DORSET charities are set to benefit from a new charitable foundation launched by Wessex Water.

The new Wessex Water Foundation will mainly benefit those who have been hit the hardest by the coronavirus crisis.

The funding scheme will provide at least £500,000 per year to support local community projects from 2021.

The foundation is being run in partnership with the Dorset Community Foundation and has already begun to prioritise those most affected by the pandemic.

The Wessex Water recovery fund will open for local applications later this year.

Colin Skellett, CEO of Wessex Water, said: “We’re thrilled to be able to launch the Wessex Water Foundation alongside our friends in the community foundations in our patch.

“Being at the heart of the communities we serve is nothing new for us, but the Wessex Water Foundation is a new way of making sure we’re helping the people who need it most.

“It’s been an incredibly tough time for everyone in our region and supporting emergency coronavirus response projects is a fitting place to start.”

Grant Robson, Director at Dorset Community Foundation, said: “'We are very pleased to be working with Wessex Water to achieve their charitable objectives locally. Our experience in finding Dorset projects addressing local need means we are uniquely placed to help.”

One group who has already benefited from the Wessex Water community fund is Dorset Mind. The grant will support the charity's GAP Project which provides an allotment gardening group for people with mental health problems.

To find out more about the Wessex Water Foundation visit www.wessexwater.co.uk/community.