Heating, Eating or Health - do you have to make the choice?
Dorchester Poverty Action - Heating, Eating or Health - do you have to make the choice?...
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 Covid and now in the cost of living crisis, the charity has continued to support local individuals and families. During the 2022-2023 financial year the grants distributed increased by 47% compared to the previous year. 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 2022-23: £61,323 was distributed in DT1 and DT2. This included grants to 208 individuals and families, to Citizens Advice for small grants to give out in emergencies and included £16,500 worth of Co-op vouchers, which were distributed to 12 local caring agencies to give out in emergencies (eg health visitors, mental health teams and Social workers)
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.
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