The Nature, Art and Wellbeing Community Fund is open for applications and will provide grants to projects which tackle inequalities, enable groups to conserve and enhance the natural beauty of their local area and increase engagement with nature, art and movement.

The fund particularly encourages projects which improve the wellbeing of adults living with long term health conditions, learning disabilities, low mental health, long term unemployment, carer roles, accessing day opportunities, or who are from marginalised backgrounds.

‘We want to encourage local communities to be involved and find ways to enhance wellbeing, reduce isolation and support recovery,” said Sarah Perrett, Dorset Council’s commissioning project manager. “These innovative and creative projects will increase local opportunities for people to reap the benefit of being outside for the whole community.’

The programme has been made available through a partnership between Stepping into Nature, Dorset Council, The Arts Development Company, Active Dorset and Help & Care with support from The National Lottery Community Fund, National Academy of Social Prescribing Thriving Communities Fund and Contain Outbreak Management Fund.

All applicants will be offered fully funded training on Diversity and Inclusivity, Dementia Awareness and Mental Health Awareness.

Julie Hammon, Stepping into Nature project coordinator said, ‘We received such a varied mix of projects working with a range of people in the first round and look forward to seeing more of these.

“If you’ve got an idea that you wish to discuss then contact us by email stepin2nature@dorsetcouncil.gov.ukor call 01305 224785.”

The programme encourages projects to apply which upskill communities, provide inclusive activities, remove barriers to enjoy outdoor spaces and mitigate the effects of the pandemic.

Examples include volunteer training, developing new or improving existing arts, nature and physical based activities, purchasing materials like tools, seeds or art materials or contracting specialist help to increase enjoyment of a greenspace.

The fund is open to all in Dorset, including Bournemouth Christchurch and Poole and will close midday 14 June 2022.

Projects will be assessed by a local panel to ensure they provide value for money, a legacy from the work, and meet at least one of the programmes outcomes.

To find out more about the Nature, Art, Wellbeing Community Fund visit: https://www.dorsetaonb.org.uk/resource/nature-art-and-wellbeing-community-fund/