Island (community Action ANNUAL REPORT 2025
CHAIRPERSON’S REPORT
While every year brings challenges for our community, this year has shown the passion, commitment and determination Portlanders have for delivering transformational impact. For ICA, this was demonstrated by the Woolly Wonders Yarn Bomb Festival, which attracted over 1,500 volunteers of all ages to create a phenomenal display of colour and storytelling in Easton Gardens. The beauty of this project was that it offered ways for all to participate, from school children to older residents restricted to home. For some, it was a starting point for change – they came to knit but went on to join other activities, increasing their confidence and opportunities to socialise and feel more connected to their community.
I’m proud that ICA continues to deliver in this progressive way, from passion-based projects that spark interest to core services that support the most vulnerable. I’m also proud that we continue to represent our community and play a key role in the development and delivery of solutions for some of our community’s key challenges. One example is the Future Portland Community Benefit Society (CBS), created by three experienced and successful organisations: b-side, ICA, and The Portland Association.
Future Portland aims to help our community have a stronger voice and greater influence over what happens on our island, from returning assets to community ownership to ensuring that development on Portland benefits local people and the environment.
This year, ICA has worked with over 5,000 clients – an impressive achievement, but behind this statistic are real stories of challenge, resilience and hope. When I hear feedback from those helped by our organisation, I am not only reminded that ICA delivers exactly what it promises, independently and in partnership, but also that our cost-benefit compared with equivalent private sector providers demonstrates exceptional value for money.
To ensure we continue to deliver our services for maximum impact, ICA is reviewing its systems and processes, including exploring the opportunities that AI can, where appropriate, help improve the efficiency and accessibility of our services.
Our ‘Volunteer Army’ remains the beating heart of ICA. Around 1,500 volunteers have engaged with ICA this year, some giving just a few hours and others committing to weekon-week involvement. Regardless of the time they give, whether as befrienders, drivers, crafters, or role-play actors, our volunteers have surpassed expectations once again, for which we are hugely grateful.
My busy ‘Team of Ferrets’ (so called because a group of ferrets is called a ‘business’) has continued to deliver against a backdrop of challenges, including the cost of living crisis, increased demand due to statutory reductions, and shrinking funding opportunities.
Our strategic focus has evolved to meet these demands. We are now working within six targeted workstreams, ranging from Helping Hands for our older residents to a dynamic Culture, Heritage and Nature offer. Our Portland Youth Council has gone from strength to strength, launching a campaign to protect local wildlife that has helped educate hundreds of their peers about our island’s biodiversity.
Looking ahead, the year promises to be just as challenging. As we enter the final year of our National Lottery funding, the window to secure our long-term sustainability is narrowing. However, with major investments proposed for the region through initiatives such as Pathways to Prosperity, ICA must remain in place so that Portland secures its fair share of funding and opportunity.
Thank you for your continued trust and support. We appreciate it more than you know.
Doug Pigg Chair – Island Community Action (ICA)
KEY FUNDERS & SPONSORS
ICA covers its running costs, including the cost of its activities and services through a mix of grant funding, donations, local giving, legacy gifts and fundraising events.
GRANTS – We are hugely grateful to have received grants from the following funders for the period April 2025-March 2026:
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The National Lottery Community Fund: Reaching Communities – Towards The Portland Project, covering a range of new and expanded workstreams. Funding running 2021-26.
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Portland Town Council – Match funding contribution under a new five-year Service Level Agreement towards The Portland Project. Covers several extended and new services.
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Dorset Council – Towards our core costs, Helping Hands (older and vulnerable people), our cultural offers and youth projects.
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Dorset NHS Health & Wellbeing Fund (via Dorset Community Foundation) – Towards our health and wellbeing offer.
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McCarthy Stone Foundation – Towards our Christmas 2025 activities for older and vulnerable residents.
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Postcode Community Trust – Towards our core costs (funds raised by players of People’s Postcode Lottery and awarded by Postcode Community Trust).
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Wessex Water Community Fund (via Dorset Community Foundation) – Towards our Community Connectors project.
NON-GRANT DONATIONS and FUNDRAISING ACTIVITIES for the same period, unless otherwise stated:
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Portland Court Leet – Towards our Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme (for 2025 activity).
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Portland United Service Lodge 3473 Towards Helping Hands (our older and vulnerable people’s project)
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The Rotary Club of Island & Royal Manor of Portland – Towards our Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme (for 2025 activity) and Helping Hands.
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Portland residents – Legacy and local donations towards our core costs.
GENERATED INCOME
ICA generates income through a range of activities, including:
Activities and event s – ICA charges for some of its regular club activities. It does so on a cost recovery basis in order to ensure their sustainability. ICA also fundraises through activities like coffee mornings, bingo and special one-off events.
One-off or regular donations – Made by cash, cheque, standing order or via Local Giving at: www.localgiving.com/charity/islandcommunityaction
The Giving Lottery – A national online lottery. £1 per entry (40p goes to ICA). Weekly draws and a 1 in 50 chance of winning a prize. Top weekly prize of £25,000. Go to ICA’s Giving Lottery page at: www.givinglottery.org.uk/support/island-community-action.
The Portland Lottery – A Portland-based (ticketed) lottery. £1 a ticket (40p goes to ICA). Quarterly draws. Prize pot varies depending on the number of tickets sold. Tickets available from ICA’s office, Easton.
The PayPal Giving Fund – Go to: www.paypal.com/gb/fundraiser/hub, search for Island Community Action and then follow the instructions. You can add gift aid and select ICA as your favourite charity for future opportunities to give when using PayPal.
Legacy gifts – Made via the donor’s will, these contributions range from direct donations instead of flowers at a funeral to specified sums of money, a % of an entire estate or a particular item.
Donations of prizes – From unwanted gifts to free experiences, trips and treatments.
Merchandise
ICA sells cards, lottery tickets, merchandise and more. 2020 also saw us open our Teemill website at: https://islandcommunityaction.teemill.com.
FINANCE SUMMARY– 2024-25
Incomings = £206,522 Outgoings = £188,758
FUNDRAISING
ICA continues to deliver large-scale fundraisers, including Nothe of the Living Dead, an annual event combining jump scares with escape dungeon-style challenges and puzzles in an hour-long experience that sees participants take on a quest to save the world from an undead takeover.
The event, a fundraising collaboration between ICA, the Nothe Fort, and EPIC Games Dorset, takes place at the Nothe Fort – voted one of the UK’s spookiest locations.
Testimonials
"First time going and it was amazing. My heart was racing through fear and excitement. I loved all the challenges. It was bloody scary but fun at the same time, definitely booking up next year. Great value for money and raising money for a great charity.”
“I’d highly recommend this event; I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. Fantastic effort by everyone involved.”
“I’ve done this event every year, and it keeps on getting better. The jump scares are great, the challenges are always clever and fun, and no matter how often you do it, you still get nervous. Love the whole thing, and it’s raising money for some great local charities.”
The 2025 Challenge – A Grimm Scary Tale invited participants to immerse themselves in a dark and twisted fairytale, where the heroes and heroines cherished in childhood have transformed into terror-filled nightmares. Here are a few shots.
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PROJECTS & SERVICES
For 2025, ICA restructured its workstreams to reflect our current workload.
All workstreams developed in response to our island’s key challenges and the key needs and wants of local residents identified through ongoing consultation.
IN SUMMARY
IN DETAIL
- HELPING HANDS – OLDER PEOPLE + THOSE IMPACTED BY DISABILITY AND / OR SERIOUS, LIFE-LIMITING OR TERMINAL ILLNESS (UNLESS OTHERWISE STATED)
Current services:
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Advice
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Befriending (face-to-face and telephone)
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Brain Games – conversation and games (suitable for those with mild dementia)
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Chat A Latte: Coffee, cake and good conversation.
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Chesil Art Group (x 2 – Portland and Wyke Regis)
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Exercise: Get Together Club – gentle seated (x 2)
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Exercise: Osteocise – mid-range
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Exercise: Fit+ – advanced aerobic
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Food: The Dining Room, Sunday Lunch Club and other foodie outings
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Memorability (social and activities for those with memory difficulties + carers)
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Shopping: In-store @ Tesco
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Special events (e.g. Seniors’ Christmas lunch and Christmas hampers)
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Social: Cash Bingo (x 2)
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Social: Coffee mornings
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Transport: Medical and essential appointments
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Transport: Other (e.g. social outings, visiting relatives in care homes, etc.)
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Good Neighbour Scheme (small tasks and errands, e.g. dog walking, prescriptions, and shopping)
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Community Connectors (connecting people to the right help, both ICA and non-ICA).
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CHILDREN, YOUTH, FAMILIES – ICA is working in collaboration to develop and deliver a range of youth-focused services and activities, including a youth volunteering scheme, life and leadership skills training, consultation activities and events. ICA also manages the Portland Youth Council (PYC) and the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme (DofE).
ICA’s works independently and in partnership to help strengthen Portland’s ‘youth voice,’ ensuring young people are not only part of the local decision-making process but are also empowered to proactively lead and contribute to the development and delivery of collaborative solutions (built on robust and meaningful peer-led research and consultation). Working alongside our island’s young people, we also want to ensure these solutions help address their key challenges and priorities, increase confidence, skills and aspirations, reduce incidences of marginalisation and improve long-term prospects and opportunities.
Current PYC priorities are: more affordable activities, employment, training, and volunteering; equality and diversity; improving public spaces; and protecting the environment.
Portland Youth Council is delivered in partnership with Portland Town Council. DofE is delivered in partnership with Atlantic Academy.
• COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT (ALL AGES) – Includes:
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Community Connectors – Residents, volunteers and organisations trained to identify and signpost those in potential need of support.
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Community Forum – A space for local organisations to network, coordinate support, forward plan and build capacity.
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Community Hub – Advice, information and signposting to local residents around nonICA-related subjects.
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Events – One-off large-scale community events, including national celebrations
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Infrastructure support – Advice, information and training delivered or organised through ICA for other local community-based organisations.
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Volunteer Bureau – Support for those wishing to volunteer or offer volunteer roles, from recruitment to training and DBS checks.
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CULTURE, HERITAGE, NATURE & THE ENVIRONMENT (ALL AGES) – Includes:
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Community Crafters – Creativity and crafting for local good causes, to reduce isolation and loneliness, strengthen community and intergenerational bonds, and showcase Portland’s amazing artistic talents.
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Hooked – A dedicated crafting group for those in their 20s, 30s and 40s.
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Do One Thing – Activities and events that engage and inspire individuals to protect and enhance Portland’s amazing biodiversity and environment.
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Nothe of the Living Dead – An annual fundraiser between ICA, EPIC Games – Dorset and Nothe Fort. Described as a mash-up between The Walking Dead and Crystal Maze, the event sees participants attempt to solve a series of mental and physical challenges while being terrorised by a horde of hungry zombies.
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Halloween Treasure Trail – Weymouth half-term activity with Weymouth Bid
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Tales & Trails – Interactive walking experiences that encourage people to discover more about Portland and its amazing culture, environment/nature, heritage and history.
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Victoria Gardens – ICA supports the Gardens’ volunteer gardening team.
• RESEARCH, REPRESENTATION and REGENERATION – Currently includes:
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Community Consultations – ICA provides a range of community consultation services for itself and other organisations. Past clients include MEMO, Dorset Council, NHS Dorset and Portland Town Council.
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Collaborations and Representation – ICA continues to work in partnership with a number of groups and networks to improve Portland’s infrastructure and support offer across a number of strands, including…
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Older and vulnerable residents , e.g. working with Dorset Council, NHS – Dorset, Dorset Fire & Rescue Service, etc., to ensure equality of offer for Portland’s most vulnerable residents.
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Children and Families, e.g. working with Dorset’s Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAHMS), Chesil Locality – Portland Local Alliance Group (LAG/lead – Dorset NHS) and the Portland Family Hub (lead – DC).
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Environment and Biodiversity, e.g. supporting the delivery of Portland’s Biodiversity Plan (lead – Portland Town Council).
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Health and Wellbeing, e.g. working to improve Portland’s health outcomes (lead – The Dorset Integrated Care Board)
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Research and Development – Weymouth & Portland Community Research Network (leads – ICA, Steps Youth Service, The Lantern Trust and Bournemouth University).
