Dorset Council has awarded two, 5-year contracts to voluntary and community organisations to continue with the provision of support, advice and guidance to residents.
Following an open tender process, Volunteer Centre Dorset has been awarded the contract to provide Volunteer Infrastructure Support across the Dorset Council area. The new contract will start on 1 October 2021 and will provide volunteers, development and recruitment for all the organisations and charities across the Dorset Council area, ensuring volunteering continues to thrive.
Marie Waterman, CEO, Volunteer Centre Dorset said:
“We are delighted with the outcome of the tender application. Over these last 18 months working in partnership with Dorset Council and other partners in the community has meant we were able to support and help people at a level never known before.
“Having a more secure future for volunteers and volunteering will help Dorset’s communities to continue to thrive. We will be able to help more groups and more people into volunteering. There is no sector quite like the Voluntary and Community Sector, it captures every aspect of our lives and we will all be touched by a volunteers help at some point in our lives, to be able to strengthen the sector with this funding will be so positive for Dorset.”
A further contract has also been awarded to Citizens Advice in Dorset (CAiD – a consortium of Bridport, Central Dorset and East Dorset and Purbeck Citizens Advice), providing information, advice and guidance on matters such as benefits, debt and money, energy and fuel support and other welfare advice. This contract will also start on 1 October 2021.
Alan Breakwell, Chair of Citizens Advice in Dorset said:
“CAiD are delighted to have been awarded the contract to continue the successful partnership with Dorset Council. The security of funding will ensure the high level of service to our clients will be maintained.”
Daniel Cadisch, Chief Officer of Citizens Advice Central Dorset added:
“We are delighted to have been successful in securing this funding. It is a real vote of confidence in the work of Citizens Advice in Dorset. Our services have been a vital part of supporting Dorset residents through Covid and we will continue to be there for people whatever challenges they face.”
Cllr Jill Haynes, Dorset Council Portfolio Holder for Customer Services and Communities said:
“Congratulations to Volunteer Centre Dorset and Citizens’ Advice on their successful bids. We are delighted to continue working with them. Both organisations have done a tremendous amount of work supporting residents throughout the COVID period.
“Previously, we have awarded contract each year, but to help grow and develop the stability of our community offer, we have awarded contracts for a period of up to 5 years this time around. We will be working with the organisations to monitor activity and provide support to make changes to the offer when necessary. This is an exciting time and we very much look forward to developing the support available to help our communities to be strong, independent and healthy.”
If you would like to volunteer or need some help and would like to find out more, visit volunteeringdorset.org.uk or call 01305 269214.
For help and support from Citizens Advice, visit citizensadvicedorset.org.uk to find your local branch or call Dorset Adviceline on 0800 144 88 48.
