MORE than £3m of funding has been pledged to two voluntary and community organisations so they can provide support, advice and guidance to Dorset residents.

Following an open tender process, Dorset Council has awarded Volunteer Centre Dorset and Citizens Advice in Dorset (CAiD), with five-year funding contracts which will begin on October 1.

CAiD, which will receive £564,650 per year, will provide information, advice and guidance on matters such as benefits, debt and money, energy and fuel support and other welfare advice.

Alan Breakwell, chair of Citizens Advice in Dorset said: "CAiD are delighted to have been awarded the contract to continue the successful partnership with Dorset Council. The security of funding will ensure the high level of service to our clients will be maintained."

Volunteer Centre Dorset will receive £50,000 per year to provide volunteers, recruitment and development for all the organisations and charities across the council area.

Marie Waterman, CEO at Volunteer Centre Dorset, said: "We are delighted with the outcome of the tender application. Over these last 18 months, working in partnership with Dorset Council and other partners in the community has meant we were able to support and help people at a level never known before.

"Having a more secure future for volunteers and volunteering will help Dorset's communities to continue to thrive. We will be able to help more groups and more people into volunteering.

"There is no sector quite like the voluntary and community sector, it captures every aspect of our lives and we will all be touched by a volunteer's help at some point in our lives. To be able to strengthen the sector with this funding will be so positive for Dorset."

Councillor Jill Haynes, Dorset Council portfolio holder for customer services and communities, said: "Congratulations to Volunteer Centre Dorset and Citizens' Advice on their successful bids. We are delighted to continue working with them.

"Both organisations have done a tremendous amount of work supporting residents throughout the Covid period.

"Previously, we have awarded contracts each year, but to help grow and develop the stability of our community offer, we have awarded contracts for a period of up to five years this time around.

"We will be working with the organisations to monitor activity and provide support to make changes to the offer when necessary.

"This is an exciting time and we very much look forward to developing the support available to help our communities to be strong, independent and healthy."