It’s been just over a year since The Ollerod decided to call Beaminster ‘home’, and reflecting upon our first year in Dorset, we have been incredibly blessed by the amount of support we’ve received from both the amazing local residents as well as visitors who are exploring Beaminster for the first time. And because we believe in giving back, we’re delighted to announce that we have selected Beaminster’s Prout Bridge Project as our nominated charity for the remainder of 2019.

About the Charity

The Prout Bridge Project was started in 2016 to take over running youth clubs in Beaminster from Dorset County Council when their funding was cut. Grown out of that foundation in work with young people, the Prout Bridge Project has evolved quickly, and now actively works to support people of all ages living in and around the town with more activities, facilities and services. In their 2018 consultation, it was discovered that, in our own community alone, 41% of people sometimes feel isolated or lonely and 80% would like to meet new people and make new friends. Thus was born their vision to fight loneliness, social isolation and intergenerational divides by creating a vibrant social hub at the heart of the community.

The Prout Bridge Project already runs an inclusive and affordable programme of activities including regular, well-attended youth clubs and holiday activities for young people, targeted mental health support, youth mentoring and training and a fantastic youth band called the Phoenix, as well as dance and fitness classes and singing and storytelling clubs. They are working to provide more opportunities for people from all backgrounds and of all ages to come together socially, participate in their community, make friends and support each other and have exciting plans to transform the building they operate from – watch this space!

Getting involved

To support the hard work that the Prout Bridge Project team is doing, we’ve decided to get involved too, which is why we’re thrilled to have them listed as our nominated charity for 2019. Keep an eye on our blog about upcoming events and activities that we’ll be getting involved in.

We’ve also decided to dedicate a dish on our menu in support of the Charity, and for every dish sold, a donation will be made to them too, which means that by supporting us you’re actively supporting them too, and the incredibly dedicated work they put in to ensure that those in Beaminster and the surrounding areas who may be struggling or lonely, or simply looking for fulfilling something to do or people to meet, are looked after, connected and supported.

We’ll also be hosting an exciting launch night with the Project in the upcoming months (with more information to follow soon.

For more information about the Prout Bridge Project, visit https://www.proutbridgeproject.com/