A presentation took place at Weymouth & Portland Borough Council’s headquarters, awarding groups with one-off funding.

The council announced at the end of January which charities had benefited from the reserves set aside from a community and voluntary sector grant fund, which was set up in August 2017.

The community planning and development manager, Jane Nicklen, led the team which carried out the admin to allocate funds to each group.

She said: “The money is to recognise the valuable work of these groups.

“We had £230,000 worth of applications for which only £50,000 was available.

“One of the benefits is not just to recognise their achievements, but to allow the groups to network with each other.

“It’s good to celebrate what people do and doesn’t happen enough.”

Councillor Christine James presented certificates to the groups in attendance at the event.

Some of the projects being funded included:

  • Buoyancy aids for Chesil Sailability’s disabled sailors
  • A serve hub in Portland for Weymouth & Portland Citizens Advice
  • Domestic abuse intervention courses for men and women organised by Dorset Domestic Abuse Welfare Committee
  • Installation of a sensory garden by Friends of Radipole Park & Gardens
  • Funding for Weymouth & Portland Amblers for a walk to health project
  • Support to STEPS youth club and Weymouth Family Church to extend youth provision

Maureen Smethurst of the Weymouth and Portland Amblers group, said: “The funding will help set up costs and publicity.”

Tracey Winder of the Spirit of Life group, said: “We are a weekly mental health support group which has been running for 10 years.” Joyce North were present for cancer support group, C’Siders, said: “We are looking for funding for an exercise programme.” Chrissie Payne was collecting the grant for the Friends of MV Freedom, as well as hunting for a new group treasurer. Chrissie said: “It’s a wonderful thing to be awarded and a recognition of all the hard work we have done.”