Family brewer, Hall & Woodhouse (H&W) announced the successful recipients of more than 20 grants totalling over £27,000 at its annual Community Chest Awards which took place at The Brewery, Blandford, on Friday 26th January. The funding is part of a wider £55,000 being donated to other areas where H&W operates, which is the highest sum since the Community Chest initiative began in 2002.

Organisations providing essential support to people with disabilities and local groups offering guidance, training, and career advice all received a share of funds that H&W set aside for the initiative. 

Mark Woodhouse, Family Director of Hall & Woodhouse, said: “At Hall & Woodhouse, we exist to make people’s day, and I’m proud to see this purpose put into practice in any way we can. We never cease to be amazed by the tremendous good that organisations can do for their communities and are honoured to help continue their hard work. It’s all about providing access to funding for small, local, volunteer-led, and trustworthy organisations that make a real difference.

“It’s always a privilege to meet the people behind the organisations which are making such a positive change. Already, I very much look forward to launching the Community Chest again in the Spring.” 

One recipient, Weymouth Foodbank, which operates from four locations across Weymouth, provides local people with essential groceries and hygienic equipment. In 2023, Weymouth Foodbank fed a total of 14,156 beneficiaries, a 56% increase from 2022. The funding provided by Hall & Woodhouse, totalling £2,700, will cover the purchase of milk, cheese, and eggs for a whole month.

Dorset-based charity, Countrymen UK helps individuals experiencing isolation due to physical or mental deterioration. The charity provides engaging activities and workshops involving creativity and movement while encouraging the beneficiaries to build strong support relationships. H&W provided £1,000 to help fund running costs and activities.

Another beneficiary, Island Community Action (ICA), received £1,000 from H&W. ICA, based in Portland, provides support services to some of Dorset’s most deprived areas where people are suffering from physical, financial, and mental hardships. Through arts & crafts activities and workshops, which encourage local people to participate, ICA aims to support local regeneration and increase quality of life.

Since 2002, the Hall & Woodhouse Community Chest has donated over £800,000 to more than 900 causes across the south of England and works in partnership with both the Western and Eastern Community Foundations.

Please visit www.hall-woodhouse.co.uk for more information.