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.
With the Dorset Blind Association’s annual Motor Show at Lulworth Castle just around the corner, time is running out for car enthusiasts to secure their spot at this prestigious event. Taking place on Sunday, May 12th, within the picturesque grounds of the Lulworth Estate, this exclusive show promises a memorable experience for all attendees.
The Dorset Blind Association is deeply grateful for the opportunity to host this unique motor show at Lulworth Castle, generously offered by the owner of Lulworth Estate, and President of Dorset Blind Association, James Weld. This event, sponsored by Blue Sky Financial Planning, has become a highlight for car aficionados, and there’s still the opportunity for car owners to showcase their vehicles within the Castle Showground.
Tickets are selling fast! Registration for the event is £12 per person, which includes showground display, a breakfast roll and hot drink upon registration, and exclusive entry to Lulworth Castle. Classic, sport and supercar owners are all invited to enjoy this highly anticipated event. Thanks go to Supercar sponsors, Daizun Investments for their support. This event is always sold out so don’t delay!
The showground will open to the general public free of charge at 10.30am, offering a fun-filled family day with live entertainment, a kids’ fun area, food and drink vendors, and local artisans selling their products. With limited spaces available, it’s crucial to register now to avoid missing out. Please note that entries will not be accepted on the day.
By participating in this event, attendees will not only enjoy a fantastic day out but also support the Dorset Blind Association in their mission to provide practical and emotional support to blind and partially sighted people across Dorset. The much-needed funds will help maintain their essential services in our community and help reduce loneliness and isolation.
Blue Sky Financial Planning, Platinum sponsor of the Dorset Blind Association Motor Show for the second year running, is excited to once again support this outstanding event. Gary Neild, CEO of Blue Sky, expressed his enthusiasm, stating “We 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, passion, and the great work they do. They help so many people live a fulfilling life, which 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.”
Daizun Investments, the Supercar sponsor of the Dorset Blind Association Motor Show is thrilled to be part of this meaningful event, David Rogers, Director of Daiuzun Investments, shared his excitement, saying ““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, the independent charity serving the visually impaired community in Dorset, is delighted to announce the official opening of its Bridport shop. The ceremony will take place on March 27th, 2024, at 11:00AM, with the distinguished presence of the Lord Lieutenant of Dorset, highlighting the importance of this event for the local community.
Located at 32 East Street, Bridport DT63LF, this new addition to Dorset Blind Association’s family of shops promises to be a beacon of support.
“After a successful soft launch, we are excited to officially embark on this journey with the Bridport community,” expressed Charley Davison, the shop manager. “We have been thrilled by the support we have had by locals so far. Together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those affected by sight loss”.
Beyond being a retail space, the Bridport shop will also serve as a vibrant hub where community members can come together. Jonathan Holyhead, CEO, commented, “Our shops add to, and directly support, the delivery of our community services across Dorset and they are vital to enabling those services to continue. Our shops are an important part of our service delivery, including a mini equipment and advice/resource centre making Dorset Blind Association even more accessible to the public”.
The charity relies on the generosity of donors. Donations of quality, saleable items such as clothing, accessories, household goods, books and toys are welcomed and can be dropped off directly at the shop during opening hours. Unfortunately, they cannot accept furniture.
The shop’s current opening hours are 9.30am to 4.30pm, Monday to Saturday. For further information, please contact Charley at bridportshop@dorsetblind.org.uk or call 01308 805 320
In addition to Bridport, Dorset Blind Association operates charity shops in Bridport, Broadstone, Christchurch, Ferndown, Parkstone, Portland, Southbourne and Weymouth.
Dorset Blind Association has been providing practical and emotional support to blind and partially sighted people across Dorset since 1918. Their service is vital to the local community as there are now more than 30,000 people in Dorset living with serious sight loss. Proud recipients of the esteemed Queens Award for Voluntary Services, DBA help people come to terms with living with serious sight loss and still live happy lives.
Join our passionate team as a Community Support Worker at Dorset Blind Association.
Make a difference in the East Dorset area to our members over 65.
Key responsibilities include:
* Working in the community, assessing members at home * Running social clubs and organising outings * Recruiting and managing volunteers * Offering support services at Dorchester Hospital Royal Eye Infirmary
Full time * Remote working * You must be able to drive and have your own vehicle
Salary £23.375 actual (salary review pending in April)
Ready to make a positive impact? Send your CV and covering letter explaining why you think you would be suitable to leah@dorsetblind.org.uk
The Dorset Blind Association, the independent charity serving the visually impaired community in Dorset, is delighted to announce the official opening of its Portland shop on March 7th, 2024, at 12.30pm. The grand opening will be graced by the presence of the Mayor of Portland, highlighting the importance of the event for the local community.
The Portland shop, located at 7 Reforne, Portland DT5 2AL, has already had a soft launch last year and has been warmly received by the local community. Zoe Coleman, who has been appointed as shop manager, has been instrumental in creating a warm and inclusive environment.
As well as being stocked with treasures waiting to find a new home, the shop will serve as a central hub for the local community. Jonathan Holyhead, CEO, commented, “Our shops add to, and directly support, the delivery of our community services across Dorset and they are vital to enabling those services to continue. Our shops are an important part of our service delivery, including a mini equipment and advice/resource centre making Dorset Blind Association even more accessible to the public”.
The charity is in need of donations. Quality, saleable items such as clothing, accessories, household goods, books and toys are welcomed and can be dropped off directly at the shop during opening hours. Unfortunately, they cannot accept furniture. Additionally, the shop is looking for volunteers to help with various tasks – hours to suit and full training will be provided. Join the friendly team in making a difference.
“We are thrilled to officially open our doors to the Portland locals”, said Zoe, the shop manager. “We have been overwhelmed by the support we have received so far and look forward to continuing to serve the community”.
The shop’s current opening hours are 9.00AM – 4.00PM, Monday – Saturday. For more information, please contact Zoe at portlandshop@dorsetblind.org.uk or call 01305 234270
In addition to Portland, Dorset Blind Association operates charity shops in Bridport, Broadstone, Christchurch, Ferndown, Parkstone, Southbourne and Weymouth
Dorset Blind Association has been providing practical and emotional support to blind and partially sighted people across Dorset since 1918. Their service is vital to the local community as there are now more than 30,000 people in Dorset living with serious sight loss. Proud recipients of the esteemed Queens Award for Voluntary Services, DBA help people come to terms with living serious sight loss and still live happy lives.
