged from the community.

“We also have the long-term intention to involve young people with mental health problems in the project, to educate them on the welfare benefits of gardening, of being outdoors, of work in community and develop social skills. ”

Dorset Community Foundation Director Grant Robson said: “We are delighted to be working with Wessex Water again and their support will help grassroots groups help their communities rebuild after 18 difficult months. ”

To learn more about eligibility and how to apply, visit dorsetcommunityfoundation.org/apply-for-a-grant

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