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THE FUTURE PORTLAND COMMUNITY BENEFIT SOCIETY (CBS) – A collaboration between ICA, b-side and The Portland Association.
We formed the CBS in response to our individual and collaborative research and consultations, which led to the realisation that we share a vision and desire to support Portland’s community in having a stronger voice and more influence over what happens to and on our island.
Our key ambitions include:
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Working collaboratively to drive and support a dynamic and innovative vision and future for Portland
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Helping to mobilise and encourage community action, ambition and aspiration
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Improving the lives, opportunities, and experiences available to Portland residents
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Showcasing and protecting Portland’s unique heritage, culture, and history, including its natural and built environments.
Future Portland is a membership-led organisation, with all members getting a say and a vote on the CBS’s most important decisions. Members also get to invest in projects that benefit Portland and its community, and, depending on the project, they may also receive special perks, like discounts and member-only events.
ACHIEVEMENTS - TABLE 1: CLIENT / PARTICIPATION NUMBERS ACHIEVED FOR YEAR 4 (2024 25)
| WORKSTREAM | NO. OF COURSES OR | NO. OF PARTICIPANTS | TOTAL INTERACTIONS |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACTIVITY SESSIONS | ENGAGING IN ACTIVITY | (CALCULATION | |
| DEPENDENT ON ACTIVITY) | |||
| YEAR 4 ACHIEVED | YEAR 4 ACHIEVED | YEAR 4 ACHIEVED | |
| HELPING HANDS (OLDER PEOPLE+ THOSE IMPACTED BY CHRONIC/SERIOUS ILLNESS OR DISABILITY) | |||
| Befriending (face-to-face and telephone sessionswithbefrienders) | N-A | N-A | 490 |
| Club activities (art, exercise, games) | N-A | N-A | 5,213 |
| Food based activities (e.g. lunchclubs andfoodie outings) | N-A | N-A | 2,096 |
| GoodNeighbours errands (e.g.prescriptions, shopping and othererrands) | N-A | N-A | 840 |
| Purely socialactivities (non-food celebrationand bingo) | N-A | N-A | 3,733 |
| Transport (essentialappointments and activities) | N-A | N-A | 2,277 |
| Transport (in-store shopping) | N-A | N-A | 425 |
| Catch-ups calls (byICAoffice staffandvolunteers– minimumtencalls per workday) | N-A | N-A | 2,535 |
| SUB-TOTAL– ACTUALS ACHIEVED | 5,484 | 894 | 17,609 |
| CHILDREN, YOUTH AND FAMILIES | |||
| Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme • Mentoring (8 sessions) • Training: Cooking, First Aid – Theory & Practical, Camping Skills, Route Planning, Map Reading, Navigation, Countryside Code, Equipment Identification & Packing Skills, Presentation Planning & Delivery, Health & Safety, Risk Identification & Management (12 sessions) • Overnight camping – Tent erecting/pack up, Games Creation, Sleep & Clear (3 sessions). • Food – Meal planning, Shopping, Food Preparation (3 sessions) • Hiking & Navigation Practice (2 x 2-4 hr. sessions) • Hiking & Navigation Practice (2 x 4-6 hr. sessions) • AssessedHiking (2 x 4-6hr.sessions) |
32 | 30 | 960 |
| Portland Youth Council (PYC) Sessions: • Launch (assembly for 11-16 year olds via/1 session/200+ participants) • Open evening (1 session/8 volunteers/8 participants) • Meetings (36 sessions/18 participants) |
38 | 226 | 226 |
| PYC – Activities:Remembrance Day (200+ attendees), Christmas Sparkle (50+), Atlantic Academy Christmas Fair (100+), Chinese New Year @ Atlantic Academy (551 students),Easter Fundraiser(150+), Chessington World of Adventures trip (47) |
6 | 1,098+ | 1,098+ |
Island Community Action: Registered Charity 1157978 The Easton Centre, Portland, Dorset, DT5 1EB / 01305 823789 office@islandcommunityaction.org.uk / www.islandcommunityaction.org
| WORKSTREAM | NO. OF COURSES OR | NO. OF PARTICIPANTS | TOTAL INTERACTIONS |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACTIVITY SESSIONS | ENGAGING IN ACTIVITY | (CALCULATION | |
| DEPENDENT ON ACTIVITY) | |||
| YEAR 4 ACHIEVED | YEAR 4 ACHIEVED | YEAR 4 ACHIEVED | |
| PYC – Collaborations, Advisory (and other input):Atlantic Academy, b-side, Butterfly Conservation Trust, Casterbridge Speakers, Chesil Youth Pride, Christians Against Poverty, DofE, Dorchester Youth Council, Dorset Coast Forum, Dorset Council, Dorset Local Nature Partnership (Youth Food), Dorset Wildlife Trust, Dorset Youth Council, Dorset Youth Voice, The Drop In, Friends of Victoria Gardens, Future Portland, Hedgehog Friendly Portland, Isle of Portland Orchids, Pink & Green (Rory Pilgrim), The Portland Association, Portland Court Leet, Portland Local Alliance Group (LAG), Portland Rotary, Portland Town Council, Portland & Weymouth Towns of Culture, St. Nics, Save the Children, UK Parliament andWeymouth YouthCouncil, |
30 | 21 | 630 |
| PYC – Training:Team Building Day, Power Structures & UK Democracy, Running a Meeting, Fundraising, Consultation, Public Speaking, Finance & Budget, Poster & GraphicDesign, Campaign Delivery and Conservation Awareness |
10 | 18 | 180 |
| Makers Market:Training (3 sessions), Christmas Selling (2 sessions) and Summer Selling (1session) |
6 | 18 | 51 |
| SUB-TOTAL | 122 | 1,411+ | **3,145+ ** |
| CULTURE, HERITAGE, NATURE & THE ENVIRONMENT | |||
| Specialist Activities/Courses/Workshops YEAR OF WELLBEING Wellbeing Tasters (Portland) • SFX Make-Up (1 session/2 volunteers/13 participants) • Wreath Making (1 session/2 volunteers/22 participants) • Managing ADHD (1 session/1 volunteer/9 participants) • Kayaking (1 sessions/1 volunteer/8 participants) • Cake Picnic (1 session/12 volunteers/300+ participants) Wellbeing Tasters – Craft Day (Portland/4 volunteers) • Basket Weaving (2 sessions/16 participants) • Gilding (2 sessions/14 participants) • Mosaics (2 sessions/16 participants) • Pottery (2 sessions/25 participants) • Printing (2 sessions/9 participants) • Sketching (2 sessions/8 participants) • Zen Calligraphy (2 sessions/24 participants) |
31 | 608 | 608 |
Island Community Action: Registered Charity 1157978 The Easton Centre, Portland, Dorset, DT5 1EB / 01305 823789 office@islandcommunityaction.org.uk / www.islandcommunityaction.org
| Wellbeing Trips (Off-island) •Glass Painting (1 session/2 volunteers/10 participants) •Comedy Club (1 session/2 volunteers/12 participants) •Fused Glass (1 session/1 volunteer/9 participants) •Secret Garden (1 session/1 volunteer/10 participants) •Bucklers Hard (1 session/1 volunteer/10 participants) •Sculptures by the Lake (1 session/3 volunteers/15 participants) •Fishing (1 session/1 volunteer/11 participants) •Bridport Hat Festival (1 session/2 volunteer/9 participants) •Cinema (1 session/1 volunteer/11 participants) •Mystery Tour (1 session/1 volunteer/7 participants) •Winchester (1 session/1 volunteer/29 participants) • Spice ShipLunch(1session/1 volunteer/11participants) |
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|---|---|---|---|
| Crafting Clubs(excludes sessions in own time): •Community Crafters (46 sessions/30 participants/504 interactions) •Hooked (27sessions/32participants/248interactions) |
78 | 62 | 752 |
| Community Crafters Projects(excludes sessions in own time): •Christmas Teddies (128 beneficiaries) •Remembrance wreaths and poppies (22 direct beneficiaries/indirect unknown) •Christmas Cosies fundraiser (1 beneficiary – ICA) •Woolly Wonderland: Yarn Bomb Festival (3,000+ beneficiaries – those who engaged) •Children’s Crotchet Club (12 sessions/16 participants) |
Unknown | 3,167 | 3,167 |
| Nothe of the Living Dead (24sessions/75volunteers/192participants). Participants only countedhere. |
24 | 192 | 192 |
| Environment/Nature-based Activities(excludes sessions in own time): Collaboration between ICA’s Do One Thing for Portland and PYC’s Campaign – Protecting and Respecting Local Wildlife and Public Spaces campaign. •Portland Creatures – Biodiversity & Environment (1 PYC session/2 volunteers/18 PYC participants) •Portland Creatures – Artwork creation (1 PYC session/1 volunteer/18 PYC participant •Portland Creatures – Asset creation (various sessions, number unknown/ICA designing assets/content categorised by age – Friends, Explorers, Investigators and Heroes + PYC supporting with content research) •Nature Day with Atlantic Academy (1 session/18 volunteers/300+ participants) •Wild Words writing competition (collaboration with PYC/ various sessions, number unknown/2 categories/2 volunteers/70 participants) •Nature & Shared Spaces workshop (collaboration with PYC/1 session/6participants) |
s 4 |
412 | 412 |
Island Community Action: Registered Charity 1157978 The Easton Centre, Portland, Dorset, DT5 1EB / 01305 823789 office@islandcommunityaction.org.uk / www.islandcommunityaction.org
| Tales & Trails: • Easter Trail (1 session/6 volunteers/129 children [excludes other family members]) • Portland History Trail (1 session/3 volunteers/20 participants) • Myths & Legends Trail (1 session/2 volunteers/35 participants) • Murder Mystery Trail (1 session/12 volunteers/120 participants) • Family Halloween ‘Live Action’ Treasure Trail (1 session/12 volunteers/120 participants) |
5 | 424 | 424 |
|---|---|---|---|
| SUB-TOTAL | 142 | 4,865 | 5,555 |
| COMMUNITY | |||
| AdventAngels | 24 | 53 | 53 |
| Consultation activities delivered: •Portland Town Council – Easton Square Anti-social Behaviour (1 x digital survey + 1 x face-to-face sessions/total 56 participants) •Future Portland launch and consultation (1 x face-to-face workshop/8 volunteers/60 participants •Atlantic Academy – Senior Student Summer Event Consultation (1 x face-to- face/464 responses. PARTICPANT NUMBERS RECORDED IN YOUTH SECTION ABOVE. •Portland Town Council – Community Plan (1 x digital survey + 6 x face-to- face sessions/504 digital participants and 53 face-to-face at public sessions) •MEMO/Eden Portland (1 x digital survey + 2 x Bowers Mine visits + 4 x face- to-face public sessions/608 digital participants, 304 mine visit participants and 700 face-to-face at public sessions/8 volunteers) •ICA – Older People (1 x public session/18 volunteers/90 participants) + •Joint delivery with Dorset Coast Forum for Dorset Council – High Angle Battery Community Consultation(1 xdigitalsurvey/600responses) |
20 | 2,975 | 2,975 |
| Community Connectors: •Referrals (various organisations – 173 participants) • Contacts (various sessions– 238 participants) |
N-A | 411 | 411 |
| Infrastructure Support for local third sector community-based organisations (number of organisations supported) |
21 | 21 | 21 |
| Minibushires to support otherorganisations and groups | 47 | 791 | 791 |
| SUB-TOTAL | 112 | 4,251 | 4,251 |
| GRAND-TOTAL | 5,860 | 11,421 | 30,560 |
Island Community Action: Registered Charity 1157978 The Easton Centre, Portland, Dorset, DT5 1EB / 01305 823789 office@islandcommunityaction.org.uk / www.islandcommunityaction.org
ADDITIONAL OTHER ‘KEY STATS’
Enquiries:
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17,968 = total ICA-related phone calls, digital conversations and face-to-face enquiries
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6,731 = total non-ICA related phone calls, digital conversations and face-to-face enquiries
NB: We are confident these significant numbers have much to do with ICA’s increasing role as a trusted information source, especially for older residents who may feel wary of other sources, have limited access to other sources or may not be digitally active or confident.
