A Bridport charity benefitted from nearly £3000 in grant money last year through the Wessex Water Foundation Community Fund.

ASCape received £2952 in grant money last year to support young people with autism and their families.

The money was received thanks to a collaboration between Wessex Water and the Dorset Community Foundation, that makes grants of up to £4000 available to voluntary groups and charities across Dorset.

The Bridport-based charity used the grant towards running costs of its monthly youth club, where they enjoy arts and crafts, drama, board games and music production.

It also helped fund the drop-in support group for parents and carers which runs alongside the youth club.

Volunteer, Clare Cameron, said: “It’s a space for them to gain peer support and restore their wellbeing, this can include mindfulness sessions and art and craft activities.”

Last year, the scheme gave £38000 to 15 groups across Dorset and applications for this year’s grants opened on September 25 and run until midday on Monday, October 23.

The initiative is designed to fund work supporting people most in need to build stronger, more resilient communities.

This could include support for people in financial difficulty or who lack access to services, and work taking place in areas of multiple deprivation or rural isolation. 

It can also fund projects helping people manage or avoid debt and provide education in money management and household budgeting skills.

Dorset Community Foundation chief executive, Grant Robson, said. “Thanks to Wessex Water’s generous support we have been able to help grass roots groups across the county deliver vital support to their communities for a fourth year.”

“We know there is some amazing work going on in our communities and we are so pleased this fund is there to support it.”

Find out more about eligibility and how to apply at dorsetcommunityfoundation.org.