Run in partnership with the Somerset, Wiltshire, Dorset and Quartet Community Foundations, it is already prioritising those worst affected by the pandemic.

From 2021 the Wessex Water Foundation will provide at least half a million pounds of funding every year to support community projects, debt advice and charities dealing with those suffering the consequences of poverty through poor mental and physical health, hunger, housing or unemployment.

Region-wide emergency funding will be awarded to groups on the frontline, including charities and foodbanks, while the Wessex Water Recovery Fund opens for local applications later this year to help respond to the challenging economic situation.

Wessex Water will also continue to support local environmental projects, supporting the ambition to rebuild communities with new green infrastructure.

Colin Skellett, Wessex Water’s CEO, said, “Being at the heart of the communities we serve is nothing new for us, but the Wessex Water Foundation is a new way of making sure we’re helping the people who need it most.”

Grant Robson, director at Dorset Community Foundation said, “We are very pleased to be working with Wessex Water to achieve their charitable objectives locally. Our experience in finding Dorset projects addressing local need means we are uniquely placed to help.”

One of the recently funded groups from the Wessex Water Community Fund is Dorset Mind. The grant will support the charity’s GAP Project that provides an allotment gardening group for people with mental health problems. The group develops people’s confidence and self-worth through meaningful and therapeutic ecotherapy.

To find out more about the Wessex Water Foundation visit wessexwater.co.uk/community.