● Sustainable Dorset

Supporting a regional charity for community-led change

Sustainable Dorset is a long-standing rural charity that connects people, projects and organisations working for environmental and community change across the county.

Over the past two years, we have worked closely alongside the Trustees and Chair as a learning and design partner, helping them move through a period of transition and renewal.

Together, we have been exploring how a regional charity can better support the growing number of community-led initiatives emerging across Dorset.

  • A moment of reinvigoration

    When we began working with Sustainable Dorset, the organisation was at a moment of reflection. Like many long-standing organisations, it had a strong history and committed supporters, but was exploring how to renew its energy and role in a changing landscape.

    Our role has been to support that transition, working collaboratively to strengthen the network’s purpose, relationships and activities.

    Rather than imposing a new direction, the focus has been on creating spaces for the community to reconnect, reflect and help shape what comes next.

  • Over the course of the partnership, we have worked alongside Sustainable Dorset and it’s passionate Chair, Jennifer Morisetti to:

    • Develop a refreshed communications and engagement approach

    • Host gatherings that bring the network together, including themed and women-led conversations

    • Identify priority areas where the network can focus its energy and support

    • Strengthen connections between grassroots projects across Dorset

    • Support new people stepping into the network, including a volunteer and a young paid team member

    Throughout this work, we have acted as a hands-on partner, offering facilitation, strategy support and practical delivery.

  • Sustainable Dorset is now entering a more active phase, with renewed participation, clearer areas of focus, and a growing sense of momentum.

    New gatherings and conversations are helping reconnect people across the county, while new leadership and energy are beginning to shape the network’s next chapter.

    Our role continues to be that of a supportive partner, helping Sustainable Dorset strengthen its capacity to connect, support and amplify community-led change across the region.