The first grant of £8,000 went towards essential grocery deliveries for families with a vulnerable child under their care who needed to shield. Due to the increased demand on delivery services, shielding families were unable to book slots with their local supermarkets.

Patsy Hallmey, founder of the DCF, explained: “We have heard first-hand from the families that we support with our services, many of whom that had to shield during the pandemic, how the grant changed their lives. With over 400 families in our support network, this was a vast task to ensure all those in need still had access to essential groceries and medicine.”

The second grant for £15,000 went towards portable hoists for parents with children who are full-time wheelchair users. Research has shown that many parents who need to manually move their children daily, suffer from irreparable pelvic and back damage.

The new portable hoists now allow many families to move their children with ease, dignity and without causing any physical harm.

Patsy added: “During the various lockdowns over the past year, many of our children were unable to attend school, therefore were also unable to access their therapies and usual activities. These portable hoists have been vital to allow these children to access the outdoors and spend some quality time on the sofa cuddled up with their loved ones.”

Sir Christopher Lees, Chairman of Talbot Village Trust, commented: “We’re so pleased to have provided this crucial funding for Dorset Children’s Foundation, allowing families and their children to access essential provisions and equipment during the pandemic.

“It’s wonderful to see the monumental difference that we can make to families like those supported by the DCF and we are thrilled with the hard work the charity has undertaken to change the lives of many. We are so proud to have helped these families through the initial challenges of the pandemic and hope our support will continue to transform their quality of life for years to come.”

The DCF is a small, independent charity that provides support to vulnerable children and their families by funding medical equipment, mobility equipment and therapies that are not covered by statutory services.

Talbot Village Trust is a grant giving charity that supports causes in Bournemouth, Christchurch, Poole, East Dorset and Purbeck. The Trust provides funding for capital projects promoted by a charity, places of worship, education and local communities. Over the past few years, the Trust has donated nearly £2million to local causes and projects.

To apply for funding from the Talbot Village trust, visit www.talbotvillagetrust.org where you can apply online or submit a postal application.

The Trust meets biannually and is accepting applications for funding from both previous and new applicants in the area before the Trustees meet in autumn 2021.