Digital…
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Facebook – Island Community Action = 2,471likes/2,983 followers
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Facebook – Island Community Action Community Crafters = 493 members
Island Community Action: Registered Charity 1157978 The Easton Centre, Portland, Dorset, DT5 1EB / 01305 823789 office@islandcommunityaction.org.uk / www.islandcommunityaction.org
CLIENT DEMOGRAPHICS –
Number of clients/participants engaged:
The total number of clients/participants engaged across ICA’s active workstreams are as follows:
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Helping Hands = 894
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Children, Youth and Families = 1,411
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Culture, Heritage, Nature and The Environment = 4,865
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Community = 4,251
TOTAL = 11,421 (excludes participants engaged via Portland representation events)
NB: The numbers above do include repeats. However, we are confident that the number of separate individuals engaged exceeds 5,000.
Age and gender breakdown of ICA clients/participants (figures are approximations based on a selection of key activities).
Age:
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20% = 5-10yrs
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20% = 11-15yrs
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1% = 16-24yrs
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3% = 25-34yrs.
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6% = 45-54yrs
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10% = 55-64yrs
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18% = 65-74yrs
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18% = 75yrs+
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4% = 35-44yrs
Gender breakdown:
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Helping Hands and Community Connectors – 71% female/29% male
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Youth – 54% female/46% male
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Culture, Heritage, Nature, Environment – 55% female/45% male.
NOTE: Except for Community Connectors (people in crisis) and DofE, we see closer to a 50/50 split for one-off ICA services, activities and events e.g. transport, Christmas meals, trips, fundraisers, etc. For our ongoing activities, e.g. Portland Youth Council, Community Crafters and many of our older people’s clubs, we have a much higher percentage of women.
CLIENT / PARTICIPANT IMPACT
ICA regularly seeks feedback regarding the impact of its activities, services and support offer. This feedback enables us to measure impact and assess areas for improvement.
TABLE 2: CLIENT/PARTICIPANT IMPACT ‘HELPING HANDS’ FOR YEAR 4 (2024-25)
| WORKSTREAM AND QUESTIONS | YES % | NO % | N/A % |
|---|---|---|---|
| HELPING HANDS (OLDER PEOPLE + THOSE IMPACTED BY DISABILITY AND / OR SERIOUS, | LIFE | ||
| OR TERMINAL ILLNESS) | |||
| Has ICA’s activities made you feel happier and/or more confident? | 99 | 1 | 0 |
| Have ICA’s activities helped you feel less lonely and/or worried | 98 | 2 | 0 |
| Has ICA helped you socialise with others? | 98 | 0 | 2 |
| Have ICA’s activities helped your mobility/health | 92 | 1 | 6 |
| Has ICA helped you feel safer? | 93 | 4 | 3 |
Island Community Action: Registered Charity 1157978 The Easton Centre, Portland, Dorset, DT5 1EB / 01305 823789 office@islandcommunityaction.org.uk / www.islandcommunityaction.org
TABLE 3: CLIENT/PARTICIPANT IMPACT ‘COURSES and TRAINING’ FOR YEAR 3 (2024-25)
| WORKSTREAM AND QUESTIONS | YES | A LITTLE | NO | N/A |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| % | % | % | % | |
| COURSES, TASTERS and TRAINING | ||||
| Did you enjoy this activity? | 91 | 5 | 0 | 4 |
| Did this activityincreaseyour knowledge and skills | 84 | 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Did this activity increase your overall confidence? | 81 | 13 | 6 | 0 |
| Did this activity make you feel happier/more positive? | 82 | 15 | 3 | 0 |
| Did this activity increase your opportunities to socialise? | 83 |
12 | 5 | 0 |
| Did this activity make you feel healthier? | 68 | 19 | 6 | 7 |
| Did this activity make you more likely to get involved with other community-based activities? |
96 | 4 | 1 | 0 |
| Did this activity enable you to find out more about the support available locally? |
90 | 9 | 1 | 0 |
Island Community Action: Registered Charity 1157978 The Easton Centre, Portland, Dorset, DT5 1EB / 01305 823789 office@islandcommunityaction.org.uk / www.islandcommunityaction.org
VOLUNTEERS
- TABLE 4: VOLUNTEER NUMBERS ACHIEVED FOR YEAR 4 (2024 25)
| WORKSTREAM | NO. | NO. VOLUNTEER |
|---|---|---|
| INDIVIDUAL | HOURS | |
| VOLUNTEERS | ||
| ACHIEVED | ACHIEVED | |
| VOLUNTEER BUREAU | ||
| Helping Hands (includes older and vulnerable) | 110 | 19,182 |
| Families, children and young people (includes Portland Youth Council, DofE and Maker’s Market–42 adults |
42 | 943 |
| Families, children and young people (includes Portland Youth Council and DofE–45 young people) |
45 | 1,360 |
| Culture, Heritage, Nature and Environment (Nature Day [172 hrs.] Portland Pickers [420 hrs.], Tales & Trails [368 hrs.] and Halloween [96 hrs.] |
75 | 1,056 |
| Community Crafters (Remembrance [80 hrs.] Teddies [640 hrs.], Cosies [200 hrs.] and Yarn Bomb [10,000+ hrs. based on 50 plots x 200 hrs. per plot – conservative estimation]) |
1,564+ | 10,920+ |
| Nothe of the Living Dead | 75 | 1,000+ |
| Events and general project/office support | 53 | 330 |
| ICA Board of Trustees (allowing 72 hrs. x 4+960 hrs. x 1) | 5 | 1,032 |
| ICA staff team (extra hours in addition to paid hours) | 4 | 2,371 |
| TOTAL | 1,973 | 38,194 |
NB: Allowing 25% repeats, we’re confident the number of individual volunteers lies around 1,480.
In addition, ICA delivered 12 x individuals to non-ICA volunteering roles and the Advent Angels Christmas Campaign (celebrating local formal and informal volunteers).
Age and gender breakdown of ICA volunteers (figures are approximations based on a selection of key activities).
Age:
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0% = 5-10yrs
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12% = 11-15yrs
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6% = 16-24yrs
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7% = 25-34yrs
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10% = 35-44yrs
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12% = 45-54yrs
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15% = 55-64yrs
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21% = 65-74yrs
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17% = 75yrs+
Gender: 74% female/26% male
Total volunteer hours
This figure is an estimate because so much volunteering goes unlogged, e.g. odd errands carried out by befrienders or Good Neighbour volunteers. However, based on what we do know, we can say that volunteers gave a total of 38,194 hours during the year. This equates to £513,709 back into the local economy (based on UK Real Living Wage, £13.45 per hour).
ICA’s evaluation survey showed the key reasons people decide to volunteer are that it:
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Makes them feel happy/positive
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Allows them to give back to their community
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Helps them feel connected to their community
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Extends their social networks
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Makes them feel needed and useful
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Allows them to participate in passionbased activities.
100% reported that volunteering with ICA also increased their confidence awareness around the island’s wider support offer, volunteering opportunities and other activities in general. We also experience individuals transitioning from client to volunteer and back again.
Island Community Action: Registered Charity 1157978 The Easton Centre, Portland, Dorset, DT5 1EB / 01305 823789 office@islandcommunityaction.org.uk / www.islandcommunityaction.org
WORKSTREAM PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS
OLDER AND VULNERABLE PEOPLE
COMMUNITY CONNECTORS
One significant development has been the expansion of our Community Connectors initiative, which has created an invaluable opportunity for two-way referrals and knowledge sharing with a wide range of providers, including Citizen’s Advice Bureau (via Energy Bus), Age UK, local Food Banks, Portland Carers, Dorset & Wiltshire Fire & Rescue, Dorset NHS, Two Harbour Healthcare, Dorset Council’s Adult Services and Wessex Water.
As a result of this work, we have had contact with 238 people and made 173 direct referrals. We have also improved our A to Z Directory across relevant subject areas (Carers, Finance, Food, Home Safety and Transport), enabling us to build an extensive library of information regarding local support providers.
These activities include coffee mornings, talks, partner events and two separate living aids demonstrations with the Greenwood Independent Living Centre (seven individuals and their families progressed to direct contact with the Centre).
In detail
Through our Community Connectors project, ICA has provided a wide range of information and support to some of Portland’s most vulnerable residents. This has included empowering people to represent themselves or, for those less able to act for themselves, contacting relevant services directly on our client’s behalf.
TABLE 5: CONTACT BY PERSON FOR YEAR 4 (2024-25)
| ACTIVITIES | MALE | FEMALE | TOTAL |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coffee morning1 | 3 | 8 | 11 |
| Chat a Latte | 2 | 13 | 15 |
| Coffee morning2 | 5 | 15 | 20 |
| Foodbank referrals | 13 | 40 | 53 |
| Get Together Club | 1 | 11 | 12 |
| Greenwood LivingAids | 9 | 24 | 33 |
| Health & WellbeingFair | 14 | 18 | 32 |
| Ladymead Retirement Complex | 2 | 6 | 8 |
| Masons | 15 | 21 | 36 |
| Wyke Fellowship | 5 | 13 | 18 |
| TOTAL | 69 | 169 | 238 |
TABLE 6: REFERRALS BY ORGANISATION FOR YEAR 4 (2024-25)
| ORGANISATION | TOTAL |
|---|---|
| Dorset Fire Service | 27 |
| Finance | 23 |
| Health | 9 |
| Food | 53 |
| Other | 61 |
| TOTAL | 173 |
Island Community Action: Registered Charity 1157978 The Easton Centre, Portland, Dorset, DT5 1EB / 01305 823789 office@islandcommunityaction.org.uk / www.islandcommunityaction.org
ACTIVITY EXAMPLE: Dorset & Wiltshire Fire & Rescue Service
Island Community Action: Registered Charity 1157978 The Easton Centre, Portland, Dorset, DT5 1EB / 01305 823789 office@islandcommunityaction.org.uk / www.islandcommunityaction.org
ACTIVITY EXAMPLE: Greenwood Centre – Living Aids Demonstration
During a visit to the Greenwood Independent Living Centre (ILC) in Dorchester, to learn more about the wide range of disability equipment and services provided by the occupational therapists it was discussed how best the service could be accessed by people living on Portland.
Organised by ICA in collaboration with ILC a practical demonstration of small living aids was advertised for a morning in March at C2000. Due to an overwhelming response an afternoon session was also needed. To ensure the sessions were accessible to all ICA laid on transport for four clients including one client in a wheelchair. In total 33 people attended.
ILC put together a 12-page document detailing pictures and descriptions of all the products demonstrated, potential suppliers and guide prices that was given to everyone attending. This covered, Eating & Drinking, Food Preparation, Washing & Dressing, Bathing & Showering, Getting in/out of bed, Transfers in/out of a car and Assistance with Communication.
Following the presentations, the ILC was approached by seven individuals and their family members for further advice and information.
ACTIVITY EXAMPLE: Health & Wellbeing Fair – Masonic Hall, Portland
Two Harbours Healthcare Ltd invited ICA to have a stand at their Health & Wellbeing Fair at the Masonic Hall in July. A friendly and informative fair designed especially for those aged 60 and over. The event provided opportunities for local residents to explore a wide range of local health, social, and voluntary services that support wellbeing, independence, and peace of mind. There was also access to free advice, blood pressure checks, and a chance to connect with others in a relaxed, welcoming setting.
ICA spoke to 32 individuals and made several direct referrals to other local service providers.
Island Community Action: Registered Charity 1157978 The Easton Centre, Portland, Dorset, DT5 1EB / 01305 823789 office@islandcommunityaction.org.uk / www.islandcommunityaction.org
ACTIVITY EXAMPLE: Weymouth & Portland Lions Club
The Lions Club’s Message in a Bottle initiative is a simple yet effective way for people to keep their basic personal and medical details readily available, enabling them to be easily located by emergency services. The bottle, which is kept in the fridge, provides peace of mind that prompt and appropriate medical assistance can be provided, and next of kin notified. The Lions Club keeps ICA supplied with bottles, which we then distribute to the community. This is carried out via coffee mornings, talks, ICA groups, and footfall in the office. We have distributed over 70 bottles this year. y
The Lions Club has also been collecting and recycling glasses since 1967, and what started as a single club activity has grown to become a nationwide effort with clubs across the UK collecting millions of pairs of spectacles over the last 35 years. ICA has assisted them by acting as a collection point in the community. We’ve had a fantastic response. Dave Woolford, Lions Club member, is pictured collecting hundreds of pairs of glasses which will be redistributed in the UK and over 25 other countries.
