Welcome to Dorchester Poverty Action

DPA is a local charity (previously known as DPAG) and was set up in 1990 by Churches Together in Dorchester at a time when most people had no idea that there was real poverty in this apparently prosperous area. For those suffering such hidden financial hardship, isolation creates an added burden.

DPA seeks out causes of poverty and ways to tackle them.  It makes financial grants (max £200) to help local people (DT1 and DT2 only) in a crisis.   Referrals must come from a helping agency (eg Citizens Advice, health or social worker, tenancy support, etc) who knows the circumstances.  During Coronavirus the charity is working with many local agencies, including the local Coronavirus support group, to provide financial help to individuals.  Money given to this charity goes entirely to local people.

Expenditure is going up - very fast:

• in 2015-16: £6,929 was spent on 102 grants (average £68)
• in 2016-17: £7,625 was spent on 122 grants (average £63)
• in 2017-18: £12,827 was spent on 115 grants (average £112)
• in 2018-18: £17,414 was spent on 130 grants (average £134)
• in 2019-20: £14,857 was spent on 115 grants (average £129)

Income

All DPA's income comes from donations, fund raising events and local chartiable trusts.  Regular donations are particularly helpful.  It is supported by local organisations and individuals, including the town and country Churches in the DT1 and DT2 area, but to meet this rapidly rising demand, it will need all the help that everyone can give.