BHCA was set up by the local churches in 1968. Among the many things it does is to offer night shelter for the homeless. During the recent cod weather and despite having 40 beds and placing additional mattresses on the floor, people were being turned away.
The Coda Fiddle Orchestra works with mainly disadvantaged 4-18 year olds from all over Bournemouth but particularly those from Boscombe where 35% of the children are regarded as living in poverty. It is based in the magnificent Grade I listed St Clement’s Church.
Diverse Abilities Plus supports physically and mentally disabled people throughout their life. It was founded in Bournemouth 60 years ago. It has a specialist school and a respite home. They currently care for 100 Bournemouth children and are looking to expand their nursing team, and their weekly youth club for teenagers with disabilities.
The Steve Bernard Foundation Limited was established by the parents of Steve Bernard who was tragically killed in a car crash. Steve’s intention was to become a PE teacher and the Foundation is sport orientated for children and young adults. In its seven years of existence it has supported 160 projects involving 26 different sports and raised £170,000.
The Wessex Cancer Trust was set up 30 years ago. Until now it has not had a base in Bournemouth but thanks to a bequest it is in the process of establishing one. This will be a drop-in centre to offer support, mainly to relatives of those who have cancer. It co-operates with other cancer charities and aims to fill gaps that these other charities do not cover.
Mayor of Bournemouth 