The Bus Stop Club, one of the funded projects, received £4,569 to run an SOS support group for women who have experienced child abuse/trauma. The group will enable victims develop healthier coping mechanisms, better problem-solving skills and reduce harmful ways of coping such as alcohol abuse.

The other funded group, Acts Fast, also received £4,569 which will enable the charity to continue their core services of providing support for non-abusing parent and families affected by child abuse. The vital funding will help them support extra 50 beneficiaries in a very niche area which is receiving an increasing number of referrals.

Mandy Gulliver CEO and Co-Founder of the charity explained: ‘At Acts Fast we are committed in continuing to shining the light on Child Sexual Abuse, along with, sadly, how prevalent it is within a family setting.

The unimaginable devastation it causes parents, carers and family members, when their child discloses, (irrelevant of age) is likened to a bomb going off, the shrapnel hits everyone around.

Here at Acts Fast we support the protective people around the individual who has disclosed, and help the family build resilience around their trauma, and new way of life.

We are thrilled to have been awarded this grant from Dorset Community Foundation, as it enables us to continue to support families, and also to be able to reach out, to further families suffering in silence. We are hugely grateful, thank you.’

The Graham Burrough Fund for Mental Health was transferred to the Dorset Community Foundation last year when its Trustees wanted to ensure the good work and original purpose of the trust continue in perpetuity whilst reaching those in need in a structured and impactful way. The fund which supports mental health projects all across Dorset will re-open for applications in November this year.