“We had over 100 applications from local groups and projects, ranging from support for baby & toddler groups, dementia awareness, long-term health conditions, carers, homelessness and mental health,” said Healthwatch Chair Joyce Guest. “Every one of them had great ideas and we would have loved to have been able to support them all, it was really difficult to choose between them. In the end we stretched the funds we had available from £10,000 to over £11,000 and we’ve chosen 17 different projects which will work with a diverse range of people right across the county.” 

The 17 projects that will be supported include a Cake Concert for people with dementia in Blandford, creche facilities at a mental health support group in Poole and an art project for people living with cancer in the Purbecks.   

Interested groups or individuals were invited to send in short descriptions of their project ideas and the amount of funding they're asking for to Healthwatch Dorset throughout February/March 2018.
One of the successful applicants, Eileen Franklin from Harlequin Care, thinks that's why this fund has proved so successful. "It was just so easy to apply, no complicated forms to fill in and Healthwatch Dorset have been so helpful. I wish more community funding took this approach, we've been unable to apply for grants in the past because we're a small group without a professional fundraiser.” 

A full list of the groups and projects can be found here.