We’re hosting a special Bring & Buy Sale to raise funds for The Dorset Blind Association Blandford Social Club, and we need your support! Come along to find amazing bargains, enjoy a fun morning out, and contribute to a great cause.
Got items to donate? We’re happy to collect them—just no clothing, please. Let us know, and we can arrange drop off/collection! Contact velleta@dorsetblind.org.uk
Spread the word, invite your friends, and let’s make this event a huge success!
The Dorset Blind Association was delighted to welcome Ferndown Town Mayor, Terry Cordery, the Town Clerk, Liz Bishop, along with Jane Benton, Projects, Events, and HR Officer for Ferndown Town Council, to our Ferndown Social Club this week. The occasion was to honour the extraordinary fundraising efforts of Margaret Gilbert, one of DBA’s long-standing members, who raised over £500 to support the club. Despite being visually impaired herself, Margaret has dedicated her time to creating beautiful hand-made cards and jewellery and selling them to help cover the running costs of the club.
The special guests presented Margaret with a bouquet of flowers as a token of appreciation for her valuable contribution. The visit also provided an opportunity for the Mayor and Town Council members to meet with the club’s attendees, learn more about our vital services, and witness first-hand the supportive and welcoming community our amazing Ferndown volunteers have created.
The Ferndown Social Club is one of over 20 social groups run by the Dorset Blind Association each month. The Ferndown group meets fortnightly and offers its visually impaired members a chance to meet regularly, share experiences, and find support. These gatherings are essential for combatting loneliness and ensuring their members remain connected to their community.
Many of our members also face mobility challenges that prevent them from attending without support. Therefore, we offer transportation services to help them reach the club. We are urgently seeking volunteer drivers to join the dedicated team in Ferndown which meets fortnightly, to ensure that all members can continue to benefit from this important service.
If you’re interested in volunteering and making a difference to the lives of visually impaired people in your community, please get in touch with us at gemma@dorsetblind.org.uk
Your time and support could be the key to helping their members maintain their independence and stay connected with the community.
We’re excited to announce that the 9th Annual Dorset Blind Association Motor Show will take place on Sunday, May 18th, 2025, at the stunning Lulworth Castle.
With over 6,000 attendees last year and raising almost £30,000, this event has become a key date in Dorset’s calendar, showcasing incredible cars while raising much-needed funds to support the visually impaired in our community.
Mark your calendars and stay tuned for more details about this unforgettable day! Whether you’re a car enthusiast, exhibitor, or simply looking for a fantastic family day out, you won’t want to miss it!
Swanage, Dorset, 27th June – The Dorset Blind Association is thrilled to announce the success of the recent abseiling and rock-climbing challenge with the inspirational Amar Latif and the expert team from Land & Wave.
‘The Blind Adventurer’, who has appeared on numerous travel documentaries, BBC’s Celebrity Masterchef and as a regular guest presenter on The One Show, joined Dorset-based adventure company Land & Wave to complete a charity adventure challenge on Saturday.
The TV presenter was helping Land & Wave highlight how adventure can be accessible for all while raising money for Dorset Blind Association. Originally planned as a coasteering event, the adventure was redesigned due to conditions along the Jurassic Coast. The challenge involved Amar completing a steep, undulating 40-minute hike down to the cliffs, followed by an abseil down the sea cliffs at UK beauty spot Dancing Ledge, near Swanage. He was accompanied by sighted guide, Sophia Reed, from Activities Industry Mutual (an insurance company specialising in supporting outdoor adventure providers). “What a brilliant day seeing one of our members in action and having the chance to guide Amar through their exciting activities! Loved it and so pleased to have been a part of it all” says Sophia.
Following the abseil, Amar then completed his first ever outdoor rock climb on the limestone cliffs, using sound and touch to feel his way up the jagged route. He relied on descriptive instructions from the group to manoeuvre upwards, clinging to the ammonite-clad rocks.
Amar was joined in the challenge by outdoor instructor, Verity Church, who wore black-out goggles for the duration of the challenge to gain a small insight into what it’s like to experience adventure as a blind person. Verity also had a sighted guide to assist them and remained blindfolded for over four hours for the hike, climb and abseil.
Verity says “It activated an immediate trust and respect in each other. We instantly connected. It was a surreal experience that left me feeling more in tune with the landscape. I am full of respect for people who are visually impaired. Trust and instinct are so important. Just hearing Amar constantly joking and having to chase his speed gave me the confidence to trust my body. Amar and I exchanged our experiences all afternoon, bridging the gap between sighted and non-sighted. I’m so grateful for such a supportive team to help us complete the challenge and raise funds for Dorset Blind Association and their amazing work.”