Overall impact
Through these combined activities, Community Connectors has:
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Supported independence by helping people stay in their homes for longer. This has been achieved in three ways…
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Focusing on prevention, by getting them into our own and partner activities before there’s even a problem, so they know where to go for support.
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Taking an early action approach when issues do arise.
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Providing essential ‘at-home’ support to support our clients’ needs, e.g. prescriptions, shopping, errands, and hospital transport.
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Reduced isolation by boosting independence, confidence and happiness, whether ‘at home’ or ‘out of home’. For example, for those unable to leave home or with limited access to life outside of their home, we have provided home-based activities, like Community Crafters. This has enabled them to continue to participate in community life and even extend their social networks. We’ve also provided dog walking services so clients can keep their pets.
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Ensured nutrition by providing support with shopping, running lunch clubs, and other foodbased activities. Also, providing referrals to non-ICA food-based activities, like foodbank referrals and external food providers.
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Maximised income by assisting with personal applications for Pension Credit and Attendance Allowance. Also, where required and appropriate, signposting to other relevant support providers, e.g. CAB and Age UK.
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Raised awareness of available support through the provision of information about local and non-local services, including statutory and non-statutory providers.
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Championed individuals by acting on their behalf or providing them with direct support through a wide range of health and wellbeing processes, e.g. supporting them through medical diagnosis and treatments.
Island Community Action: Registered Charity 1157978 The Easton Centre, Portland, Dorset, DT5 1EB / 01305 823789 office@islandcommunityaction.org.uk / www.islandcommunityaction.org
YOUNG PEOPLE
PORTLAND YOUTH COUNCIL (PYC)
PYC priorities remain:
1. Improve employment, training and volunteering opportunities.
2. Promote equality and diversity
3. Protect the environment
4. Increase social opportunities and affordable activities
5. Improve Public spaces.
Achievements:
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18 Youth Councilors (72% retention rate throughout Yr 3)
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36 regular PYC sessions
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409 Youth Council interactions
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1,098+ public interactions with PYC activities.
DUKE OF EDINBURGH’S AWARD
ICA continued to grow its Duke of Edinburgh Award, strengthening our partnership with Atlantic Academy, following Dorset Councils decision to end its role as the Licensed Organisation for youth groups and schools across the county.
The scheme is open to all 11-16 year-olds, but those from low-income/disadvantaged backgrounds were prioritised and ICA put special measures in place to ensure they could participate e.g. securing additional funding to cover participation and equipment and offering payment plans where required.
Achievements:
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30 participants
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32 DofE sessions
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960 DofE participant interactions.
Island Community Action: Registered Charity 1157978 The Easton Centre, Portland, Dorset, DT5 1EB / 01305 823789 office@islandcommunityaction.org.uk / www.islandcommunityaction.org
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Island Community Action: Registered Charity 1157978 The Easton Centre, Portland, Dorset, DT5 1EB / 01305 823789 office@islandcommunityaction.org.uk / www.islandcommunityaction.org
Island Community Action: Registered Charity 1157978 The Easton Centre, Portland, Dorset, DT5 1EB / 01305 823789 office@islandcommunityaction.org.uk / www.islandcommunityaction.org
Island Community Action: Registered Charity 1157978 The Easton Centre, Portland, Dorset, DT5 1EB / 01305 823789 office@islandcommunityaction.org.uk / www.islandcommunityaction.org
Island Community Action: Registered Charity 1157978 The Easton Centre, Portland, Dorset, DT5 1EB / 01305 823789 office@islandcommunityaction.org.uk / www.islandcommunityaction.org
Island Community Action: Registered Charity 1157978 The Easton Centre, Portland, Dorset, DT5 1EB / 01305 823789 office@islandcommunityaction.org.uk / www.islandcommunityaction.org
Island Community Action: Registered Charity 1157978 The Easton Centre, Portland, Dorset, DT5 1EB / 01305 823789 office@islandcommunityaction.org.uk / www.islandcommunityaction.org
Island Community Action: Registered Charity 1157978 The Easton Centre, Portland, Dorset, DT5 1EB / 01305 823789 office@islandcommunityaction.org.uk / www.islandcommunityaction.org
Island Community Action: Registered Charity 1157978 The Easton Centre, Portland, Dorset, DT5 1EB / 01305 823789 office@islandcommunityaction.org.uk / www.islandcommunityaction.org
Island Community Action: Registered Charity 1157978 The Easton Centre, Portland, Dorset, DT5 1EB / 01305 823789 office@islandcommunityaction.org.uk / www.islandcommunityaction.org
Island Community Action: Registered Charity 1157978 The Easton Centre, Portland, Dorset, DT5 1EB / 01305 823789 office@islandcommunityaction.org.uk / www.islandcommunityaction.org
Island Community Action: Registered Charity 1157978 The Easton Centre, Portland, Dorset, DT5 1EB / 01305 823789 office@islandcommunityaction.org.uk / www.islandcommunityaction.org
Island Community Action: Registered Charity 1157978 The Easton Centre, Portland, Dorset, DT5 1EB / 01305 823789 office@islandcommunityaction.org.uk / www.islandcommunityaction.org
Island Community Action: Registered Charity 1157978 The Easton Centre, Portland, Dorset, DT5 1EB / 01305 823789 office@islandcommunityaction.org.uk / www.islandcommunityaction.org
Island Community Action: Registered Charity 1157978 The Easton Centre, Portland, Dorset, DT5 1EB / 01305 823789 office@islandcommunityaction.org.uk / www.islandcommunityaction.org
Island Community Action: Registered Charity 1157978 The Easton Centre, Portland, Dorset, DT5 1EB / 01305 823789 office@islandcommunityaction.org.uk / www.islandcommunityaction.org
Island Community Action: Registered Charity 1157978 The Easton Centre, Portland, Dorset, DT5 1EB / 01305 823789 office@islandcommunityaction.org.uk / www.islandcommunityaction.org
Island Community Action: Registered Charity 1157978 The Easton Centre, Portland, Dorset, DT5 1EB / 01305 823789 office@islandcommunityaction.org.uk / www.islandcommunityaction.org
Island Community Action: Registered Charity 1157978 The Easton Centre, Portland, Dorset, DT5 1EB / 01305 823789 office@islandcommunityaction.org.uk / www.islandcommunityaction.org
Island Community Action: Registered Charity 1157978 The Easton Centre, Portland, Dorset, DT5 1EB / 01305 823789 office@islandcommunityaction.org.uk / www.islandcommunityaction.org
Island Community Action: Registered Charity 1157978 The Easton Centre, Portland, Dorset, DT5 1EB / 01305 823789 office@islandcommunityaction.org.uk / www.islandcommunityaction.org
Island Community Action: Registered Charity 1157978 The Easton Centre, Portland, Dorset, DT5 1EB / 01305 823789 office@islandcommunityaction.org.uk / www.islandcommunityaction.org
Island Community Action: Registered Charity 1157978 The Easton Centre, Portland, Dorset, DT5 1EB / 01305 823789 office@islandcommunityaction.org.uk / www.islandcommunityaction.org
Island Community Action: Registered Charity 1157978 The Easton Centre, Portland, Dorset, DT5 1EB / 01305 823789 office@islandcommunityaction.org.uk / www.islandcommunityaction.org
Island Community Action: Registered Charity 1157978 The Easton Centre, Portland, Dorset, DT5 1EB / 01305 823789 office@islandcommunityaction.org.uk / www.islandcommunityaction.org
Island Community Action: Registered Charity 1157978 The Easton Centre, Portland, Dorset, DT5 1EB / 01305 823789 office@islandcommunityaction.org.uk / www.islandcommunityaction.org
Island Community Action: Registered Charity 1157978 The Easton Centre, Portland, Dorset, DT5 1EB / 01305 823789 office@islandcommunityaction.org.uk / www.islandcommunityaction.org
Island Community Action: Registered Charity 1157978 The Easton Centre, Portland, Dorset, DT5 1EB / 01305 823789 office@islandcommunityaction.org.uk / www.islandcommunityaction.org
COMMUNITY
COMMUNITY CRAFTERS
Community Crafters (crafting for community-based good causes) aims to reduce isolation and loneliness and strengthen community and intergenerational bonds through a range of largescale crafting projects.
During the funded period, the Community Crafters delivered two significant projects:
Teddy Bears for Dorset County Hospital – Used by their dedicated play team on the Kingfisher Ward and at the Children’s Centre, home to many children’s outpatient clinics and therapies.
Over two dozen crafters have taken part from ladies in their 20s to over 80s and not only on Portland, but our community has also extended to a lady who lives in Redditch, Worcester. A total of 128 teddies in an array of colours, sizes and patterns have been received. Pictured below are some of our lovely volunteers. za!
Not only do the children benefit but also our crafters do too. Here are some of their comments:
“Stops me falling asleep when watching the TV”
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“It keeps my mind active”
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“It helps me take my mind off other things that are going on”
“Keeps my hands moving and something to do while travelling.”
Nicky Turrell visited the Kingfisher Ward at Dorset County Hospital to deliver the teddy bears on behalf of ICA to the Play Team. Paul Myatt, the Lead Registered Health Play Specialist, passed on his thanks to everyone who took part on behalf of the team.
HOOKED
A dedicated crafting group for those in their 20s, 30s and 40s, set up to provide provide a safe space for those who have found it hard to meet people their own age. Since launching, members have made items to donate to a number of community projects, including creating Dorset Council’s Christmas Stocking Installation, which raises awareness of children and young people in care; creating a beautiful woolly campfire for the local Beavers group, so they could learn camp songs, and helping turn Easton into a Woolly Wonderland, bringing joy to 1000s. Some members have even helped teach children the skill of crochet. They have also created gifts for those who have lost babies.
Island Community Action: Registered Charity 1157978 The Easton Centre, Portland, Dorset, DT5 1EB / 01305 823789 office@islandcommunityaction.org.uk / www.islandcommunityaction.org
Woolly Wonderland – Yarn Bomb Festival
Organised by Island Community Action (ICA), the Woolly Wonderland Community Yarn Bomb Festival has seen around 1,500 people from across Portland, Weymouth and beyond create thousands of wool-based items to decorate Easton Gardens, Portland.
The event showcases knitted, crocheted, felted, sewn, wrapped, and tied decorations and community art pieces, including mermaids, a giant lighthouse, umbrellas, hot air balloons, hedgehogs, seascapes and tassels. The pieces will be used to brighten trees, fence panels, gates, and benches throughout the gardens and play area.
Individuals, families, and community groups from across the area have been working for months creating their pieces, from young children like Flo, aged three, who created tassels with her childminder, to those who are housebound due to age and frailty, like Joan, aged 97, knitting at home in front of her TV.
A range of local groups have also contributed, including ICA’s Community Crafters, Hooked Crochet Club (for those in their 20-40s) and Memorability Club (for those with dementia and their carers), 1[st] Portland Scouts, St. John Ambulance Badgers, St. George's Primary School, Atlantic Academy's SEN Club, Hedgehog Friendly Portland, The Open Arms Youth Club, Salon 88, The Sanctuary’s Wellbeing Group, Sewcial, Royal Manor Craft Workshops, the Woolnuts, and local Women’s Institute groups.
Local crochet enthusiast Tash Moore said, “I’ve really enjoyed working with the friends I’ve made at Hooked to create something people will enjoy looking at, especially children. This is something totally different for lots of us, as we usually make items like clothes, toys, and blankets rather than art, but I think we’ve all enjoyed the chance to be creative and pool our ideas to create a single piece.”
During the two months the project was live, thousands of local people and visitors came together to experience this truly intergenerational initiative. As part of the experience, ICA promoted Community Crafters and Hooked as great starting points to volunteer, contribute to the local community and improve health and wellbeing. We also promoted other local activities, including ICA’s, as part of a more holistic, ‘passion-based’ approach to deliver preventative and early-action solutions within a community.
