A long-standing commitment to community support has once again been demonstrated by Hall & Woodhouse, which has awarded more than £30,000 in grants to 22 organisations across Dorset through its 2025 Community Chest programme. Among the beneficiaries is Weymouth Foodbank, which has received £2,200 to enhance the quality of food it provides to those in need.
The Community Chest forms part of a wider £60,000 annual fund distributed by Hall & Woodhouse to support communities throughout the south of England. Now in its 24th year, the initiative continues to focus on volunteer-led organisations delivering essential services, from youth engagement and mental health support to tackling food poverty and social isolation. Since its inception, the programme has distributed more than £800,000 to over 900 organisations, underlining its significant and sustained impact.
For Weymouth Foodbank, the funding arrives at a crucial time. Operated entirely by volunteers, the organisation supports families, couples and individuals across the town, handling over 100 referrals each week and assisting approximately 13,000 people annually. The grant will enable the foodbank to supplement its standard parcels—traditionally made up of non-perishable goods—with fresh items such as cheese, eggs, vegetables and seasonal produce, including tomatoes and cucumbers.
Helen Miller, Treasurer of Weymouth Foodbank, highlighted the importance of this support, noting that fresh food is highly valued by recipients and often difficult to provide through donations alone. She emphasised that demand for the foodbank’s services remains consistently high, and partnerships with organisations like Hall & Woodhouse are essential in maintaining both the quality and variety of provisions available.
The range of recipients this year reflects the breadth of challenges facing communities across Dorset and beyond. Mudeford Sea Scouts received £2,000 to improve its scout hut, ensuring a better environment for young people participating in both traditional scouting and water-based activities such as sailing and kayaking. Meanwhile, Countrymen UK was awarded £2,500 to expand its work supporting men experiencing isolation due to physical or mental health issues. The funding will enable the charity to deliver one-to-one outdoor sessions, offering tailored support in a countryside setting.
Elsewhere, organisations addressing food insecurity have also been prioritised. Initiatives such as Allendale Community Centre Food Supply and Nourish will use their grants to improve facilities and purchase additional food supplies, helping to meet rising demand from individuals and families struggling with the cost of living. Similarly, Bridport Clothes Bank will invest in improving the accessibility and heating of its storage premises, ensuring that donated items can be distributed more effectively.
Community wellbeing and inclusion are also central themes among the awardees. The Loneliness Together Chitter Chatter Club has received funding to continue its efforts to combat social isolation through chat groups and wellbeing workshops, while the Ringwood Veterans Hub will use its grant to provide social outings for former service personnel, fostering connection and support networks.
Environmental and educational projects have not been overlooked. Little Green Change will use its funding to deliver biodiversity initiatives in schools across the region, while Dorset Scrapstore continues its innovative work repurposing materials for creative use, offering low-cost resources and workshops to families and schools.
Youth services are another key focus, with Gillingham Youth Club and Sturminster Newton Youth Club both receiving support to maintain and develop safe, engaging spaces for young people. These initiatives are particularly significant in areas where youth provision has previously been limited or lost, providing opportunities for social interaction, skills development and personal growth.
Speaking about the awards, Anthony Woodhouse, Chairman of Hall & Woodhouse, expressed pride in supporting such a diverse range of organisations. He highlighted the dedication of volunteers who underpin these services, often working tirelessly behind the scenes to address pressing community needs. The Community Chest, he said, is not only about financial assistance but also about recognising and valuing this commitment.
The programme operates in partnership with the Dorset Community Foundation, ensuring that funds are distributed effectively to projects with the greatest local impact. This collaboration helps identify grassroots organisations that might otherwise struggle to secure funding, amplifying the reach and effectiveness of the initiative.
Hall & Woodhouse itself has deep roots in Dorset, having been founded in 1777 by Charles Hall as a brewery in the village of Ansty. Nearly 250 years later, the company remains family-owned and continues to play an active role in supporting the communities it serves. With a network of around 150 pubs stretching from the Southwest to London and Brighton, as well as its well-known Badger Ales and Outland Beers, the business combines commercial success with a strong sense of social responsibility.
Its recognition as one of The Sunday Times Best Places to Work in 2025 further reflects its commitment not only to its employees but also to the wider community. Initiatives such as the Community Chest demonstrate how businesses can use their resources and influence to create meaningful, lasting change.
Looking ahead, the 2026 Community Chest Awards are set to launch on 14 May, offering another opportunity for local organisations to access vital funding. For many charities and community groups, particularly those reliant on volunteers, such support can make the difference between maintaining services and having to scale back operations.
As the cost of living continues to place pressure on households and demand for support services grows, the importance of programmes like the Hall & Woodhouse Community Chest cannot be overstated. By investing in grassroots initiatives and recognising the efforts of volunteers, the scheme plays a crucial role in strengthening communities and improving lives across Dorset and beyond.
Full List of 2025 Community Chest Recipients
- 10th Christchurch (Mudeford) Sea Scouts – £2,000
- Allendale Community Centre Food Supply – £1,600
- Amelia’s Rainbow – £750 (gift cards)
- Blandford Repair Café – £1,000
- Bourne Water Dragons – £1,000
- Bridport Clothes Bank – £1,500
- Countrymen UK – £2,500
- Dorchester & District REMAP – £500
- Dorset Scrapstore – £1,500
- East Dorset Parkinsons – £1,000
- Evie’s Gift – £1,500
- Exeter Community Transport Association – £500 (gift card)
- Gillingham Youth Club – £1,500
- Little Green Change – £1,500
- Loneliness Together Chitter Chatter Club – £1,500
- Nourish – £1,900
- Ringwood Veterans Hub – £500 (gift card)
- Salisbury Lipreading Community Group – £750
- Straw Patch Project – £2,800
- Sturminster Newton Youth Club – £1,500
- Teign Mobility – £1,500
- Weymouth Foodbank – £2,200
