MEMBERS of a range of ethnically diverse communities gathered for the launch of a project that will benefit from a £500,000 grant.

The Ethnically Diverse Communities Project will receive the grant over three years from the National Lottery Community Fund thanks to a successful bid from four partner organisations.

The project is organised by the Community Action Network (CAN), Dorset Race Equality Council, Dorset Community Foundation and BCP Council.

Those in attendance at the launch event on Thursday, June 27, heard about what the three-year project would look like and what it offers, before enjoying a meal together and sharing a cake.

(Image: Tama Merdaci)

The funds will be used to help groups representing the ethnically diverse communities across the conurbation become stronger and more sustainable.

Dorset Race Equality Council will support groups by helping them draw up action plans, while CAN staff will provide free advice on running groups and applying for funding.

Groups will have the opportunity to apply for more funding through the Dorset Community Foundation and the lottery, while also benefiting from networking meetings and the creation of a directory of advice and resources.

Steve Place, senior advisor at CAN, said: “There are more than 40 formalised groups who are active and contribute to their own and the wider BCP community but they themselves recognise that they are under-resourced and need to develop their skills.

“The lottery sees fewer, and less successful, funding applications from these groups than they would expect so our partnership, working with groups from ethnically diverse communities, have put together a programme to help them thrive.”

Grant Robson, CEO of Dorset Community Foundation, said: “Thanks to National Lottery players, Dorset Community Foundation will offer grants of up to £5,000 to 40 community organisations across three years, helping them become stronger and more sustainable. The project aims to create fairer, more equitable access to vital support services.”

Tama Merdaci, founder of BCP Shout Out, which supports Afghan refugees, added: “We hope we can forge important relationships through this grant, that it helps overcome challenges and many more can live a more fulfilled life with the support of our organisation and The National Lottery Community Fund.”

Ramesh Lal, chair of the BCP Indian Association, said: “To have dedicated staff to offer know how and develop and support various community projects would be a big step forward.”