GRANTS of up to £3,000 are available for grass roots groups working to build better communities across the county.

The Wessex Water Foundation Community Fund has been created thanks to a partnership between Dorset Community Foundation and Wessex Water to fund projects which bring people together to build stronger communities.

The community fund, which is open for applications until October 22, is designed to fund work that supports people in financial difficulty or who lack access to services, takes place in areas of multiple deprivation or rural isolation and helps build stronger, more resilient communities. It also aims to help fund projects which help people manage or avoid debt and provides education in money management and household budgeting skills.

Last year the fund awarded more than £18,000 to 11 groups in Dorset. Among the recipients was Weymouth Skatepark Association, which used a £1,500 grant to install a water refill machine at the park, which attracts up to 100 riders and skaters in holidays and at weekends.

Lisa Kille, a member of staff at the Preston Beach Road park, said: “The water refill station is really popular and we’ve got one that measures how many bottles we fill so we can see how much plastic we’ve saved. We’re really grateful for the grant.

“It's been a great asset to us in helping reduce plastic waste and also encouraging young people and adults to drink more tap water, we have saved more than 5,000 throwaway plastic bottles – and that’s during a pandemic when we found ourselves closed for many months. We know we can save a lot more.”

Bridport Community Shed used a £1,500 grant to create a quiet space at its base in a former gardener’s yard leased from the town council. Trustee Richard Toft said: “We have christened the space the Repair Café and we will use the funding to create the Repair Cafe, spending it on materials for the conversion of the existing structures, with all labour being donated by volunteers.”

Dorset Mind was awarded £1,500 towards the costs of an eco-therapy project in association with Meyers estate agents in the town. It will make three allotments available for people with mental health issues. Staff member Marie Glen said: “The project will be open to any residents of Dorchester who have mild to moderate mental health challenges. It is an inclusive project that aims to help approximately 40 people per year, over the age of 16 most of them whom will have experienced loneliness and isolation and may well be disengaged from the community.

“We are also intending long-term to engage young people with mental health conditions as part of the project, educating them about the wellbeing benefits of gardening, being outside, working as part of a community and developing social skills.”

Dorset Community Foundation director Grant Robson said: “We are delighted to be working with Wessex Water again and its support will help grass roots groups to help their communities build back after a tough 18 months.”

To find out more about eligibility and how to apply visit dorsetcommunityfoundation.org/apply-for-a-grant