Dartmouth United Charities have given out an impressive £65,000 of grants over the past 12 months to local organisations and individuals in Dartmouth, with more to give.

Organisations who have recently received grants include Dartmouth caring, Citizens Advice South Hams, Dartmouth and District Food Bank, Dartmouth Children’s Centre, Dartmouth Indoor Pool and Devon Air Ambulance.

These grants have gone towards services that help to support local people who are vulnerable or in financial need as well as funding specialist equipment and facilities to enable access for all.

One of the most recent grants will allow Citizens Advice to provide a specialist caseworker in Dartmouth who will work with people who require more intensive support.

Janie Moor from Citizens Advice said: “We often see people that have been struggling for some time and require more help than we can offer through our regular drop in service.

“We are delighted that funding from Dartmouth United Charities will enable us to provide ongoing casework to support clients with complex issues and really help them move forward with their lives.

“The regular drop-in will continue at the Mayor’s Avenue Clinic on Tuesdays 9.30-12.30pm and this will remain the first point for anyone seeking advice.”

The grant funding has also improved facilities for all Dartmouth residents. For example, Devon Air Ambulance can now remote control the floodlights for landing at the football ground at any time of the night and the Dartmouth Indoor Pool has been able to install a poolside lift to assist people with disabilities.

Jill Crawley, Chair of Dartmouth United Charities said, “local organisations such as these provide valuable services to people who are vulnerable, disadvantaged or in difficult financial circumstances.

“Dartmouth is an area that can appear very affluent to the outsider but we know that there are many people struggling.

“We are very lucky to have community organisations who know how to reach and support these people and the DUC is pleased to be able to contribute to their good work.”

Dartmouth United Charities welcomes grant applications from organisations delivering services in Dartmouth to residents in need and from individuals who have been a resident for a minimum of two years. Application forms and grant guidance can be found on the charities website at www.dartmouthunitedcharities.org.uk or by phoning 01803 835006.