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Island Community Action: Registered Charity 1157978 The Easton Centre, Portland, Dorset, DT5 1EB / 01305 823789 office@islandcommunityaction.org.uk / www.islandcommunityaction.org
Island Community Action: Registered Charity 1157978 The Easton Centre, Portland, Dorset, DT5 1EB / 01305 823789 office@islandcommunityaction.org.uk / www.islandcommunityaction.org
SENIOR’S CHRISTMAS MEALS
ICA’s annual festive lunch for 90 older residents at The Lobster Pot, Portland Bill
A second lunch at Foylebank for a further 35 older, vulnerable residents.
Island Community Action: Registered Charity 1157978 The Easton Centre, Portland, Dorset, DT5 1EB / 01305 823789 office@islandcommunityaction.org.uk / www.islandcommunityaction.org
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12 ORGANISATIONS OF CHRISTMAS
Special treats for 12 (ended up being 13) local organisations nominated for by the community for the invaluable support they offer Portland and its residents. Each receives a hamper package donated by local residents or businesses.
Island Community Action: Registered Charity 1157978 The Easton Centre, Portland, Dorset, DT5 1EB / 01305 823789 office@islandcommunityaction.org.uk / www.islandcommunityaction.org
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CULTURE, HERITAGE, NATURE & THE ENVIRONMENT
Campaign: Protecting and Respecting Local Wildlife and Public Spaces
As part of this delivery year, the PYC Leadership team identified local wildlife (and the need to protect it against threats from climate change and human activities, including the actions of local residents - young and old) as the subject for their 2025 pan-Portland campaign.
The idea being to increase levels of respect, compassion and understanding to strengthen the connections between young people and nature, growing their desire to protect Portland’s natural environment and reduce the activities that threaten it, including leisure-based activities and antisocial behaviour within public spaces.
In response, ICA created a two-year rolling programme for its Nature & Environment workstream that would not only support PYC’s ambitions but would also create a range of linked activities to extend the campaign’s reach and impact across a wider range of residents and organisations.
To achieve this, ICA supported the Youth Council to:
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Participate in a bespoke workshop, Delivering a Campaign for Change, created and delivered by Save the Children.
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Attend a research trip to Paignton Zoo with conservation talk delivered by Paignton Zoo’s Education Team. 100% PYC members reported that they had learnt something new about protecting wildlife from their trip, and 72% reported that they would request more information about qualifications and careers in wildlife and environmental protection.
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Work with local biodiversity specialist and author of Portland’s Biodiversity Plan, Steve Christmas, to discover more about Portland’s natural environment, including the identification and mapping of 11 vulnerable local species (+ a human child) and their habitats. 75% of PYC members reported that they had learnt something new about local wildlife from Steve Christmas’ talk.
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Commission local artist, Charlie Pascoe, to co-create 12 pieces of artwork, each depicting one of the species as a character to be used to front PYC’s campaign to inspire young people to respect and protect not just the species themselves but also the habitats and public spaces in which they live.
In addition, ICA worked with the Youth Council to:
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Create a range of digital resources to be used at community-based engagement activities. This included information boards, booklets and activity ideas. Youth Council members supported this phase with research and development input.
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Develop and deliver several community-based events, including…
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Family-friendly nature-themed island walks, including an Easter half-term Nature Trail, which provided 129 children with direct opportunities to connect with and care for nature. These activities were constructed so they could be replicated at home.
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Wild Words short story writing competition for two age groups – 11-13 and 14-16. Inspired by the 12 local species and launched as part of PYC’s ongoing campaign activity. Attracted 70 entries.
Island Community Action: Registered Charity 1157978 The Easton Centre, Portland, Dorset, DT5 1EB / 01305 823789 office@islandcommunityaction.org.uk / www.islandcommunityaction.org
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Deliver a Wildlife Day with Atlantic Academy for 300+ primary students, with an additional 18 secondary students volunteering to support its delivery. Phased activities for four different year groups included…
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§ Reception and Yr 1 – Nature Friends (entry-level activities and nature stories)
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§ Yr 2 and 3 – Nature Explorers (bioblitz and nature craft e.g. toad abode)
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§ Yr 4 – Investigators (looking at how creatures evolve to survive their changing environments, culminating in students creating a creature for Future Portland)
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§ Yr 5 and 6 – Nature Heroes (meet the wildlife experts with Q & A)
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Six species featured (with the second six featuring next year).
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Deliver a Nature & Shared Spaces Workshop with six young people. This included a walk and an artist-led creative workshop to explore themes of public spaces and how we respect them. 82% of participants reported they had learnt something new about their local natural environment, with 100% reporting that they were better informed about how they could help take care of shared public spaces.
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Deliver concept work for a public mural focused on the 12 species.
Combined, the activities successfully delivered against both ICA’s and PYC’s aims and priorities:
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Employment, Training and Volunteering – Activities raised young people’s aspirations through direct contact with professionals, with whom they worked with and learnt from. The activities also created a range of volunteering opportunities.
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Improving Public Spaces – Activities not only sought directly to improve public spaces, they also empowered local residents, young and old, to recognise that these spaces are shared, both with wildlife and people, and that respecting and caring for these areas brings mutual benefits to both themselves and the community of others they share it with.
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Protecting Nature and the Environment – Activities were designed to increase local desire to priorities and protect Portland’s flora, fauna and environment.
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Championing Equality and Diversity – Wherever possible, activities were designed to be fully accessible to local people both in terms of cost and needs access.
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Increasing Affordable Activities (for local young people) – Activities provided were either free or low-cost and able to be delivered in group settings or at home. Any profits made were fed straight back into other PYC projects.
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Wild Words
WINNER: CATEGORY – 11 TO 13 YEAR – FIRST PRIZE: BOBBY THE BAT
In the dark when stars shine bright, Bobby the Bat takes flight. Flapping wings so soft and fast, Through the trees, he’s flying past. Bobby lives where caves are deep, Or in tall trees where he sleeps. Nighttime’s when he comes alive, Zooming around, he loves to dive! Bobby the Bat, so small and brave, Searching the sky for the bugs bats crave. But Bobby's home is under threat, We can help, don’t forget! Bobby eats the bugs that bite, Helping farmers sleep at night. But people cut the forests down, Leaving Bobby without a town. Lights that shine so very bright Can confuse him in the night. Pollution and pesticides Make it hard for Bobby's rides. Bobby the Bat, so small and brave, Searching the sky for the bugs bats crave. But Bobby's home is under threat, We can help, don’t forget! Plant more trees, keep caves safe and sound, Turn off lights when night comes around. Don’t use sprays that hurt his food, Help Bobby's world be bright and good! Bobby the Bat, so small and brave, Searching the sky for the bugs bats crave. If we care and do our part, We can give Bobby a happy heart! So when you see a bat at night, Remember Bobby in his flight. He’s a friend in the dark, you see, Let’s keep him safe for you and me.
We need to make sure we keep all of our bats and animals safe. To do that, we should stop littering, make sure our animals get treated properly and help those animals who belong in the wild to stay there. For example, lions, tigers, bears, wolves, jaguars, monkeys, deer, zebras, eagles, hawks, owls, parrots, snakes, crocodiles, lizards, alligators, frogs, toads, sharks, beetles, ants, butterflies, grasshoppers, spiders, and crabs.
Island Community Action: Registered Charity 1157978 The Easton Centre, Portland, Dorset, DT5 1EB / 01305 823789 office@islandcommunityaction.org.uk / www.islandcommunityaction.org
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WINNER: CATEGORY: 14-16 YEARS FIRST PRIZE: FREDDIE FOX IN THE FOREST
Freddie Fox trotted along the damp grass of the forest. Graceful green grass danced in the wind as the fabulous fox left his small paw prints in a long trail. Happy and hopeful, he smiled confidently, knowing nothing could ruin his day now.
It hadn’t always been this way. Not long ago, he had watched the trees fall in his old forest, crushing the graceful grass and stopping its dance. Unfortunately, his home had been destroyed by the big, monstrous machines that chopped down the trees, and he had been forced to live off the beetles he found in the nearby gardens he snuck in and out of.
He had a strong hunting spirit, unlike his friend Fiona Fox, who had been given too much human food and forgotten how to hunt. His other friend, Flynn Fox, had gotten ill from eating the rubbish humans leave behind. But luckily for Freddie, children had moved all of the rubbish out of the way for him!
Freddie heard a rustle in the bushes and out hopped a big, bad bunny. Portland people often feared these tiny creatures,
so Freddie decided to slowly creep up on it, using the hunter’s crouch passed down through his family. He pounced, lifting his haunches and leaping. Luckily, he landed on the bunny and finished it with a swift bite.
“Just think,” he thought, “Fiona Fox can’t hunt anymore because of overfeeding. I hope no humans offer me food, it’s too tempting. I’ve seen children start telling their parents off for it.”
Sitting down and sighing, he started his meal and gently used his wonderful white paws to fix his luxurious light blue bow tie. He’d found a new fantastic forest with rich hunting, but he still missed his old home. Freddie looked longingly at the empty area of green where his little fox den, also called an earth, used to be, but then he decided…
New forest, new home, new life. He finished his meal before slowly standing up and gazing around the new forest and decided to build a new home.
Island Community Action: Registered Charity 1157978 The Easton Centre, Portland, Dorset, DT5 1EB / 01305 823789 office@islandcommunityaction.org.uk / www.islandcommunityaction.org
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Tales & Trails
ICA’s Tails & Trails experiences aim to improve health and wellbeing, expand social networks and feelings of belonging (helping to reduce isolation and loneliness), and increase ‘pride in place’ – encouraging people to love, respect and care for our island.
Tails & Trails builds on our basic walks offer by offering fun, interactive activities that bring people together to explore, discover and celebrate our island (with options to continue their journey after their initial experiences are complete).
Our trails are varied in length, type and cost in order to reduce barriers to engagement and provide simple stepping-stones into exercise for all abilities and ages. Our being to provide:
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Independent exercise options for those not attracted to (or confident enough) to participate in group experiences.
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Family/group options for those who prefer social activities.
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Deeper levels of engagement for those seeking more interactive experiences that entertain, inform and challenge.
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Options for residents and visitors to the Island.
During the 2024-25 funded period, we delivered four trails.
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Easter Nature Trail – Interactive trail with direct opportunities to connect with and care for local flora and fauna (families)
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Portland History Trail – Featuring Portland’s historical past, including Q&A (all ages)
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Myths & Legends Trail – Exploring local tales and ending in a live storytelling session (adults)
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Murder Mystery Trail – Based around local significant sites (youth/adults).
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Halloween Treasure Trail – Family-friendly live/QR code mix trail.
In total, 424 people participated.
EASTER TRAIL
Island Community Action: Registered Charity 1157978 The Easton Centre, Portland, Dorset, DT5 1EB / 01305 823789 office@islandcommunityaction.org.uk / www.islandcommunityaction.org
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PORTLAND HISTORY TRAIL
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Island Community Action: Registered Charity 1157978 63
The Easton Centre, Portland, Dorset, DT5 1EB / 01305 823789
office@islandcommunityaction.org.uk / www.islandcommunityaction.org
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MURDER MYSTERY TRAIL (ended up being indoors due to bad weather)
Island Community Action: Registered Charity 1157978 The Easton Centre, Portland, Dorset, DT5 1EB / 01305 823789 office@islandcommunityaction.org.uk / www.islandcommunityaction.org
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HALLOWEEN TREASURE TRAIL with We Are Weymouth (Weymouth BID)
This is our second year of running this family-friendly trail in Weymouth Town Centre.
See: https://youtu.be/dRf0EuDA_ak
Feedback
Easter Nature Trail
It was brilliant! Thank you to all the people that gave us such brilliant information about all the nature grounds us on the route. I'm completely obsessed with ants now!
- We had such a fab time. We'll done and thank you so much to everyone involved in organising this fab event.
The trail was great, the children really enjoyed it! Thanks to all involved xx
- We learned so much about Portland’s local wildlife. The kids loved it. I’ve had to promise to set up a hedgehog house in the garden!
