DORSET Community Foundation is delighted to be working with BCP Council again as part of the effort to distribute £2.6 million to vulnerable people living in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole this winter.

Households who are struggling to afford food, energy and water bills are to receive support through the Household Support Fund scheme delivered through BCP Council and its partners.

The council has allocated £80,000 to Dorset Community Foundation to administer grant funding to voluntary and community organisations providing food and fuel support between November 2021 and the end of March 2022.

Community foundation director Grant Robson said: “We were delighted to work with BCP Council last year to to distribute £80,000 of its Winter Support Grant funding to 14 community food projects. More than 3,000 residents in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole benefitted.

It has put its faith in our knowledge of the voluntary sector and, just as importantly, the areas where there is most need

“It is wonderful news that the council sees us as the right partner to distribute the money this year. It has put its faith in our knowledge of the voluntary sector and, just as importantly, the areas where there is most need.”

Among the recipients last year was Bournemouth Foodbank, which received funding to launch a new Community Café providing free meals to those suffering financial hardship. Its All About Culture in Boscombe received funding so it could provide culturally sensitive food parcels in the town, particularly focusing on ethnic minority.

Cllr Nicola Greene, portfolio holder for COVID resilience, schools and skills, said: “With the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and increase in food and fuel bills we know that many people will be really struggling and experiencing financial hardship this winter. We will be working closely with our partners to ensure those households that are most in need can access help.”

 

Pictured: It’s All About Culture in Boscombe provided culturally-sensitive food parcels with the money it received from BCP Council via Dorset Community Foundation last year