Charity | Posted on June 30th, 2026 | return to news

Dorset charity to fund £1 million-worth of mental health projects

Dorset Community Foundation hopes distributing the funds to grass roots community groups will lift pressure off the NHS.

A local charity is to distribute £1 million to grass roots community groups and charities to fund mental health projects, with the aim to alleviate pressure on NHS clinical services.

This is the second million pounds to be distributed by Dorset Community Foundation in partnership with NHS Dorset and Community Action Network. Two years ago, the foundation awarded funding through the Community Wellbeing and Mental Health Fund to 53 groups across Dorset for projects that benefitted more than 6,500 people.

DCF Grants Manager Ellie Maguire said NHS management was so impressed with the outcome of the previous grant programme, they have committed to a further £1 million in funding. She said: “This is fantastic news for the voluntary sector and for the thousands of people struggling with their wellbeing and mental health.”

“We will be able to help groups continue the work they started as a result of the first tranche of funding, as well as support many new ones. We’re thankful to NHS Dorset for the continued faith it has shown in us and in the voluntary sector to deliver this important work.”

Two-year grants of up to £20,000 and one-year grants of up to £5,000 are available. Around two-thirds of the funding will be awarded to projects and activities previously funded, but more than £300,000 is available for new projects. Applications for grants are open now until 6 August: https://www.dorsetcommunityfoundation.org/funds/community-wellbeing-and-mental-health-fund/

Grants are intended for projects and activities that support people to improve their wellbeing and mental health, help people to build resilience or enable people living with mental health conditions to participate in activities that support their recovery and wellbeing.

Previously sponsored projects include walking and outdoor swimming groups, art and crafts, music, drama, debt, welfare and benefits advice, community meals and coffee mornings.

One project funded was B Sharp in Bridport, which ran 52 weekly sessions of music-based support groups for new parents or carers who were experiencing poor mental health and social isolation. The group said 230 people reported improved mental health and wellbeing.

Meanwhile, In Jolly Good Company used a grant to run get-togethers, called Jolly Days, in north and east Dorset for more than 100 older people. One beneficiary said: “My depression got worse when I lost my husband. I believe going to the Jollys helps me cope with depression better.”

Maguire added: “We saw a wonderful range of projects driven by the need in communities and, in many cases, the lived experience of people running those activities

“Many of those supported spoke of the different ways in which they are more resilient and have better tools and social networks to support their ongoing wellbeing in the long term .

“We are confident there’s a reduced likelihood that these people will seek NHS appointments or need clinical interventions.”

Mark Smith, Lead Commissioner for All Age Mental Health at NHS Dorset, said: “We know that lots of great work happens in local communities to support people’s mental health and wellbeing and that social inclusion and meaningful activity is so important in a person’s recovery from mental health challenges. This is a fantastic opportunity, and we look forward to exciting projects and initiatives over the coming months.”

To find out more about eligibility and how to apply, visit www.dorsetcommunityfoundation.org/funds.