History Trail
- Loved the walk. Have been coming to Portland for 40 years, and we visited places we have never been. It also gave us inspiration for walks of our own.
Perfect distance, interesting points. Nicely paced. Enjoyed.
Very enjoyable. I'm interested in more. Length of walk just right.
Myths & Legends Trail
Great event. The walk was very interesting, the folk tales were very good and the food and cocktails were delicious. Lovely evening all round. Thank you Island Community Action.
Really enjoyable evening. Well done to all involved.
Fascinating evening. Learned so much and met some interesting people. Thank you.
Murder Mystery
Really fun evening. Met some lovely people. A brilliantly well-organised event. Congratulations to all involved.
Thanks for organising a great event, I thoroughly enjoyed it. Well done to everyone involved x
Would never normally go to something like this, but we know ICA, so thought we’d give it a go. Glad we did. Didn’t solve the crime but had a great night! Would definitely do more now.
What a fabulous night. The volunteers were amazing and played their roles brilliantly. Well done to everyone involved, and thanks ICA for putting on something so different and entertaining. More please!
Island Community Action: Registered Charity 1157978 The Easton Centre, Portland, Dorset, DT5 1EB / 01305 823789 office@islandcommunityaction.org.uk / www.islandcommunityaction.org
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Wellbeing Tasters
Island Community Action: Registered Charity 1157978 The Easton Centre, Portland, Dorset, DT5 1EB / 01305 823789 office@islandcommunityaction.org.uk / www.islandcommunityaction.org
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Feedback
I felt really connected to my community and managed to make a new friend.
I enjoyed the outing very much; it was delightful! I already knew some of the people on the trip, but I did get to speak to two new people at the event.
It was definitely an uplifting experience, especially as I was quite nervous about going.
Absolutely brilliant night, so well organised and had a lot of fun, met new people and enjoyed it from start to finish.
Really enjoyed this event. I had never been to a comedy club before and was a bit apprehensive about it, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. The experience allowed me to meet new and friendly people, whilst being able to switch off from the stresses of my daily life. Laughter is certainly a great healer, and the comedy club certainly brought that.
Thank you for putting this on. It helped with my mental health and wellbeing coming out of winter.
I would love to do the same trip again if possible.
I had so much fun. It gave me an opportunity to go somewhere different and meet new people. We all had a really lovely time. This is something that I would definitely do again. 10/10
Not something I would normally do, but now I can't wait to do it again.
I can't believe I managed to make a basket.
Really enjoyable Gilding workshop! Very relaxing and excellent for mindfulness, which I need to practice managing my cortisol levels. Thank you.
I found it very relaxing because it has to be done slowly, also very absorbing and focused.
Absolutely brilliant afternoon doing something I’ve always wanted to try. Really nice meeting new people and connecting with others in my community.
I really enjoyed this workshop. Once you relax into it, it becomes extremely and mindful like a successful meditation session. Thank you!
Very early on in the seminar, through the shared grounding exercise and shared experiences, I began to physically relax and feel well in my head and my body. Enjoyed the entire course.
I wish it were a weekly thing. I found it enlightening, and I felt normal again.
I found the whole workshop so helpful and informative. Charlotte allowed the group to share experiences, and that was very positive and immediately made me feel uplifted. I felt validated and not alone.
A stunning place. Peaceful and relaxing. Could have spent many more hours here. Definitely introduced me to a new venue that I'd previously had no idea about. Met some new people, which was great. Many thanks to the funders for making these trips more affordable and accessible.
It was one of my most memorable days out. The sculptures were beautiful, and the outing uplifting. Being in a group meant we got to share other activities people had enjoyed, which gave me ideas of other activities I might enjoy.
Wonderful day. Wouldn't have gone without ICA help. Many thanks.
Absolutely amazing trip to Winchester, seeing so much history. The Cathedral was absolutely stunning. Thank you for the opportunity.
Island Community Action: Registered Charity 1157978 The Easton Centre, Portland, Dorset, DT5 1EB / 01305 823789 office@islandcommunityaction.org.uk / www.islandcommunityaction.org
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Example Posters
Island Community Action: Registered Charity 1157978 The Easton Centre, Portland, Dorset, DT5 1EB / 01305 823789 office@islandcommunityaction.org.uk / www.islandcommunityaction.org
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RESEARCH, REPRESENTATION & REGENERATION
COMMUNITY REPRESENTATION
In addition to ICA’s continual research into our island’s challenges, the latest best practice models and emerging solutions, ICA has carried out the following activities to represent Portland’s community:
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Community Consultations – ICA delivered seven consultations during the period, the three most significant being:
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Portland Town Council’s Community Plan Consultation – ICA delivered the consultation and analysis. A challenging activity due to the complex and dense nature of the consultation requirements.
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Dorset Council’s High Angle Battery Consultation – ICA co-delivered the consultation with Dorset Coast Forum. The consultation shaped the Rediscovering the High Angle Battery project. See: www.facebook.com/share/v/1F4qP4Fzsk
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MEMO (EDEN) Portland’s Community Consultation – This large-scale visitor attraction is currently in a significant planning stage. This is the third consultation we have delivered for the project, which has an impressive history of community engagement. It consisted of working with MEMO to create four public engagement events, two weekends of Bowers Mine visits (the location for the attraction) and an online survey.
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Health and Wellbeing, continued collaboration with key partners to improve Portland’s health outcomes (lead – The Dorset Integrated Care Board)
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Collaborations and Representation – ICA’s collaborative and representational work throughout the year included:
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Joint funding applications with Weymouth & Portland Community Research Network (leads – ICA, Steps Youth Service, The Lantern Trust and Bournemouth University). Highly commended application but not successful.
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ICA staff member being invited to take on the Vice Chair role for the Chesil Locality – Portland Local Alliance Group (LAG/lead – Dorset NHS).
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Ongoing consultation partner for the Portland Family Hub (lead – DC).
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Dorset Towns of Culture (ToC) – Portland and Weymouth were awarded the ToC title for 2025. The initiative consists of a collaborative network of cultural organisations from Portland & Weymouth - Activate, b-side, Island Community Action, Houseworks CIC, Saint Nics Gallery, Portland Sculpture & Quarry Trust, Nothe Fort, We Are Weymouth, Weymouth Drama Group, Dorset Food and Drink.
Island Community Action: Registered Charity 1157978 The Easton Centre, Portland, Dorset, DT5 1EB / 01305 823789 office@islandcommunityaction.org.uk / www.islandcommunityaction.org
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ToC was created by The Arts Development Company and funded by Dorset Council. ToC 2025 is also part-funded by Portland Town Council and Weymouth Town Council.
ICA have been responsible for delivering the Community workstream in collaboration with Houseworks CIC.
See: www.weymouthtowncouncil.gov.uk/news/partners-celebrate-dorset-towns-ofculture-award
Town of Culture ended with the ‘Hats-Off’ event, which saw hundreds of people create and wear a hat to celebrate an amazing year of creativity across Portland and Weymouth. Ahead of this celebration, people created hats at special workshops run by Houseworks CIC. ICA joined in by encouraging clients to pop on a festive bonnet in celebration of the big day.
THE FUTURE PORTLAND COMMUNITY
BENEFIT SOCIETY (CBS) – This year saw the official launch of Future Portland, along with its first project France Quarry. The latter focuses on working with the community to purchase two acres of France Quarry, a historically significant wooded area on the island that is under threat of being developed for housing.
Island Community Action: Registered Charity 1157978 The Easton Centre, Portland, Dorset, DT5 1EB / 01305 823789 office@islandcommunityaction.org.uk / www.islandcommunityaction.org
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PARTNERSHIPS and COLLABORATIONS
TABLE 7: LIST FOR YEAR 4 (2024-25) – TOTAL 117 ORGANISATIONS
| PARTNER | NATURE OF PARTNERSHIP | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1stPortland Scouts | Support from ICA’s Hookedgroup. |
| 1 | Activate PerformingArts | Jointprojects(Towns of Culture) |
| 1 | Age UK | Referrals for Attendance Allowance, Household Support Fund,general advice and leaflets |
| 1 | Anna’s Wool Shop | Community Crafter project support and cost contribution |
| 1 | Artist’s Retreat(Lyn Kirland) | Minibus hire |
| 1 | The Arts Development Company | Joint fundingbids andprojects(Towns of Culture) |
| 1 | Atlantic Academy | Consultations,collaborative events andprojects |
| 1 | b-side | Collaborative events and projects (including Future Portland and Towns of Culture)and minibus hire |
| 1 | The ButterflyConservation Trust | Collaborative activities |
| 1 | Casterbridge Speakers | Collaborative trainingworkshop |
| 1 | Chemists(Boots Easton) | Prescriptions |
| 1 | Chesil Youth Pride (Dorset Council, Space Youth Project, The Drop In Portland, Weymouth College, Dorset Police) |
Youth consultation |
| 1 | Children's and Adolescent Mental Health Service |
Advice and Youth consultation |
| 1 | Christians Against Poverty | Leaflets and budgetingworkshopfor PYC |
| 1 | Domiciliarycareproviders | Referrals |
| 1 | Dorset Blind Association | Volunteer recruitment, promotion, cross-referrals and transport |
| 1 | Dorset Citizen’s Advice Bureau | Advice,information sharingand cross-referrals |
| 1 | Dorset Citizen’s Advice EnergyBus | Promotion,signpostingand activitysupport |
| 1 | Dorset CommunityAction | Advice,information and training |
| 2 | Dorset Council – Adult Social Care & Children’s Services |
Cross-referrals and project support (Community Connectors) |
| 4 | Dorset Council – Communities & Partnerships; Family Hubs, Place and Commissioning) |
Joint projects, funding, advice, information sharing, input into Dorset’s evolving statutory offer, Portland basedproject support. |
| 1 | Dorset Council – Dorset Youth Voice | Youth consultation |
| 1 | Dorset Food & Drink | Jointprojects(Towns of Culture) |
| 1 | Dorset Integrated Care Partnership (Dorset NHS, Dorset Council and a range of voluntaryorganisations) |
Joint project delivery. ICA a lead partner on the Portland Healthcare Steering Group and Portland Hospital & Healthcare Development Group |
| 1 | Dorset Mind | Advice and information sharing |
| 1 | Dorset & Wiltshire Fire & Rescue Service |
Advice, information sharing and cross-referrals |
| 1 | Dorset MemoryBox Library | Activitysupport |
| 3 | Dorset NHS – Hospitals (Dorset County,Westhaven and Weymouth) |
Support referrals for hospital leavers |
Island Community Action: Registered Charity 1157978 The Easton Centre, Portland, Dorset, DT5 1EB / 01305 823789 office@islandcommunityaction.org.uk / www.islandcommunityaction.org
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| PARTNER | NATURE OF PARTNERSHIP | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dorset NHS – Dorset County Hospital | Teddies for DCH Children’s Ward (Community Crafters) |
| 1 | Dorset NHS – Health Visitor team | Collaborative project, information sharing and cross- referrals. |
| 1 | Dorset Wildlife Trust | Collaborative activities |
| 1 | The Drop-In Portland Youth Service | Activities,signposting,cross-referrals and minibus hire |
| 1 | Duke of Edinburgh’s Award | Collaborative trainingandproject delivery |
| 1 | Eden Portland | Consultation,collaborative events and activities |
| 1 | EPIC Games Dorset | Collaborative events |
| 1 | European Parliament | Youth consultation and workshop |
| 1 | Friends of Victoria Gardens | Volunteer management, recruitment and infrastructure support |
| 1 | Greenwood Independent LivingCentre | Joint event and referrals |
