THE DORSET Community Foundation has awarded over £173,000 to 57 groups from all across Dorset, only a few weeks after setting up their Dorset Coronavirus Community Fund.

Funded projects included medication and food delivery, mental health support and online support with a priority of helping those most affected by the coronavirus pandemic such as elderly people, individuals leaving hospitals and expectant mothers.

Director at the Foundation, Grant Robson said: "In the last three weeks we have received well over 100 requests for funding for emergency support. Our grants team, with the help of five volunteer professional assessors, has been able to support 57 groups so far – from foodbanks to mental health support sessions for young carers.

"We are so pleased that we are able to fund these groups, as within days of the lockdown they were amongst the first organisations to adapt quickly and help local residents in need."

Sedcat, one of the groups supported by The Dorset Coronavirus Community Fund, is assisting NHS passenger transport to clear hospital beds ready for coronavirus patients.

The charity is also delivering hospital equipment and medicines and taking patients to essential hospital appointments.

Their community efforts are a result of the grant from the Dorset Community Foundation which enabled them to cover cost of fitting a sealed protective screen between driver and patients for protection and fund volunteer expenses.

Sedcat member, Sue Leighton said: "NHS providers are struggling at this very difficult time and welcomed the help that we were able to provide and the organisation can do this with the support provided by DCF to cover running costs and equipment."