CAN is working with Dorset Community Foundation to deliver the Community Wellbeing & Mental Health Fund, via NHS Dorset. This funding programme is for activities and services for adults (age 18+) across Dorset (including Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole). The following grants were available:
- Up to £10,000 for a 6 to 12-month grant period (requests for smaller amounts are welcome)
- Up to £80,000 for a 2-year grant period (groups must be established for a minimum of two years to apply)
CAN offers enhanced support for groups applying to this programme; to check if groups are funding-ready, provide advice on proposals and how they fit with the fund priorities, and where additional guidance may be helpful, e.g. how to measure outcomes.
The fund supports local community groups that provide early assistance to adults experiencing mental health challenges. These non-clinical activities aim to improve well-being and resilience, reducing formal healthcare needs. The fund complements the Access Wellbeing programme by expanding community-based mental health support. We are thrilled to share the successful 2nd- round recipients of the fund. These groups will improve the lives of countless individuals in Dorset and demonstrate the transformative power of community-led initiatives.
| Grant Application Name | Project Description – Summary |
| Acts Fast | A free, 10-week, 1:1, trauma-informed service providing stabilisation, psychoeducation and support. The goal is to help the client create stability and develop healthy coping strategies. |
| Age UK North, South and West Dorset | Expand the Independent Living Support and services in North Dorset, enhancing outreach, reducing isolation and providing vital social and wellbeing support to older adults in rural areas. |
| B Sharp | Music-based support groups for new parents/carers, with their babies and toddlers, who are experiencing postnatal depression, poor mental health and social isolation to improve their wellbeing. |
| BEAF Arts Company Ltd | A new LGBTQ+ group for The Outsiders Project, creating a weekly creative writing group using the power of writing and performance to support the mental health and well-being of participants. |
| Bournemouth Foodbank | To extend the pilot project of ‘The Recovery Cafe’, which launched in April 2024 and has been very well attended. |
| Chill Dorset | Cold water swimming courses over 2 beach sites in Dorset: promoting better mental health and a self-sustaining community of support among like-minded individuals. |
| Christchurch Community Partnership | To increase our engagement activities to meet current demand. Social activities designed with food and connectivity as the conduit to preventing poor mental health. |
| Citizens Advice Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole | A weekly full-day advice session at Poole Wellbeing Hub. |
| Deerview Equine Interventions | Delivery of 1:1 5-day ReStart courses, Non-Verbals Toolbox workshops, highlight sessions for small groups, and small group continuation sessions for participants who have completed the ReStart course. |
| Dorchester Arts | A 12 week creative therapy course for mothers experiencing postnatal depression and anxiety. |
| Dorset Community Action | 12-week self-esteem courses incorporating varied activities designed to improve a person’s wellbeing and empower them to continue their self-esteem journey beyond the programme. |
| Dorset Mind | Men-in-Mind group to support men’s mental health through physical activity. |
| Dorset Parent Infant Partnership | Facilitated parent support groups, Little Pips and DorPIP Dads, in-person 6-week courses, to provide peer support, reduce parental conflict and improve perinatal mental health in parents. |
| Ferndown Community Support CIC | Not-just-men’s Shed – a space for everyone to share and learn mending and making skills. |
| Grounded Community | Peer support and 1st Aid (MHFA) training for staff and facilitators; creation of online DIRECTORY OF SUPPORT and marketing of our services. |
| International Care Network Ltd | A Wellbeing Coordinator to support the mental health of asylum seekers and refugees, principally in the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole areas. |
| Island Community Action | A year of taster experiences, a weekly social crafts club and a drive to increase the number of residents volunteering to support their own and our community’s health and wellbeing. |
| Launchpad Dorset CIC | Life in Balance – a bespoke exercise program which improves the mental health and wellbeing of adults who struggle with poor physical and mental health. |
| Lyme Regis Museum | Creative art sessions that tackle loneliness, social isolation, anxiety and depression, inspired by the museum and objects in the collection, as well as the history and environment of Lyme Regis. |
| People First Dorset | Interactive and engaging activities to empower 60-80 adults with learning disabilities in Weymouth and Dorchester to identify, improve and sustain their wellbeing and mental health. |
| Planet Purbeck | Nature and creativity-based mental health and wellbeing courses for the local community on the Isle of Purbeck. |
| Poole Communities Trust | A community well-being breakfast with 121 support and well being activities. |
| POSITIVE PATH FOUNDATION | A programme of events, activities and life-skills workshops, and our Employability Scheme in Dorset. |
| Recreate Dorset | A creative well-being programme supporting adults managing complex health challenges, offering non-clinical interventions for positive outcomes for recovery, self-care and resilience. |
| Safe and Sound Dorset | Relationship courses building confidence, pattern changing, improving skills and interactive behaviour, empowering women, healthy choices, feedback of current needs, including social inclusion, self-care, recovery and wellbeing. |
| The Blackmore Vale Charity (aka The Vale Pantry) | Weekly activities and events aimed at building resilience and improving the health and wellbeing of those who struggle. |
| The Bus Shelter Dorset | Support working holistically with guests to improve their future. |
| The Footprints Project | Mental health activities and drop-in support. |
| The Power House (Poole) | Weekly and fortnightly Arts Wellbeing Sessions led by an experienced community arts practitioner for Carers, lone parents, and those struggling with anxiety, low mood, depression, stress, and isolation. |
| Vita Nova | Funding for 5 weekly sessions in theatre, creative writing, music and two additional offers to support people in recovery: Vita Digital and Nature Walks |
| Water Lily Project | Mental health activities programme, including Mental Health Resilience Course, Craft & Gardening Group, Mindfulness Walking Groups, Cooking on a Together Course, and support for volunteering in the café. |
