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 £250) 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 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)
• in 2020-21: £24,340 was spent on 124 grants (average £196)

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.

 

Make a Donation and Make a Difference Today

If you would like to make a small or larger donation to Dorchester Poverty Action we will use your money to support vulnerable people in need who live in the local area, including grants and Co-op gift cards to those affected by the Coronavirus epidemic.

You can make donations online now by clicking on the link at the foot of the page and making a payment by Debit or Credit card.

Follow this link to donate through this website or download a standing order form and a gift aid form if possible

Alternatively contact info@dorchesterpovertyaction.org.uk

Postal address for donations by cheque:  Dorchester Poverty Action, c/o United Church Dorchester 49-51 Charles Street, Dorchester DT1 1EE

 

 

See News section for more details and also for information on the new DT2 fund launched in February 2022

 

 

Please support Dorchester Poverty Action

Make a Donation Now