A RANGE of NHS services in Dorset will benefit from a £350,000 grant to help address health inequalities across the region.

NHS Charities Together announced the county would receive the lump sum following a bid by Dorset County Hospital Charity in partnership with Dorset Community Foundation.

The grant will fund a range of initiatives, from major projects such as Dorset HealthCare’s ‘League of Friends Network’, to grassroots projects working with the NHS such as dementia support, addressing rural isolation and loneliness and supporting young children with complex needs.

All projects will be focused on supporting the health and well-being of people and communities across Dorset.

NHS Charities Together launched its Community Partnership Grants Programme in September 2020 in recognition of the work that voluntary and community groups do to support the work of the NHS.

Simon Pearson, head of Dorset County Hospital Charity, said: “This funding is tremendous news and provides a significant opportunity for the NHS to work in partnership with local charities and voluntary organisations to support communities across Dorset to recover from the impact of the pandemic.”

Dorset Community Foundation director Grant Robson added: “We are sure the money will make a tremendous difference to overcoming some health inequalities at a very challenging time.”

Visit nhscharitiestogether.co.uk for more information.