| 1 | Haylands Pre-school | Minibus hire |
| 1 | HedgehogFriendlyPortland | Collaborative activities |
| 1 | Helpand Care | Cross-referrals(with Social Prescribers) |
| 1 | Houseworks CIC | Jointprojects(Towns of Culture) |
| 1 | Housing& Care 21(Foylebank Court) | Lunch clubs,trainingkitchen |
| 1 | Island & Royal Manor of Portland Rotary |
Funding, information sharing, event support, signpostingandjointprojects |
| 1 | Isle of Portland Orchids | Collaborative activities |
| 1 | Islanders Youth and CommunityCentre | Promotion,referrals and minibus hire |
| 1 | Lantern Trust | Cross-referrals and Weymouth & Portland Research Networkpartner |
| 1 | Local Nature Partnership | Youth Consultation |
| 1 | Macpherson House | Minibus hire |
| 1 | Muntsys | Minibus hire |
| 1 | Nothe Fort | Collaborative events(NotLD and Towns of Culture) |
| 1 | Portland Carers Group | Advice, promotion,information sharing,cross-referrals |
| 1 | Portland Churches | Information sharing,cross-referrals and minibus hire |
| 1 | Portland CommunityHospital | Service support,cross-referrals |
| 1 | Portland CommunityPartnership (PCP) | Advice,information sharing, project support. |
| 1 | Portland CommunityFridge | Information sharing |
| 1 | Portland Court Leet | Funding,and information sharing |
| 1 | Portland Foodbank | Cross-referrals |
| 1 | Portland Marina | Jointprojects |
| 1 | Portland Library | Information sharingandproject delivery |
| 1 | Portland Local Alliance Group (LAG) | Key partner, funding, information sharing, youth consultation andjointprojects |
| 1 | Portland Stone & QuarryTrust | Jointprojects(Towns of Culture) |
| 1 | Portland Town Council | Portland Project co-funder, information and resource sharing, collaborative projects and events (Portland Youth Council and Towns of Culture) |
Island Community Action: Registered Charity 1157978 The Easton Centre, Portland, Dorset, DT5 1EB / 01305 823789 office@islandcommunityaction.org.uk / www.islandcommunityaction.org
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| PARTNER | NATURE OF PARTNERSHIP | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Public Health Dorset | Advice and information |
| 1 | The Punchbowl Pub | Minibus hire |
| 1 | Room 2 Reward | Promotion andproject delivery |
| 1 | Royal Manor Health Centre | Cross-referrals |
| 1 | Royal Naval Association | Minibus hire |
| 1 | Save The Children | Advice and bespoke training workshop for Portland Youth Council |
| 1 | Southwell Area LivingTogether(S.A.L.T) | Event support,includingtransport |
| 1 | St George’s PrimarySchool | WoollyWonderland Yarn Bombparticipant |
| 1 | St John Ambulance Portland | Promotion,advice,and training |
| 1 | Steps Youth Service | Weymouth & Portland Research Networkpartner |
| 1 | St. Nics | Joint projects (Towns of Culture & Cultural Passport) |
| 1 | Sweethill Farm | DofE support |
| 1 | The Open Arms | Promotion and cross-referrals |
| 1 | The Portland Association | Future Portland |
| 1 | The Sanctuary/The CozyCorner | Volunteer recruitment and cross-referrals |
| 1 | Two Harbours Healthcare | Information sharingand cross referrals |
| 1 | UK Parliament | Collaborative training workshop for Portland Youth Council |
| 3 | Universities (Bournemouth, Exeter and Nottingham Trent) |
Information sharing, joint projects and funding bids and conference/event support. |
| **16 ** | Venues | Atlantic Academy, The Blues Club, Bluefish Café, C2000, The Drop In, Easton Methodist Church, Lobster Pot, Masonic Hall, Islanders Youth and Community Centre, Royal Manor Health Centre, St. George’s Centre, St. Georges Primary School, St. John’s Hall, Sweethill Farm, Wyke Regis CommunityCentre,YMCA. |
| 1 | Volunteer Centre Dorset | Advice, information sharing, DBS checks, PR and general support(includingVC Connect) |
| 1 | Wakeham Women CommunityGroup | Minibus hire. |
| 1 | Wessex Water | Promotion and signposting |
| 1 | We Are Weymouth(Weymouth Bid) | Contractedprojects and Towns of Culture |
| 1 | Weymouth Drama Club | Jointprojects(Towns of Culture) |
| 1 | Weymouth and Portland FC Women’s Team |
Minibus hire |
| 1 | Weymouth and Portland Lions Club | Project support |
| 1 | Weymouth and Portland Marine Litter Project |
Signposting, promotion and collaborative events |
| 1 | Weymouth and Portland Water Polo Team | Minibus hire |
| 1 | Weymouth Town Council | Joint projects (Towns of Culture and Cultural Passport)and Youth Consultation |
| 1 | Wyke Regis Horticultural Group | Minibus hire |
| 1 | Wyke Regis/Lanehouse Medical Practice | Cross-referrals |
Island Community Action: Registered Charity 1157978 The Easton Centre, Portland, Dorset, DT5 1EB / 01305 823789
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office@islandcommunityaction.org.uk / www.islandcommunityaction.org
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Island Community Action: Registered Charity 1157978 The Easton Centre, Portland, Dorset, DT5 1EB / 01305 823789 office@islandcommunityaction.org.uk / www.islandcommunityaction.org
ADVERTISING & PR
ICA has continued to benefit from promotion across a range of media platforms, including BBC Radio Solent, Wessex FM,105 FM, the Dorset Echo, the Free Portland News, partner newsletters and social media.
Woolly Wonderland: Yarn Bomb Festival: www.portlandweymouthculture.com/videos?wix-vod-videoid=6c889647105143ab8393507d96467f53&wix-vod-comp-id=comp-mbgo3wiz
Island Community Action: Registered Charity 1157978 The Easton Centre, Portland, Dorset, DT5 1EB / 01305 823789 office@islandcommunityaction.org.uk / www.islandcommunityaction.org
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WEBSITE
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REFLECTIONS & THE FUTURE
Unsurprisingly, this has once again been a year of challenge and achievement for Portland, its community and ICA.
Externally, the island continues to be affected by Powerfuel Portland’s incinerator plans, which have so far withstood all challenges and are now the subject of a further application to expand the range of materials for incineration. We await the decision on this with concern.
At the same time, major opportunities are emerging. Dorset Council’s Pathways to Prosperity initiative, including the Dorset Clean Energy Super Cluster, places Portland at the centre of plans for low-carbon growth, including hydrogen storage and both floating and fixed offshore wind. ICA has been invited into these strategic discussions, an opportunity that we welcome so that we can help ensure that any future investment brings real, tangible benefits to Portland people.
Within this changing context, ICA’s own work has continued to grow. We have expanded our support for older and vulnerable residents. We have broadened our Duke of Edinburgh’s Award offer to include Silver as well as Bronze, developed the Portland Youth Council, and worked with partners across Portland and Weymouth to support the delivery of the 2025 Towns of Culture programme. We also facilitated Portland Town Council’s Visioning Day and played a lead role in delivering MEMO/EDEN Portland’s 2025 public consultation and mine visits.
Cumulatively, 2025 saw us deliver 5,860 activities; engage 11,421 participants (participants, not individuals, which we estimate at over 5,000); generate 30,560 interactions; and deal with 17,968 ICA and 6,731 non-ICA-related phone calls, digital conversations and face-to-face enquiries. We also worked with 117 other organisations and initiatives and supported 1,973 volunteers (who gave 38,194 hours of time – worth over £513,000 to the local economy).
These numbers reflect the effort and passion of our staff and volunteers, who have worked tirelessly to meet our key aims, including: helping older and vulnerable residents stay safer and more independent at home; creating meaningful roles for young people to lead, volunteer and influence decisions; using culture, heritage and nature to increase feelings of pride and the desire to protect and champion Portland’s key assets; and establishing collaborative models of working, such as Future Portland CBS and Community Connectors, that change how services and communities work together for the benefit our island and its people.
Going forward, our focus remains on prevention, early action, building local capacity, and passionbased, community-led engagement. This combination helps us improve health and wellbeing, reduce isolation, build skills and confidence, increase opportunities, strengthen informal support networks, and unlock significant added value through volunteering and partnership. Critical to state that success can only be achieved through collaboration, because no single organisation can create transformational and sustainable change in isolation.
With continued investment, we’re ready to move from proving what works to scaling it. Our biggest challenge is that our five-year National Lottery funding ends in August 2026. We are working hard to secure new investment, but with shrinking opportunities, this won’t be easy. So, we end this year hopeful that we can continue as a trusted, energetic and independent voice for Portland, working alongside our community for a positive and sustainable future for our island.
Kim Wilcocks, CEO – ICA
Island Community Action: Registered Charity 1157978 The Easton Centre, Portland, Dorset, DT5 1EB / 01305 823789 office@islandcommunityaction.org.uk / www.islandcommunityaction.org
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ISLAND COMMUNITY ACTION
The Easton Centre Portland Dorset DT5 1EB Tel: (01305) 823789
Email: offfice@islandcommunityaction.org.uk Facebook: www.facebook.com/islandcommunityaction Twitter: https://twitter.com/ICA_PortlandUK Website: https://islandcommunityaction.org
| Opening Hours (for calls and visits – outside of these times emailor message) |
Opening Hours (for calls and visits – outside of these times emailor message) |
|---|---|
| Monday | 10.00 am – 2.00 pm |
| Tuesday | 10.00 am – 2.00 pm |
| Wednesday | 10.00 am – 2.00 pm |
| Thursday | 10.00 am – 2.00 pm |
| Friday | 10.00 am – 2.00 pm |
| Saturday | CLOSED |
| Sunday | CLOSED |
Management Committee
Chair – Douglas Pigg Secretary – Anita Busby-Wilcocks Treasurer – Mervyn Burden Trustee – Pauline Carlyle
Employees
CEO – Kim Wilcocks Project Manager – Jackie Carpenter Project Manager – Katy Pascoe Project Coordinator – Georgina Bolt Project Coordinator – Nicky Turrell
All ICA staff are part-time.
ICA continues to work to a code of practice and ensure its Safeguarding and Equal Opportunities policies are adhered to at all times. ICA has full public and employer’s liability insurance in place. A copy of these documents + our constitution and all other policies can be viewed at the ICA office.
Island Community Action: Registered Charity 1157978 The Easton Centre, Portland, Dorset, DT5 1EB / 01305 823789 office@islandcommunityaction.org.uk / www.islandcommunityaction.org
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ISLAND COMMUNITY ACTION
REPORT AND ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
ALBERT GOODMAN
CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS
LEANNE HOUSE 6 AVON CLOSE WEYMOUTH, DORSET DT4 9UX
ISLAND COMMUNITY ACTION
CONTENTS
| CONTENTS | ||
|---|---|---|
| __________ | ||
| Charity Information | 1 | |
| Trustees' Report | 2-4 | |
| Independent Examiner's Report | 5 | |
| Receipts and Payments Account | 6 | |
| Statement of Assets and Liabilities | 7 | |
| Notes to the Accounts | 8-9 |
ISLAND COMMUNITY ACTION
CHARITY INFORMATION
__________ Board of Trustees Chairman Douglas Pigg Treasurer Lynda Gallie Secretary Anita Busby-Wilcocks Trustee Diana Bedford Charity Number 1157978 Charity Offices The Easton Centre Portland DT5 1EB Independent Examiner Michelle Ferris FCA Albert Goodman LLP Chartered Accountants Leanne House 6 Avon Close Weymouth Dorset DT4 9UX
1
ISLAND COMMUNITY ACTION
____________
TRUSTEES' REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
The Trustees present their report and accounts for the year ended 31 March 2025.
Constitution, objects and policies
The charity was originally administered and managed by way of a Constitution which was first adopted on 23 June 1998. The original charity registered with the Charity Commission on 15 April 1999 under charity number 1075124. A new Charitable Incorporated Organisation was formed and registered with the Charity Commission on 24 July 2014. The new Charitable Incorporated Organisation took over the assets and activities of the original charity with that original charity becoming a linked charity of the new Charitable Incorporated Organisation. The report and accounts for the year include the assets and activities for both charities. The objects of both charities are similar and are to promote any charitable purposes for the benefit of the community of Portland by associating together volunteers and organisations in a common effort to advance education, protect health, relieve poverty, sickness and distress.
Committee and Management
Day to day management of the charity lies with the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) reporting to the Board of Trustees, which includes a Chair and a Treasurer. The Board of Trustees holds a minimum of four face-to-face meetings in each year and other ad-hoc digital / online meetings, as required.