This adventure challenge was led by Land & Wave in a bid to understand some of the accessibility challenges facing the blind and visually impaired community. Alex Mortimer, Land & Wave company Director says, “Amar was a keynote speaker at a recent event our insurers, AIM, hosted. He was so inspirational and fearless, I just had to ask him to join us for an adventure in Dorset. It’s been fascinating to learn how we can do better as an industry at making adventure accessible for all.”
The challenge has raised over £600 so far, which will go directly to local charity, Dorset Blind Association to support visually impaired individuals in our community. Sam Baker, Community Relations Officer for Dorset Blind, joined the challenge. She says, “”Being involved in this incredible climbing challenge has been an unforgettable experience for all of us at Dorset Blind Association. Verity’s bravery and can-do attitude were truly inspirational, and Amar’s positive approach to life was infectious and motivating for everyone involved. We are immensely grateful to the entire Land & Wave team for their fantastic guidance and support throughout the event. This event has highlighted the power of adventure and teamwork in raising awareness and support.”
The funds raised will directly benefit Dorset Blind Association’s ongoing programs and services, providing essential support to visually impaired individuals across Dorset. This event has not only raised vital funds but also brought significant attention to the daily challenges faced by those living with visual impairments.
To make a donation, head here: https://www.justgiving.com/page/land-and-wave
We are thrilled to announce that thanks to a generous £36,000 grant from Dorset Freemasons, the Dorset Blind Association will be able to provide essential support and services to over 500 blind and visually impaired individuals across Dorset.
This funding will help us continue our mission to relieve loneliness and social isolation by supporting over 20 social and activity clubs for older blind individuals. These clubs are vital for creating a safe and supportive environment where members can connect, share experiences, and build friendships. The grant will cover venue hire, transport, and entertainment costs, ensuring our clubs can thrive for the next three years.
Our CEO, Jonathan Holyhead, shared, “We’re immensely grateful to Dorset Freemasons for their generous support. This grant will allow us to relieve the loneliness and isolation that is all too common among blind and visually impaired people. Our charity provides help and support in ways that make a real, positive difference in those people’s lives.”
Stephen James from Dorset Freemasons added, “I’m very pleased we’ve been able to help the Dorset Blind Association with their hugely important project among visually impaired people from our community. Sadly, loneliness and isolation are all too common among people who have lost their sight, and it’s great that this wonderful charity is able to organize regular social activities and entertainment for them on a long-term basis.”
At Dorset Blind Association, we are committed to providing lifelong, tailored support to our members, ensuring they stay happy and healthy despite the challenges of sight loss. This grant is a testament to the power of community support and the incredible difference it can make in people’s lives.
The Dorset Blind Association is thrilled to announce that its 8th annual Motor Show, held on Sunday, May 12th, 2024, at Lulworth Castle, has achieved a record-breaking fundraising total of £29,828.
The event welcomed over 6,000 members of the public through the gates, making it their most successful Motor Show to date. The glorious weather, coupled with the magnificent display of vehicles and a wide array of stalls and entertainment, contributed to an unforgettable day for all attendees.
Significant sponsorship played a crucial role in the event’s success. Our heartfelt thanks go to Blue Sky Financial Planning and Daizun Investments whose involvement made the event possible.
The event featured a stunning array of cars, from vintage classics to modern supercars, and included over 60 stallholders offering a variety of products. Attendees enjoyed live performances from the Rock Choir, Miss Lisa Locarno, the Bournemouth Carnival Band (AKA ‘The Spiderman Band’!), and The Land Girls. Children’s entertainment, provided by Jamie Jigsaw, included shows, circus workshops, and stilt-walking, ensuring fun for the entire family.
“We are overwhelmed by the support from the local community, our sponsors, volunteers, and everyone who attended,” said Sam Baker, Event Organiser at Dorset Blind Association. “The positive feedback has been incredible, and we are already receiving inquiries about next year’s event. The funds raised will make a significant impact on our ability to continue providing essential services to those living with sight loss in Dorset.”
In addition to the funds raised, the event provided an excellent platform for increasing awareness of the Dorset Blind Association’s work. The support from the public, exhibitors, and volunteers was truly inspiring, and they are deeply grateful for everyone’s contribution.
