DORSET Mind has received a 'generous' grant in a bid to help expand and adapt to changing mental health challenges faced by people in the county.

The Lloyds Bank Foundation has donated £50,000, which will be given to the charity over a two-year period.

Referrals for the charity’s services have increased by more than 80% since the Covid-19 pandemic began and grants such as this mean their work can continue to reach more people who need it.

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"We're so grateful to the Lloyds Bank Foundation for this generous grant,” said Marlanne Storey, chief executive at Dorset Mind.

“As a charity that provides mental health support, training and education, our largest outgoing is wages – closely followed by core costs such as rent and utilities.

“By providing this funding opportunity, it’s clear that the foundation understands the challenges small charities such as ourselves face to provide this essential pot of money. Without which we couldn’t provide our range of vital support for vulnerable people across Dorset."

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Dorset Mind is currently celebrating its 75th year of helping people when it comes to mental health issues.

The funding means Dorset Mind can continue with its work including challenging the stigma and inequality around mental health, providing education on the subject, training and preventative one-to-ones as well as group support for both adults and young people.

Clare Rance, regional manager of south west England at the Lloyds Bank Foundation, said: “Small and local charities are vital to the communities they are rooted in. They play a distinctive role in the social and economic fibre of their communities while helping people to overcome complex social issues.

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“It is this distinctiveness that also makes them best placed to respond to a crisis. They reached and supported communities in ways that others couldn’t, showing up for people in ways that mattered most.

“Dorset Mind has continued to be there for people experiencing mental health issues which were heightened as a result of the pandemic. We’re proud to support this charity with core cost funding and capacity building as they continue to help people rebuild their lives.”

The grant made to the charity is one of 80 handed out across the South West by the foundation, with £6.4m being awarded to organisations across the region.