We bring life to diverse communities across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, by fostering strong 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 develop local ethnically diverse communities, by working with the local charities and community groups that support them, 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. For the past six months, 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 that are 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 either Bournemouth, Christchurch or 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.
This is a 3-year project funded by the National Lottery Communities Fund.
