Charities and community groups where diversity thrives and voices are heard.

Ethnically diverse communities see a vibrant future for themselves but don’t always have the means to achieve that vision. That’s where we come in. Through the National Lottery Communities Fund, we’ve started an innovative 3-year project to work with local charities and community groups that support ethnically diverse community groups, alongside Dorset Race Equality Council, BCP Council, and Dorset Community Foundation.

Why this matters

Despite the diversity of cultures across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, our EDC groups receive less funding than similar areas in England.  We’ve been working closely with colleagues from local EDC groups to identify and consider how to overcome barriers. While many challenges are common to small, volunteer-led organisations; EDC groups often face additional hurdles due to direct and indirect discrimination.

Our approach

Local ethnic communities drive our project through their needs and aspirations because true empowerment comes from within a community. That’s why we advise groups supporting ethnically diverse communities, rather than direct them. We:

• Amplify their voices
• Secure sustainable funding
• Expand their service delivery
• Participate in service design
• Build strong core teams
• Develop leadership
• And engage the next generation.

Get involved

If you are part of an ethnically diverse community in Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole, get in touch with the EDC Project Lead,  Mayu.Rouco-Santos@can100.org or call 01202 466130.

Together we can build strong communities where everyone thrives.

Funded by the National Lottery Communities Fund.