We’re excited to share information about the Dorset Anchor Programme, a new initiative focused on strengthening the voluntary and community sector (VCS) and empowering community-led solutions for health and wellbeing across Dorset.
This programme is a vital part of the wider NHS Neighbourhood Health and Wellbeing Programme, aiming to enhance prevention, community-based care, and local support networks. In partnership and proudly supported by Macmillan Cancer Support.
What is the Dorset Anchor Programme?
Pan Dorset three‑year programme funded by Macmillan Cancer Support.
- £500k investment over 3 years to strengthen Voluntary & Community Sector (VCS) capability, capacity, and influence.
- Focus on tackling health inequities.
- Coproduction with VCS and people with lived experience at the heart from the start.
- Support better partnership working across the Dorset System.
- Support the delivery of the Dorset Neighbourhood Health & Wellbeing Programme.
Voluntary and Community Sector organisations often face short‑term funding and unequal partnerships.
The programme aims to shift this by:
- Strengthening the VCS voice in System decisions.
- Enabling long term community led solutions.
- Supporting equitable partnerships with statutory services.
- Providing funding for the VCS to build capacity and capability.
Missed the Information Session?
If you were unable to attend our recent information sessions held on March 17th and 18th, you can catch up! We’ve made the materials available online:
- Watch the Recording: here
- View the Slides: here
- FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions): here – please note this document will continue to be updated as the programme progresses.
The website page is your central hub for all programme updates, FAQs, and details on how to get involved.
How can you get involved?
We’re now inviting Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) organisations across Dorset to join us to co-produce the programme and ensure that it will meet the needs of the VCS sector and benefit the whole population.
There are 3 ways that you can get involved:
- Contribute to the design of the role of organisation that will manage the funding
- Help shape the small grants process
- Get involved in guiding the programme
This programme will only succeed if it’s shaped with and by the sector. We’d love you to be part of it.
To find out more or express an interest in getting involved, please email [email protected] and [email protected] by 31 March 2026.
Key Dates & What to Expect Next:
- By 31 March: We are continuing to track all enquiries and will be responding with a holding message while we finalise the details for the next stage.
- April (after Easter): After Easter, in April, our focus will shift to progressing with the advisory and working groups.
Once these elements are underway, we’ll share an update on host organisation recruitment and the small grants process. We’ll make sure this is communicated clearly, with further details shared as they become available.
We are incredibly encouraged by the early engagement and enthusiasm for this programme. Your knowledge, expertise, and connections are invaluable as we co-produce solutions that truly meet the needs of Dorset’s communities.
We look forward to continuing this journey with you.
Best regards
The Dorset Anchor Programme Team
(Macmillan Cancer Support, Dorset VCSA, Our Dorset Neighbourhood Health and Wellbeing Team)