Funding & Guidance

This map showcases our current projects that are benefiting from our funding and will be updated with other new projects over the coming weeks.

The Together Fund has been created to try and help reduce the negative impact on activity levels in these under-represented groups, with a specific focus on:

• Lower socio-economic groups
• Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities
• Disabled people
• People with long-term health conditions

This funding will enable community groups working with these audiences to continue to exist and engage with their communities, narrowing the gap for communities that need support. The bulk of the funding received must be for the delivery of physical activity.

We have worked alongside Playmotion Visuals to create a series of videos demonstrating the impact the funding has had on several projects.

'Get Active' is an initiative funded by Active Dorset's Together Fund and has allowed people who might not feel comfortable in a gym environment, to be able to get fit and exercise in a safe and supportive environment. The vouchers entitle the holder to a one-to-one session with Sports Rehabilitator at AECC University College, Letitia Rutherford, who will create a personalised exercise programme for them. This session is then followed by three sessions in the University College's Integrated Rehabilitation Centre, each lasting an hour.

Dorset Demons are a Wheelchair Basketball club which was set up several years ago by it's founder Terry, after realising there was a need for the sport in Dorset. They have recently received funding from Sport England's Together Fund which has allowed them to purchase specialised chairs for the sport.

CHILL Dorset are a not for profit organisation dedicated to providing sea swimming courses as a form of therapy for people with anxiety, depression and long term health conditions. Watch the film to find out more about how these sessions help these groups.

The Vale Pantry was set up in 2020 following a need identified through the local GP surgery, The Blackmore Vale Partnership. Run entirely with volunteers the Pantry offers memberships to any family who struggle financially and who have had to cut back on food in order to try and make ends meet. Members of the Pantry may visit once a week and pay £6 on each visit before choosing the food they would like for the week ahead. The Vale Pantry received funding from Sport England's Together Fund in order to run hydrotherapy sessions for those living with Fibromyalgia in Sturminster Newton.

5k Your Way is a community-based initiative to encourage those living with and beyond cancer, families, friends, and those working in cancer services to walk, jog, run, cheer or volunteer at a local 5k Your Way parkrun event on the last Saturday of every month.