A LOCAL charitable foundation supporting those most in need across the county has launched phase two of its Dorset Coronavirus Community Fund.

Dorset Community Foundation's second round of funding will support groups and charities helping Dorset people suffering as a result of the economic and social impact of Covid-19.

In the first phase of funding, which occurred over the last four months, the Foundation supported almost 200 projects to the value of over £500,000.

Foundation Director, Grant Robson said: "We are very pleased that thanks to the generous donations to our Dorset Coronavirus Appeal, we have secured £900,000, an amazing amount. I am delighted we can now move to the second phase of our response as the needs within our villages, towns and their inhabitants change and develop. It’s vital we seek the best ways to support and sustain small charities and community groups because without these front-line voluntary organisations, our communities face an even tougher recovery from the impacts of Covid-19.

"We are by no means finished and we continue to be more relevant than ever before in our 20 years of operation, all for the benefit of communities within Dorset."

One of the projects supported by the Foundation is #Masks4All, an organisation which is making a real difference to key workers, care home staff, GP surgery staff, hospital staff, local schools, charities, community volunteer groups, social work teams, family workers and lifeboat crew by providing them with colourful re-usable face masks.

To apply for funding or to find out more for the work of Dorset Community Foundation, visit: www.dorsetcommunityfoundation.org.