For more information about the Dorset Blind Association and how you can support their work, please visit www.dorsetblind.org.uk
**Contact:**
Sam
Community Relations Officer, Dorset Blind Association
The Dorset Blind Association has been providing practical and emotional support to blind and partially sighted people across Dorset since 1918. Their services are essential to the local community, especially with over 30,000 people in Dorset living with serious sight loss. Proud recipients of the esteemed Queens Award for Voluntary Services, DBA helps people come to terms with living with serious sight loss and still lead happy lives. By attending this exclusive event, you are helping to maintain the services they provide in your local area, helping to reduce loneliness and isolation.
For more information about the Dorset Blind Association Motor Show, please contact us at 01202 712865, email communityrelations@dorsetblind.org.uk
For additional information about the Dorset Blind Association, please visit www.dorsetblind.org.uk.
Join our passionate team as Social Club Administration Support. Apply by 7th May
Social Club Administration Support
Part time 14 hours (flexible working)
Salary £11.50 per hour
Overall purpose of the job
To provide administrative assistance required to provide regular provision of Dorset Blind Association social clubs and activity groups across the county and to support the team of Community Support Workers (CSW’s) that deliver the services.
Background
DBA works across the whole of Dorset to help blind and partially sighted people
adjust to life with serious sight loss and to then maintain full, healthy and socially active lives. A key part of this is achieved through the DBA’s network of social clubs
and activity groups, which currently number more than 20.
The post holder will work from home so needs a suitable quiet home office working space to be available.
Key duties
1. Administration / Client contact
Where necessary, directly organise the transport of members to and from club and activity group meetings.
2. Volunteers
Support all volunteers by assisting with administrative queries / forwarding stationery etc
Ensure all club and group meetings and activities have sufficient and appropriate volunteers attending to ensure the safety of attendees
Reporting to club leaders where there are not enough drivers or resources.
3. Planning and Delivery
Helping the CSW’s to plan and deliver a programme of diverse and accessible events, entertainment and activities appropriate to each individual
Group. This will usually be through team meetings and brainstorming sessions.
4. Communications
Effective and timely communication with members of groups and all volunteers, regarding all meetings and activities.
5. Monitoring
Effectively monitor the activities of all social clubs and activity groups,
keeping full and accurate records of attendees (both members and
volunteers) and any other information requested by the CEO of DBA
Person Specification
We are looking for someone with as many of the following skills and experience as
possible, although training, mentoring and ongoing support will be provided
Reliable and trustworthy
Happy working from home and occasionally at DBA clubs and events
Disciplined and organised and able to effectively and efficiently plan and
structure their own working day for maximum productivity.
Motivated to work alone and to deadlines
Able to work unsupervised, but keeping effective and regular contact with line
manager and colleagues
Flexible and resourceful to meet the various and often changing needs of the
charity and our service users
Happy to help with telephone support when short staffed or during staff holidays (may involve some office based work hours)
Outgoing personality and able to relate to and deal effectively with people on many different levels
A good sense of humour
Willing and able to act as an advocate for the charity, to “sell” and promote the
charity to potential new service users, volunteers and other supporters.
A basic understanding of sight loss and other physical and mental health disabilities.
Experience of working with people with a disability and confident to help service users with disabilities
Good verbal communication skills and sufficient IT skills to be able to provide
reports and other information as necessary
Some evening and / or weekend working may be required so the post holder
must be flexible to accommodate this.
An offer of employment will be subject to receipt of two satisfactory references and the person appointed with serve a probationary period of six months
This role could be adjusted to fit the guidelines of mentor-led back to work schemes.
Applications for this post can be made by sending your CV and a covering letter to Leah Cross by e-mail to leah@dorsetblind.org.uk by 7th May
At the heart of every successful event lies a community of generous supporters who contribute to its success. As we eagerly anticipate our upcoming Motor Show at Lulworth Castle, we are grateful to the local businesses that have already stepped up to ensure the success of our raffle.
The raffle, a significant component of our fundraising efforts on the day, wouldn’t be possible without the kindness and generosity of these businesses:
As we express our gratitude to these businesses, we also encourage our supporters to show their appreciation by visiting these establishments, using their services, and spreading the word about their generosity and community spirit!
We invite you to join us at ourDorset Blind Association Motor Show at Lulworth Castle on Sunday 12th May for a day of excitement and entertainment! Be sure to stop by our raffle table in the courtyard, where you can purchase tickets for your chance to win one of these incredible prizes. The raffle draw will take place on Tuesday, 14th May, so mark your calendars and don’t miss out on the opportunity to support our charity and win fantastic prizes.
