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. Throughout the Covid pandemic the charity has continued to support local individuals and families and now the charity is even busier, due to the rapid rise in the cost of living. 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.

See News section for information on the new DT2 fund launched in February 2022

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.

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

Please support Dorchester Poverty Action

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Facts About Poverty In This Area

This appears to be a prosperous area but there are many people who really do need this sort of small-grant help. In a crisis just £250 can help to prevent a young family breaking up or an old person’s health being damaged or a mentally ill person’s future being destroyed.

Where Does Our Funding Come From?

DPA is supported by local organisations and individuals, including the town and country Churches in the DT1 and DT2 area. All its income comes from donations, fund-raising events and local charitable trusts.

Events

See all events being held by Dorchester Poverty Action or events we are taking part in.

Donate

Donate to DPA We welcome your donations to enable us to provide financial help to people in poverty in the DT1 and DT2 area. If you're a UK taxpayer you may like to Gift Aid your donations so we can claim back the tax on your gift. If you would like to make a regular donation, then please ask us to send you a form - please get in touch vi...

Where Do Your Contributions Go?

Grants are made of up to £250 to people living in DT1 and DT2 area who are in financial crisis. Coop gift cards of £10 are distributed through 16 local care agencies to people in acute need.

How You Can Help

You can talk to your friends about the fact that there is real poverty in this area and that it is often very hidden.

How to Get Help from Dorset Support Services

Here you will find information about local support services that might be of interest to you or people you know.

Churches Together

These are the churches in the Dorchester area that support our work :

News

Here are our latest news stories from Dorchester Poverty Action Group.

Contact Us

Use this page to get in contact with Dorchester Poverty Action Group.