Talbot Village Trust is a charity which has been supporting south east Dorset’s communities to live well since 1850. They exist to help people transform their lives for the better.
The original Talbot village, off the Wallisdown Road, was founded by Georgina and Mary Anne Talbot, who dedicated their lives to helping those in need. They empowered the new villagers to become self-sufficient, encouraging them to care for all in their community whatever their needs. The 6 farms, 19 cottages, 7 alms houses, heathland, school and church, provided homes, jobs and education, improving life chances for future generations.
Guided by the sisters’ founding principles, the Charity is developing the estate to serve the needs of the wider community whilst becoming one of the largest grant awarding organisations in Dorset.
The volunteer Trustees carry on the sisters’ legacy, responding to the changing needs across south east Dorset. In 2021, the Charity undertook a consultation exercise to better understand the key issues facing Dorset now and in the future, in order to make more impact with its giving and help support the communities that live and work in the area. The summary of the consultation Dorset 2050, is available here:
Following this report the Trustees agreed to commit funding to three key strategic areas: climate change awareness, mental health support, and tackling educational exclusion.
Having agreed to commit funding to climate change awareness, research through Dorset’s Climate Action Network led the Charity to Planet Purbeck, an active community-led organisation, with a focus on the local environment.
Talbot Village Trust was delighted to support the Planet Purbeck Festival in 2021 with its goal of bringing people together to raise awareness around local environmental issues including climate change. Climate change and inequality are inextricably linked. The poorest and most vulnerable communities are hardest hit.
Talbot Village Trust is very pleased to be back for the second year as the main funding partners for the 2022 Festival and sees this relationship as a way to encourage more community engagement on climate change and local environmental issues.
For more information about the Talbot Village Trust please visit their website https://www.talbotvillagetrust.org/
Rob Waitt - Founder
'It's been so refreshing working with the Talbot Village Trust. They have been so flexible, and understanding, and supported our grassroots community group in its crucial founding year. Their early backing of our festival idea gave us the confidence and funding to make it happen! The TVT team are easy to talk to and take a keen interest in our work. It feels like a genuine partnership'
