After cancelled exams and months of remote learning students have returned to education, many starting new courses at college and university.
However, for some the new term has brought unexpected costs with a need to buy text books, resources and equipment.
The Ashley, Churchill & Thorner Educational Trust (ACTET) is appealing to the young people of Dorchester to take advantage of bursaries which they could be entitled to in order to support their further education or training. The charity was established 25 years ago to promote education and assist young people who are in need of financial support and under the age of 25 years, living within five miles of Dorchester or within the Civil Parish of Crossways. The trust typically award annual grants between £50 – £750 to help with the costs of books, equipment, materials, exam fees and educational trips.
Richard Nicholls, Chairperson of the trust, said “It has been such a pleasure to see how young people have used their grants over the years to further their training, whilst helping to relieve some of the financial pressures that they often experience.” He continued, “It is so important for young people and their families to look around to see what financial help they could access. Whilst we support the students and trainees of Dorchester there are numerous other charities around Dorset and the south west.”
“We do not want to see anyone’s chances of making progress in their education or training held back because they can’t afford the tools, clothing or any other materials that they need for their course. In the past we have also supported applicants with exam fees and have been pleased to support students throughout each year of their course.” Applications are welcomed throughout the year but the trust is hoping to receive more requests this autumn as students prepare to undertake new courses and training programmes following the lockdown. More information about the trust, including their application form, can be found at www.actet.org.uk
