VOLUNTARY and community groups came out in force at an information event on how to obtain funding.

More than 120 people attended the free event at the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy that offered information and advice on accessing grants, contracts and fundraising for projects.

Organisations such as The Big Lottery, Children in Need, Lloyds TSB and The Co-operative had representatives at the event who gave workshops as well as offering tips on how Dorset groups can access their funding.

Chair of the Dorset Commun-ities Forum Colin Brady opened proceedings at the event organised by Dorset Community Action and Volunteer Centre Dorset with support from Dorset County Council.

Mr Brady said that in the difficult economic climate access funding was a key issue for community groups in Dorset to help them continue to deliver and provide services for those less fortunate. Organisers reported plenty of positive feedback and declared the event, which was in its second year, a resounding success.

Manager of the Volunteer Centre Marie Waterman said: “Last year a group attended the event in Wimborne and through that was successful in gaining some funding and now provide local radio services and attended our event this year as an exhibitor.

“This event was a great day and both groups and funders found it really useful. It’s just as important for funders to understand what groups in Dorset are looking for, and both have requested that we organise another funding fair, we are looking to do this in spring 2014.”

She added: “Funding is vital for our community groups and charities and without these to support our everyday life Dorset would feel a very, sad isolated place.

“Imagine no conservation groups keeping our beautiful landscape accessible to us all.

“Or imagine no befriending services helping older people with transport, lunch clubs, appointments, shopping etc, no hospice care without the fundraising efforts made by volunteers.

“The list goes on, our lives are for the better because of the good projects and organisations we have in Dorset and we need to ensure support continues.”