Beaminster and Villages Local Area Partnership

Covering the town of Beaminster and the surrounding parishes and villages, from Thorncombe in the West to Evershot in the East, up to Halstock and down to Mapperton.

Working in partnership

The partnership formed in 2008, when partners from the local councils, public sector and voluntary and community organisations got together. Their shared vision was that Beaminster should continue to develop as a thriving and vibrant hub to a surrounding area of lively, sustainable villages.

Organisations which are represented  include:

• the Yarn Barton Centre
• Beaminster Children's Centre
• Magna Housing
• Beaminster churches
• Partnership for Older People Programme (POPP)
• Dorset Police
• Beaminster Town Council
• West Dorset District Council
• Dorset County Council
• local parish councils

Jo Keats is the Interim Chair of this partnership, and it is supported by a co-ordinator employed by Dorset Community Action. New members are always welcome.

Meeting every two months, members have agreed a  three year action plan which identifies actions to improve the lives of local people. These actions come under the themes of housing, transport and accessibility, environment, local prosperity, safer communities, health and wellbeing, and activities and opportunities for the community.

Achievements

Achievements over recent years have included:

• getting a branch of the Wyvern Savings and Loans Credit Union established in Beaminster
• supporting the opening of Broadwindsor Community Shop
• producing a  local business directory
• supporting the development of Yarn Barton as a community centre
• getting an outreach service of the CAB into Yarn Barton

Beaminster and Villages Dementia Friendly Community

Beaminster and Villages Dementia Friendly Community is an initiative that was started 2016. Partners from the public sector and voluntary and community organisations got together to share their vision that Beaminster could  become dementia friendly.

The initiative seeks to improve the lives of those living with dementia and their carers by addressing, at a local level, key priorities which have been identified nationally.

The overall aims are to:

• create a safe and non-stigmatising community where people with dementia can live well and secure appropriate help and support
• empower people with dementia and their carers to play a full part in shaping their community
• raise awareness of dementia and work with residents and other agencies to promote this common aim by organising activities and education, including local dementia friends sessions
• encourage local businesses, services and event organisers to demonstrate that those with dementia are welcome and safe in their environments