It was set up to help any charities and community organisations in Bournemouth, Christchurch, Poole, East Dorset and Purbeck struggling to provide critical support to their communities.

The high-level of need in the community has resulted in more than £1.1 million being donated by the Trust to 120 charities, community groups and others. Over 80% of applications were successful from both past recipients of Talbot Village Trust and new ones.

The final round of beneficiaries have just been announced. In this last round, more than £200,000 of grants have been issued to 28 Dorset charities, community groups and others.

Sir Christopher Lees, Chair of Talbot Village Trust, said, “First and foremost we want to say a huge thank you to all local charities – those that received funding from the Trust and others – for working so hard to support their communities through this incredibly turbulent time. It is a testament to their commitment to helping those in need and we are humbled by it.

“From the beginning, the COVID-19 Support Fund has seen huge levels of demand, and we are grateful to have been able to help these charities in our own small way to carry on through the crisis. Our grants will continue as normal and as always, we urge any group in need as this crisis continues, to consider applying. With the team spirit shown by the Dorset community, we can all help each other get through it.”

Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Dorset Angus Campbell commented, “The Talbot Village Trust’s inspirational project has distributed grants to many charities and community groups whose work is so critical in supporting the most vulnerable in this time of extreme hardship.

“As Lord-Lieutenant for Dorset I congratulate the Trust for its rapid recognition of the problem, its commitment of substantial funds to the project, for getting the money out there and working fast enough to make that vital difference. From start to finish this was a tremendous plan which was driven through with determination and commitment and to good effect. I congratulate all involved.”

The groups that have been awarded funding cover a wide variety of charities, churches, education organisations and youth groups.

The recipients of this final round of funding include some charities and groups that have received funding from Talbot Village Trust in the past such as People First Forum. The charity is a group run by, and for, people with learning disabilities across Poole, Bournemouth, and Christchurch.

New charities such as MOSAIC and Amelia’s Rainbow have also benefited from the fund. MOSAIC supports bereaved children, their families and the professionals working with them, in the Dorset community. Amelia’s Rainbow supports children in Dorset and the surrounding areas who are suffering from terminal, life-limiting, serious or chronic illnesses.

Talbot Village Trust continues to accept applications for funding from both previous and new applicants in the area, outside of the COVID-19 Support Fund. For more details, eligibility criteria and to download an application form, please go to www.talbotvillagetrust.org for more information.