Nearly £1 million committed by Dorset Community Foundation

The funding, totalling £991,899, has been committed by Dorset Community Foundation (DCF) through its BCP Crisis and Resilience Fund, supporting 42 groups and charities across Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole.

The programme aims to help individuals overcome poverty and reduce reliance on crisis support by focusing on long-term solutions and community empowerment.

Sandra Moore, BCP Council’s cabinet member for communities and partnerships, said: "Providing multi-year and one-year grants give these groups the confidence and certainty they need to plan services, support more residents and develop stronger partnerships with BCP Council and other local organisations.

Bournemouth Foodbank will use a £45,000 grant over three-years to run community cooking and shared meal sessions at its Garden Rooms Café in Haviland Road (Image: Dorset Community Foundation)

"This is not just about helping people through a crisis.

"It is about making it easier for residents to access the help available, strengthening community networks, building resilience that will have a lasting impact and creating a more joined-up support system across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole."

Funding has been awarded in both one-year and three-year grants to support a wide range of projects.

Bournemouth Foodbank has received £45,000 over three years to run weekly community batch cooking sessions at its kitchen and Garden Rooms Café in Boscombe.

Chef Tansy Austin said: "The project is building something with people rather than just simply delivering food.

"We're going to facilitate it but we’re going to encourage the people in groups to lead the project themselves.

"It gives us the chance to bring people together to cook and build a sense of community."

The SAMEE Charity in Bournemouth has been awarded £44,880 over three years to help 30 young people with disabilities develop employability skills and financial resilience as they transition out of their Education, Health and Care Plans.

Volunteer Cooking at Vale Lodge (Image: Dorset Community Foundation)

Wayne Imgram, chief operating officer, said: "Participants will receive training in financial literacy, life skills, budgeting and employability skills, alongside our Steps into Self-employment Level 1 qualification for those without Level 2 qualifications needed for further education or apprenticeships."

Other recipients include Bee Mission, which has received a £6,000 grant to provide meals and support to people experiencing homelessness, and Kushti Bok, awarded £7,500 to deliver family activity days and advice sessions for Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller communities.

St Clement’s Church in Boscombe will use a £7,500 grant to run a weekly Fun ‘n’ Food club for children from low-income families.

Curate Tracey Radvan said: "Parents socialise together or join their children in the activities, building family relationships and community."

For more information, visit the DCF website.