Community Initiatives

BLFG aims to promote and support the local food and drink industry and inspire everyone to eat locally and healthily. The showcase is the annual Bridport Food Festival. In 2020 this was a virtual event, and the expected date for 2021 is 19 June.

During the pandemic BLFG supported local food and drink businesses by publishing a directory of those who offer deliveries and takeaways. BLFG is planning a new Award, voted by the community, to recognise those businesses which have gone the extra mile during COVID. Contact: email.

Community Cooking Kit
This is a BLFG resource which can be used by other community groups large or small, and it is hoped that it will be widely used this year. You can cook with up to 30 people. It is housed by Discover Farming at Washingpool Farm, but is available to be used at no cost by any group, large or small, for projects or events of any size, and can be delivered.
Contact Ines or text 07967 106047.

Dorset Food and Drink
DF&D is the membership organisation for Dorset-based food, drink and hospitality businesses who produce, serve, and sell great local products whilst celebrating their connection to this beautiful county.

Discover the great tastes of Dorset for yourself, visit the website, meet the members, download recipes and shop till you drop!
Contact: email or telephone 01304 224717.

Melplash Agricultural Society
A charity (Reg no1130201) in place to support and promote local agriculture. Melplash Agricultural Show held in August is its showcase event. An annual garden & allotment competition is held in June and a Ploughing & Hedgelaying match in September.
Contact: email, or telephone 01308 423337, or Facebook.

Sustainable Bridport
TTB aims to encourage a more resilient and sustainable Bridport. In partnership with Home in Bridport we run the Edible Garden at St Mary’s school. TTB runs an annual ‘Green Fortnight’ focussing on a theme – fast fashion, buying local, sustainable farming – and an Open EcoHomes fortnight. More details on the Website. To receive monthly newsletter follow this link. Contact: email.

Bridport Community Front Room
Offering face to face mental health support at the Assembly Rooms at Gundry Lane. COVID compliant. A video and telephone service is also available. Opening times: Thursday – Sunday 3.15pm – 10.45pm No referral required. Call 07385 290804 to make an appointment.

Harmony Mental Health Drop In Project
A friendly, welcoming, informal service offering peer support, information, signposting and a variety of enjoyable activities to local people who are living with a mental health problem. Opening times: Monday, Wednesday, Friday 10am – 1.00pm. No referral required. Telephone 07597 379290.

The Cow Shed at Plot 17
Tuesdays 2.00 til 4.00 and Thursdays 10.00 til 12.00. Come and join us. We have weekly groups. We have an allotment, a tea shelter, lots of benches, a wildflower mini meadow and a summerhouse. Nature helps us feel better. You can garden, or do art or sit and chat. We are for people who have some health, mobility, or confidence issues. We welcome those who want a bit of understanding company as they rebuild their strength and remember their passions and make new friends. See Facebook page for more info.

Helplines

Bridport Community Support Helpline – 01308 808900.
NHS Dorset Health Care – 0300 123 5440
Dorset Covid-19 Response Hub – 01305 221022
Dorset Together Helpline – 01305 221000
Bridport Citizens Advice Bureau – 03444 111 444
Dorset Community Action – 01202 847609
Age UK – 01305 269444
Dorset Digital Hotline – 01305 221000 (Mon-Fri 10am -12noon)

Access to nature

Bridport Town Council has suggestions of green spaces to visit in the area and links to walking groups: https://bridportandwestbay.co.uk/out-and-about-bridport-green-spaces/.

Asker Nature Reserve Project
Aims to transform an unused area of land owned by Bridport Town Council into a shared community space using sustainable practices to both aid access whilst conserving and enhancing the natural ecology, and promoting well-being, education and quiet enjoyment for all sectors of the local community.

Stepping into Nature
Run by Dorset AONB, the project uses Dorset’s natural and cultural landscape to provide activities and sensory rich places for older adults, including those living with long-term health conditions.

Potential funding sources for local initiatives

Click here for more information on potential funding sources for local initiatives around Bridport.