Grants awarded to tackle cost-of-living crisis

Faithworks, which helps people in crisis, was among the groups awarded money

Organisations tackling the cost-of-living crisis in Dorset have been awarded £80,000 worth of grants.

Dorset Community Foundation and Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council provided the money to 23 local groups.

The council said it would pay for projects providing warm hubs, free meals, cookery workshops and money advice.

Council cabinet member Sandra Moore said: "By funding these groups, we are helping to ease the cost-of-living pressures and ensure vital services reach those who need them most."

"The incredible efforts of volunteers and frontline workers make a real difference every day, and we are deeply grateful for their commitment to strengthening our community," she added.

The money was provided by the Department for Work and Pensions' Household Support Fund.

The initiatives include:

• The Power House in Poole - £3,000 to run a winter warm hub offering food, drinks and creative activities

• Faithworks - £3,975 for financial resilience courses to help people move from surviving to thriving

• We Are Humans - £5,000 to serve free meals and deliver essentials to rough sleepers

• Friendly Food Club - £4,000 for community cookery workshops teaching budgeting and nutritious recipes