Tens of thousands of pounds are being issued to charities that are helping Dorset people during the Covid-19 crisis.

A total of 21 charities have successfully applied for special grants announced by Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner Martyn Underhill.

The Safer Dorset Fund Covid-19 Grants were announced at the end of April to help charities that were struggling as a result of the crisis, enabling them to either continue providing their existing services or launch new projects to help local people during the lockdown period.

More than £65,000 has now been issued to organisations across the county, just weeks after the scheme was launched.

The funding is intended to be used either as an emergency stop-gap for charities struggling financially due to the effects of Covid-19, for them to help with the emergence of new issues due to Covid-19 and social isolation measures, or for issues which arise as the UK begins recovering after the lockdown measures are lifted.

The new grants were open to charities that can help Dorset residents, but particularly those that meet the objectives of the county’s Police and Crime Plan.

Martyn Underhill said: “Many charities are providing services which people across the county have relied on throughout the crisis, or are planning work which will be essential as we slowly ease lockdown measures and begin to enter the post Covid world.

“Commissioning services that provide a benefit to people in Dorset but otherwise would not exist is one of the most important elements of my role, and I am glad that my team have been able to meet the challenge presented by the coronavirus pandemic and provide these essential funds so quickly.”

More information about charities who have received money from the Covid-19 grants will be published on the Dorset OPCC website over the next few weeks.