Wellbeing grants support over 2,000 local people
Over 2,000 local people have so far benefitted from support through initiatives designed to compliment Access Wellbeing’s aims, as part of Dorset’s Community Wellbeing & Mental Health Fund.
Access Wellbeing is Dorset’s NHS-commissioned community mental health and wellbeing programme. Its aim is to provide the right support, in the right place, at the right time – and to empower people to live well. To complement this, NHS Dorset allocated £1 million of additional investment into local community groups that support mental health and wellbeing, through the Community Wellbeing & Mental Health Fund.
Dorset Community Foundation delivered one-year grants and two-year grants under the fund, working closely with Community Action Network (CAN), who supported applicants and recipients.
From gardening groups and creative arts projects to peer support networks, these grants have helped people across Dorset to stay connected, build resilience, and find support when they need it most. So much has already been achieved:
- 42 groups received a one-year grant (£360,000 in total) – so far, the initial £85,000 has benefitted 690 people (613 beneficiaries and 77 volunteers).
- 11 groups received a two-year grant (£640,000 in total) – so far, the £310,000 allocated in year 1 has benefitted 1,330 people (1,139 beneficiaries and 191 volunteers).
You can read more about how the incredible work the grants have supported so far in Dorset Community Foundation’s impact reports:
Building a connected ecosystem
Over the past 12 months, CAN has hosted networking events for grant recipients, creating space for collaboration, learning, and connection. These events have not only helped groups learn more about each other’s projects and build relationships but have also been spaces to celebrate the incredible work and impact these groups have had in their communities.
They’ve also provided valuable opportunities to reflect on what needs to change to ensure continued success, helping shape the future of the fund and the wider Access Wellbeing ecosystem. These groups now work alongside Access Wellbeing hubs and our wellbeing coordinators to enable people to access the support they need, when and where they need it.
They have also been working closely with funded groups to implement their projects and develop effective tools for data collection and impact measurement.
Learn more about the fund, its impact and the successful recipients on the CAN website.
