Dorset community groups being boosted by new funding
It has been set up the Co-op.
Community groups in Dorset are being boosted by new funding.
When Co-op members buy Co-op's selected branded products and services, 2p for every pound spent goes to community causes.
It is to continue the work of The Co-op Local Community Fund, which supports grassroots local causes across the nation.
Some of the places already benefitting from the fund include:
- Dorchester Opportunity Pre-school
- Serv Wessex, blood bike riders
The additional support comes after new research from the Co-op found 33% of adults have noticed an increase in community spirit in their local area since the coronavirus pandemic began.
According to the findings:
29% are now more aware of social inequalities and the various problems facing the vulnerable
35% more aware of food poverty
49% unemployment
56%mental health
25% youth inequality
However, during a time where people need help the most, 40% feel that services aiding local communities, such as mental health support and community centres, have worsened in the last six months.
Despite some getting involved to support these initiatives, by regularly donating time (14 per cent) or money (27 per cent) to local causes, less than half were able to convert their intention to help into action.
One of the groups to receive funding is Dorchester Opportunity Group Pre-School, whic supports preschool age children with special educational needs and disabilities. Many of their children have autism and struggle with changes in their routines.
They say the grant from Southern Co-op helped them give much needed support to the children when we reopened in June.
Nyree Gibbs, Dorchester Opportunity Group Manager, said:
"Having such a long time away from the group had unsettled many children, as well as having a huge impact on their learning and development.
"They needed support and reassurance to settle back into the “new way of working”. The most important thing was to make sure they felt safe, had fun and enjoyed being back amongst their friends."
Rebecca Birkbeck, director of community and shared value at Co-op, said:
"The other part of the survey showed people really want to actually do something about this. What we're offering is a really easy, straightforward way to do something.
Businesses are a really important part of their local community. We see our stores as important community hubs.
During lockdown, for many, many people, that was the only time they saw people, when they went to their local store."