Join our passionate team as Resource Centre Coordinator at Dorset Blind Association
Key responsibilities include:
Fielding telephone and in-person enquiries about our services Providing advice and referring enquiries to other Dorset Blind Association staff and other agencies Processing orders for equipment, including invoicing, payments and liaising with suppliers Demonstrating specialist equipment Salary: £19,635 (actual) Ready to make a positive impact? Send your CV along with a covering letter explaining why you think you would be suitable to jo@dorsetblind.org.uk
Dorset Blind Association is thrilled to announce the return of its highly anticipated annual motor Show fundraising event, set against the stunning backdrop of Lulworth Castle. Sponsored by Blue Sky Financial Planning, the event promises to be a spectacular day out for car enthusiasts and the general public alike. The show is a hugely popular community event for all the family with thousands expected to attend.
Date: Sunday 12th May
Location: Lulworth Castle BH20 5QS
Time: 10.30am-4pm
Admission: FREE entry but donations hugely appreciated
This event has become a staple in the community calendar, drawing thousands of visitors each year. From classic cars to supercars, modified vehicles to performance cars, there will be over 250 vehicles on display for enthusiasts to admire.
But the fun doesn’t stop there! The event will feature live music from The Land Girls, The Bournemouth Carnival Band, and The Rock Choir, providing a lively atmosphere for all. Families can enjoy free performances and circus workshops by Jamie Jigsaw, as well as a dedicated kid’s area with bouncy castles, rides, face painting and stalls.
Foodies will delight in the variety of delicious food and drinks to satisfy every palate (including vegan and vegetarian), along with a wide range of artisan stalls selling local produce and gifts.
Attendees will also have the chance to win incredible prizes in the raffle, generously donated by local businesses. Prizes include lunch at Rick Stein restaurant, a barbecue, salon treatments, and much more!
Neal Burton, a car exhibitor, shared his experience, saying, “A really great day run by a super team. The show is laid back with a diverse entry of vehicles, so there’s plenty to see. Set in a fabulous location, what more could you ask for from a car show that supports such a worthy cause. I’ve booked in my 1964 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia again for this year…see you there!”
James Weld, owner of the Lulworth Estate and President of Dorset Blind Association, generously donates the use of the grounds for this unique motor show, which remains the only one held at the Castle. Dorset Blind Association, who have been supporting visually impaired people in the county for over 100 years, are hugely thankful to all their supporters and volunteers who make this event possible. With a fundraising goal of over £20,000 this year, the event aims to raise awareness and vital funds, with over 5,000 attendees expected.
Gary Neild from Blue Sky Financial Planning, proud headline sponsor of the event, expressed his enthusiasm, “Blue Sky Financial Planning are delighted to support the motor show once again at Lulworth Castle on the 12th of May. The 2023 show drew huge crowds and was an enormous success, and we are looking forward to being part of this wonderful event again next May. We admire the DBA team for their energy and passion, and the great work they do. They help so many people live a fulfilling life and that resonates strongly with our ethos at Blue Sky where we are focused on ‘what we cause and how we make people feel.’ Our relationship draws on many parallels, and we love working with a like-minded, enthusiastic team.“
David Rogers, Director at Daizun Investments, expressed his enthusiasm for their sponsorship of the event, stating “We are delighted to be part of such a meaningful event, that not only celebrates our love for cars, but also supports a truly worthwhile cause. I have been a regular car exhibitor at the Dorset Blind Association Motor Show for several years, and we are thrilled to now be the official Supercar Sponsor.”
The Dorset Blind Association Motor Show promises to be a fantastic family day out with entertainment for all ages. The Castle showground will be open to the public from 10.30am-4pm. Admission is FREE, with donations greatly appreciated.
For more information about Dorset Blind Association Motor Show, follow @dorsetblind on Facebook or Instagram, or contact 01202 712865 or communityrelations@dorsetblind.org.uk
About Dorset Blind Association:
Dorset Blind Association has been providing vital support to blind and partially sighted individuals across Dorset since 1918. With over 30,000 people in Dorset living with serious sight loss, their services are more crucial than ever. As proud recipients of the esteemed Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, Dorset Blind Association helps individuals lead fulfilling lives, despite their visual impairments. By attending this event, you’re not only enjoying a fun-filled day, but also contributing to the maintenance of essential services in your local community and helping to reduce loneliness and isolation.
Join us for a Bring & Buy Sale in support of our Dorset Blind Association Blandford Club! 
Date: Friday, 18th October
Time: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Location: Woodhouse Gardens Pavilion, The Tabernacle, Blandford Forum, Dorset, DT11 7GQ
