Month: January 2025

We would like to thank the Christchurch Magdalen Trust for their invaluable support over the past year. Their generosity has made a significant difference in the lives of visually impaired residents in Christchurch by funding two essential initiatives: the Christchurch social club and the establishment of an Equipment Library.

The Trust provided £3,266 to help sustain our Christchurch social clubs, which have been a lifeline for local residents. The funding enabled us to cover transport and hire costs, ensuring that members could continue to access a welcoming space to connect, share experiences, and enjoy much-needed companionship. Feedback from members, like Sylvia Young, highlights the impact of the club:

“The club is a lifeline for me. I don’t get out much now, so being able to go to the club is a real highlight. I have made some great friends and found it helpful to talk to others who are struggling with similar things.”

In addition, the Trust awarded £5,000 to establish an Equipment Library, allowing members to borrow assistive devices such as magnifiers, lamps, and audiobook players. One recipient, Jan, shared how a Victor Stratus player has transformed her daily life:

“I use the player every day to listen to audiobooks. The buttons are easier to see, so I don’t accidentally skip chapters anymore. It’s made such a difference to me.”

Thanks to the Christchurch Magdalen Trust’s funding, we have been able to enhance independence, reduce isolation, and improve the quality of life for our members.

We are truly grateful for this partnership and the positive impact it has made in our community. We look forward to the possibility of working together again in the future to continue supporting Christchurch residents with sight loss.

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If you’d like to learn more about our Christchurch services or the Equipment Library, please contact us at 01202 712 865

We are delighted to announce that this year’s Dorset Blind Association Christmas Raffle raised a phenomenal £3,105 – a record-breaking total!

This incredible achievement wouldn’t have been possible without the generosity of local businesses, the dedication of our charity shops, and the support of everyone who bought tickets. Every pound raised will go directly towards our work supporting visually impaired people across Dorset.

Special thanks to local businesses

We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the fantastic local businesses that donated prizes, making this year’s raffle such a success. Their generosity ensured we had an amazing selection of prizes that encouraged ticket sales:

• Eone watch, donated by Macrow & Sons Jewellers – Tactile watch worth £255
• Conker Spirit – Distillery tour
• Olive Tree, Bridport – Lunch for two
• Grosvenor Arms Hotel, Shaftesbury – Gift voucher
• Upwey Wishing Well – Afternoon tea for two
• Knoll House – cream tea for two
• The Cliff, Sunday roast for 2
• Russell-Cotes Museum – Family admission
• Southbourne Nails & Spa – Gift voucher
• Lulworth Castle – Family ticket
• Careys Secret Garden – Entry tickets
• Compton Acres – Family pass
• Nothe Fort – Family ticket
• Parkstone Chiropractic – sports massage
• Johnsons Cleaners, Canford Cliffs – 10% discount card
• Dorset Hamper Co – hamper
• The Cow Shed , Lytchett Matravers – cream tea
• The Barn Cafe, Lytchett Matravers – voucher
• Blandford Fashion Museum – Admission tickets
• Rick Stein, Sandbanks – 3-course meal for two with wine
• Bennetts Water Gardens, Weymouth – voucher
• Silk Nails, Ashley Cross – voucher
• Supermarkets; Waitrose, Tesco, Morrisons and Asda

We encourage everyone to support these amazing businesses – they truly help make our community a better place.

A big thank you to Parkstone Eyecare and our charity shops

A special mention goes to Parkstone Eyecare, who sold an impressive £314 worth of raffle tickets on our behalf – a significant contribution to our total. Thank you for your continued support and dedication to our cause!

We also want to thank all eight of our charity shops in Bridport, Broadstone, Christchurch, Ferndown, Parkstone, Portland, Southbourne, and Weymouth for their efforts in selling tickets. Your hard work makes a world of difference.

Your Support Matters

From everyone at Dorset Blind Association, thank you for making this year’s Christmas Raffle such a success. Together, we’re helping to provide vital support and services for people living with sight loss in Dorset. 💛

Stay tuned for more updates on how your contributions are making an impact, and we look forward to your continued support in the future!

Join our passionate team as a Community Support Worker at Dorset Blind Association.

We’re looking for a dedicated and compassionate Community Support Worker to join our team at Dorset Blind Association. This part-time role offers a rewarding opportunity to make a tangible difference in the lives of visually impaired people aged 65+ in the West Dorset/Weymouth area.

About the Role

As a Community Support Worker, you will:

• Visit members in their homes to assess their needs.
• Organise and run social clubs and outings to help combat isolation.
• Recruit and manage volunteers to support our services.

This role is remote, but access to reliable own reliable transport is essential.

What We Offer

• Salary: £19,635 (subject to a pay review in April 2025).
• The chance to work as part of a passionate team making a real impact.

How to Apply

Send your CV and a covering letter explaining why you’re the perfect fit to leah@dorsetblind.org.uk.

For a full job description, see below.

Closing Date

24th January 2025

Together, we can make a difference.