Investment Powers
The Constitution authorises the committee to use all money raised to further its objects and for no other purpose.
Public benefit
The charity has the public benefit in focus in all of its activities and all of those activities are directed at improving the quality of life of the residents of Portland.
Objectives, activities and achievements
Island Community Action (ICA) is a small, Dorset based charity. Since 1999, we have been supporting local communities through projects that:
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Tackle deprivation.
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Improve psychological, physical and social wellbeing.
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Reduce the impact of isolation and / or loneliness.
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Support individuals to live happier and more independent lives for longer.
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Increase life chances and quality of life through ‘hands on’ experiences, learning and training.
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Support those wishing to volunteer or offer volunteering roles.
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Improves community cohesion
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Inspires and facilitates collaborative working and the sharing of best practice across sectors
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Enable, support and showcase local enterprises, initiatives and activities that improve infrastructure and the environment, and contribute to regeneration and sustainable development
Under ICA’s new five-year initiative, The Portland Project, 11 workstreams are being developed and delivered to achieve our objectives:
1. HELPING HANDS – Supporting those aged 50 years plus (in particular those impacted by poor mental, physical and / or social wellbeing, including isolation and loneliness) and also those of any age impacted by disability and / or serious, life limiting or terminal illness. Achieved through a range of over 20 activities and services, including befriending, lunch clubs and transport.
2. CHILDREN, YOUTH, FAMILIES – Working in collaboration with other organisations, to support their work and develop other complementary activities, including a youth volunteering scheme, life and leadership skills training, consultation activities, events and a Portland Youth Council.
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ISLAND COMMUNITY ACTION
TRUSTEES' REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
___________
3. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT (ALL AGES) – Currently includes:
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Community Connectors – Residents, volunteers and organisations trained to identify and signpost those in potential need of support.
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Community Forum – A space for local organisations to network, coordinate support, forward plan and build capacity.
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Community Hub – Advice, information and signposting to local residents around non-ICArelated subjects.
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Events – One-off large-scale community events, including national celebrations
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Infrastructure support – Advice, information and training delivered or organised through ICA for other local community-based organisations.
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Volunteer Bureau – Support for those wishing to volunteer or offer volunteer roles, from recruitment to training and DBS checks.
4. CULTURE, HERITAGE, NATURE & THE ENVIRONMENT (ALL AGES) – Currently includes: Community Crafters – Using creativity and crafting for local good causes, with an aim to reduce isolation and loneliness, strengthen community and intergenerational bonds, and showcase Portland’s amazing artistic talents.
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Hooked – A dedicated crafting group for those in their 20s, 30s and 40s.
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Do One Thing – Activities and events that engage and inspire individuals to protect and enhance Portland’s amazing biodiversity and environment.
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Nothe of the Living Dead – An annual fundraiser between ICA, EPIC Games – Dorset and Nothe Fort. Described as a mash-up between The Walking Dead and Crystal Maze, the event sees participants attempt to solve a series of mental and physical challenges while being terrorised by a horde of hungry zombies.
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Halloween Treasure Trail – Weymouth half-term activity with Weymouth BID.
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Tales and Trails – Interactive walking experiences that engage participants in Portland’s landscape, biodiversity and environment, culture, history and heritage.
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Victoria Gardens – ICA supports the Gardens’ volunteer gardening team.
5. RESEARCH, REPRESENTATION and REGENERATION – Currently includes:
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Community Consultations – ICA provides a range of community consultation services for itself and other organisations. Past clients include Eden – Portland, Dorset Council, NHS Dorset and Portland Town Council.
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Collaborations and Representation – ICA continues to work in partnership with a number of groups and networks to improve Portland’s infrastructure and support offer across a number of strands, including…
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Older and vulnerable residents , e.g. working with Dorset Council, NHS – Dorset, Dorset Fire & Rescue Service, etc., to ensure equality of offer for Portland’s most vulnerable residents.
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Children and Families, e.g. working with Dorset’s Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAHMS), Chesil Locality – Portland Local Alliance Group (LAG/lead – Dorset NHS) and the Portland Family Hub (lead – DC).
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Environment and Biodiversity, e.g. supporting the delivery of Portland’s Biodiversity Plan (lead – Portland Town Council).
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Health and Wellbeing, e.g. working to improve Portland’s health outcomes (lead – The Dorset Integrated Care Board).
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Research and Development – Weymouth & Portland Community Research Network (leads – ICA, Steps Youth Service, The Lantern Trust and Bournemouth University).
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ISLAND COMMUNITY ACTION
TRUSTEES' REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
___________
6. FUTURE PORTLAND – THE FUTURE PORTLAND COMMUNITY BENEFIT SOCIETY (CBS) – A collaboration between three successful and experienced island-based organisations – ICA, b-side and The Portland Association.
We formed the CBS in response to our individual and collaborative research and consultations, which led to the realisation that we share a vision and desire to support Portland’s community in having a stronger voice and more influence over what happens to and on our island.
Risk management
The Trustees have examined the major strategic operational risks which the charity faces and confirm that systems have been established to highlight and lessen these risks.
Reserves policy
It is the policy of the charity to maintain sufficient unrestricted funds to meet approximately six months unrestricted expenditure and to assist with funding any future developments.
Statement of Trustee’s responsibilities
The trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees' Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards relevant to smaller charities preparing their account on the receipts and payments basis.
The law applicable to charities in England & Wales requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the income and expenditure of the charity for that Year. In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to:
select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently; make judgments and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent; state whether applicable accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements, and
prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in business.
The trustees are responsible for maintaining proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 and the provisions of the trust deed/constitution. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
The trustees are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the charity and financial information included on the charity's website. Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.
This report was approved by the Trustees on ………………….. and signed on their behalf by:
………………….. ………………….. D Pigg (Trustee) L Gallie (Trustee)
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ISLAND COMMUNITY ACTION
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF ISLAND COMMUNITY ACTION
______________
I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of Island Community Action (“the charity”) for the year ended 31 March 2025.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the charity trustees of the charity you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (“the 2011 Act”).
I report in respect of my examination of the charity’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.
Independent examiner’s statement
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:
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accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by section 130 of the 2011 Act; or
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the accounts do not comply with these records
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
…………………………………………… Michelle Ferris BSc (Hons) FCA DChA For and on behalf of Albert Goodman LLP Chartered Accountants
Leanne House 6 Avon Close Weymouth Dorset DT4 9UX
………………………..
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ISLAND COMMUNITY ACTION
RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
----- Start of picture text -----
Restricted Unrestricted Total Total
Funds Funds Funds Funds
Note 2025 2024
£ £ £ £
Receipts
Grants and donations 2 147,804 5,097 152,901 130,006
Fundraising and sponsorship 1,200 4,006 5,206 3,452
Motor vehicles/Minibus - 17,446 17,446 15,345
Contracted activitites 2,607 - 2,607 -
Clubs and Memory Café - 21,684 21,684 19,353
Trips and tickets - 5,210 5,210 -
Lottery - 580 580 -
Interest - 888 888 320
Total receipts 151,611 54,911 206,522 168,475
Payments
Purchase of equipment 13,529 - 13,529 -
Salaries and wages 3 86,018 16,621 102,639 91,635
Pension 4,604 428 5,031 4,286
Shop Purchases and Consumables 2,017 1,709 3,726 13,912
Events tickets - 29 29 1,175
Rent 8,143 1,452 9,595 8,944
Rates, water and electric 2,700 1,906 4,606 5,766
Insurance 792 679 1,471 1,408
Postage, stationery, printing and advertising 618 - 618 540
Photocopier Hire - 961 961 1,282
Motor 2,640 12,053 14,693 15,170
Vehicle hire - 500 500 1,215
Repairs and maintenance - 286 286 80
Subscriptions and membership fees 500 960 1,460 472
Sundries - 1,663 1,663 725
IT 1,533 - 1,533 2,480
Training, tutors and speakers 8,560 1,294 9,854 9,285
Fundraising - - - 2,475
P.R. and marketing 1,117 - 1,117 1,267
Room hire 6,500 5,752 12,252 10,275
Accountancy fees 615 1,479 2,094 1,746
Consultancy fees - - - 30
Capital
Computer equipment 600 - 600 -
Refurbishment 500 - 500
Fixtures, fittings and equipment - - - 386
Total payments 140,986 47,772 188,758 174,554
Net receipts before transfers 10,625 7,139 17,764 (6,078)
Transfers between funds (25,222) 25,222 - -
Net movement in funds at bank
and in hand for the year (14,597) 32,361 17,764 (6,078)
Bank and cash balances 31 March 2024 90,863 11,784 102,647 108,725
Bank and cash balances 31 March 2025 76,266 44,145 120,411 102,647
----- End of picture text -----
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ISLAND COMMUNITY ACTION
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES AS AT 31 MARCH 2025
----- Start of picture text -----
2025 2024
£ £
Current Assets
Cash at bank and in hand
Cash at Bank 120,411 102,647
Total bank and cash balances per receipts and payments account 120,411 102,647
Other Assets and Liabilities:
Fixed Assets
Motor vehicles and trailer 10,466 13,081
Fixtures, fittings and equipment 6,423 7,557
16,889 20,638
Current Liabilities
Creditors (3,576) (1,614)
Net Assets 133,724 121,671
----- End of picture text -----
The accounts were approved by the Trustees on ….................. and signed on their behalf by:
….........................................
D Pigg (Chairman of trustees)
…......................................... L Gallie (Trustee)
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ISLAND COMMUNITY ACTION
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
1. Accounting Policies
Basis of preparation of accounts
The accounts are prepared under the historical cost convention and include the results of the charity's operations which are described in the Committee's Report and all of which are continuing.
The accounts have been prepared in accordance with applicable accounting standards.
Amounts in the Receipts and Payments Account are included as amounts are received and paid by the charity. The Receipts and Payments Account does not therefore include any accruals or prepayments.
Value added tax
Value added tax is not recoverable by the charity, and as such is included in the relevant costs
2. Grants and Donations
| Restricted funds Dorset Council Dorset Community Foundation Dorset NHS National Lottery Innovate UK Portland Town Council The Court Leet of the Island and Royal Manor of Portland Portland Rotary Club Joan Thornton Foundation Individual donations Unrestricted General donations Total |
£ 48,546 8,680 306 65,792 647 16,429 1,250 1,327 1,000 3,828 147,804 5,097 5,097 152,901 |
|---|---|
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ISLAND COMMUNITY ACTION
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
----- Start of picture text -----
||||
|---|---|---|
|3.|Staff Costs and Emoluments|
|2025|2024|
|£|£|
|Salaries and wages|87,347|75,648|
|Employers National Insurance Contributions|15,292|15,987|
|102,639|91,635|
----- End of picture text -----
No employee received emoluments of more than £60,000 per annum (2024: £60,000)
The average weekly number of employees during the year, calculated as full time equivalents, were as follows:
----- Start of picture text -----
||||
|---|---|---|
|2025|2024|
|No.|No.|
|Charitable activities|4|4|
|4.|Restricted Funds|
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The income funds of the charity include restricted funds comprising the following balances of grants and donations held on trust and to be applied for specific purposes. Please note the that information below
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|||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|Transfers|
|Balance|from/(to)|Balance|
|1 April|Income/|General|31 March|
|2024|receipts|Payments|funds|2025|
|£|£|£|£|£|
|Growing Local Project / Do One Thing|7,974|3,630|(3,637)|(7,967)|-|
|-|
|Portland Project|65,634|147,334|(136,702)|76,266|
|Weymouth & Portland Research Network|
|- Forgotten Towns: Voices project|17,255|647|(647)|(17,255)|-|
|90,863|151,611|(140,986)|(25,222)|76,266|
----- End of picture text -----
Growing Local Project now renamed as Do One Thing, received funding from Dorset Council.
Portland Project received funding from Dorset Council, Dorset Community Foundation, Dorset NHS, We are Weymouth, National Lottery, Potland Rotary Club, The Court Leet of the Island and Royal Manor of Portland, Portland Town Council, Portland Rotary Club and various individuals.
Weymouth & Portland Research Network - Forgotten Towns: Voices Project received funding from UK Research and Innovation.
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