In Jolly Good Company used its grant to run get-togethers, called Jolly Days, in north and east Dorset

£1 million grants pot for mental health groups in Dorset

Paul JonesJuly 2, 20260 Comment0

MENTAL health grass roots community groups and charities supporting people in Dorset are set to receive shares of a new £1 million funding pot.

The cash is being provided by the Dorset Community Foundation (DCF), working alongside NHS Dorset and Community Action Network for mental health projects that alleviate pressure on clinical services.

Two years ago, DCF awarded £1m in funding to 53 groups across Dorset through the Community Wellbeing and Mental Health Fund, benefitting more than 6,500 people.

DCF grants manager, Ellie Maguire, said NHS management was so impressed with the outcome of the grant programme they committed to a further £1m in funding.

“This is fantastic news for the voluntary sector and for the thousands of people struggling with their wellbeing and mental health,” she said.

“We will be able to help groups continue the work they started as a result of the first tranche of funding, as well as support many new ones. We’re thankful to NHS Dorset for the continued faith it has shown in us and in the voluntary sector to deliver this important work.”

Two-year grants of up to £20,000 and one-year grants of up to £5,000 are available.

Around two-thirds of the funding will be awarded to projects and activities previously funded, but more than £300,000 is available.

Grants will be aimed at non-clinical projects and activities that support people to improve their wellbeing and mental health, help people to build resilience, or enable people living with mental health conditions to participate in activities that support their recovery and wellbeing.

The previous round of funding supported activities including walking and outdoor swimming groups, drop-ins, art and crafts, music, drama, debt, welfare and benefits advice, community meals and coffee mornings.

More than 270 people went to craft and nature activity sessions run by Island Community Action on Portland

“We saw a wonderful range of projects driven by the need in communities and, in many cases, the lived experience of people running those activities,” said Ellie.

“Many of those supported spoke of the different ways in which they are more resilient and have better tools and social networks to support their ongoing wellbeing in the long term.

“We are confident there’s a reduced likelihood that these people will seek NHS appointments or need clinical interventions.”

Among the projects funded was B Sharp, in Bridport, which ran 52 weekly sessions of music-based support groups for new parents or carers who were experiencing poor mental health and social isolation.

The group said 230 people reported improved mental health and wellbeing.

Chill Dorset, meanwhile, ran eight-week sea swimming courses to support 65 participants at Avon Beach, Branksome Chine and Weymouth Beach.

And more than 270 people went to craft and nature activity sessions run by Island Community Action on Portland, with 263 saying they improved their mental health and wellbeing.

In Jolly Good Company used a grant to run get-togethers, called Jolly Days, in north and east Dorset for more than 100 older people.

Mark Smith, lead commissioner for all age mental health at NHS Dorset, said: “We know that lots of great work happens in local communities to support people’s mental health and wellbeing and that social inclusion and meaningful activity is so important in a person’s recovery from mental health challenges.

“This is a fantastic opportunity and we look forward to exciting projects and initiatives over the coming months.”

And Karen Loftus, CEO of CAN, which will provide pre-application support for groups, added: “We know that lots of great work happens in local communities to support people’s mental health, and that social inclusion and meaningful activity are so important in a person’s recovery.

“We have been working hard to bring more investment into Dorset’s amazing charities and community groups because we know what life-changing work they do. We’re thrilled to be partnering with the Dorset Community Foundation and NHS Dorset to make this a reality.”

Applications for grants are open until noon on August 6. For more information, including about eligibility and how to apply, visit dorsetcommunityfoundation.org/funds.