Category: Uncategorised

Kayaking Adventure Proves Sight Loss Doesn’t Have to Limit Outdoor Experiences

Members of Dorset Blind Association enjoyed an unforgettable kayaking adventure along Dorset’s spectacular Jurassic Coast on Friday 17th July, thanks to the continued support of local outdoor activity specialists Land & Wave .

The inclusive session paired visually impaired participants with experienced Land & Wave instructors in double sit-on-top kayaks, allowing everyone to explore the stunning coastline from Studland Bay towards the iconic Old Harry Rocks in complete confidence.

For many members, it was an opportunity to step outside their comfort zone, experience the freedom of being out on the water and discover that sight loss doesn’t have to be a barrier to adventure.

One participant, Jane Copsey, described the day as “absolutely brilliant”.

“I felt safe from the moment we set off,” she said. “My instructor, Don, communicated everything so clearly and guided me brilliantly. Most importantly, he treated me just like anybody else, which sadly isn’t always the case.”

The day even included an unexpected twist when the group came across paddleboarders needing a helping hand.

“We ended up helping some girls on paddleboards, which certainly added to the adventure!” Jane said. “It made the day even more memorable, and I’m glad we were able to lend a hand.”

Sam Baker, Community Relations Officer at Dorset Blind Association, said:

“Opportunities like this are about so much more than trying a new activity. They help people build confidence, challenge perceptions and show that sight loss doesn’t have to be a barrier to enjoying the outdoors.

“The feedback from our members has been incredible. Many had never kayaked before, yet they came away buzzing with excitement. We’re enormously grateful to the entire Land & Wave team for making everyone feel so welcome, supported and included.”

Rosie Tanner, Co-Owner and Director of Land & Wave, added:

“Adventure should be for everyone. Seeing participants grow in confidence throughout the session and simply enjoy being out on the water together is exactly why we love delivering experiences like these.”

The kayaking session forms part of our ongoing partnership with Land & Wave to make outdoor adventure more accessible for people living with sight loss. Together, we’re exploring even more opportunities for our members to enjoy exciting new experiences in a safe, supportive and inclusive environment.

A huge thank you to the entire Land & Wave team for another memorable day. We can’t wait for the next adventure!

The Link

Our Summer 2026 issue is out now. Click here to read the latest news from Dorset Blind Association.

Whether you’ve recently been diagnosed with sight loss, have been living with a visual impairment for many years, or you’re supporting a friend or family member, Dorset Blind Association’s Low Vision Day is an opportunity to discover what’s available to help you live independently and confidently.

Taking place on Saturday 21 November, from 10am to 2pm at The Dorford Centre, Bridport Road, Dorchester, this free event will bring together specialists, exhibitors and support organisations from across Dorset.

Sponsored by Ridgewater Energy, this year’s event will feature an exciting programme of demonstrations and expert talks, alongside the latest low vision technology and support services.

One of the highlights of the day will be a live demonstration of the innovative Meta smart glasses, presented by Vision Express Dorchester. Visitors will have the opportunity to see how this emerging technology can help people with sight loss navigate everyday life with greater confidence and independence.

The event will also feature a talk from Lucy Howe, Consultant Ophthalmologist, who will discuss the latest advances in the treatment of macular conditions before hosting a question-and-answer session focused on Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD), giving visitors the opportunity to ask questions and gain expert insight into one of the UK’s leading causes of sight loss.

Throughout the day, visitors will be able to:

• Explore the latest low vision aids and assistive technology
• Meet local organisations providing specialist sight loss support
• Speak with Dorset Blind Association’s Community Support Workers
• Watch demonstrations of innovative products and technology
• Attend informative guest talks and Q&A sessions
• Meet others with shared experiences

Leah Cross, Community Support Manager at Dorset Blind Association, said:

“We’re incredibly grateful to Ridgewater Energy for sponsoring this year’s Low Vision Day. Thanks to their support, we’re able to bring together leading organisations, specialist exhibitors and expert speakers, giving visitors access to the latest advice, technology and support all under one roof.”

The event is free to attend and no booking is required.

Low Vision Day

Saturday 21 November
10am–2pm
The Dorford Centre, Bridport Road, Dorchester DT1 1RR

We look forward to welcoming you!

Community Support Worker 

Bournemouth / Poole / Christchurch – 3 days / 21 hours per week  (Specifically Tuesday / Thursday / Friday)

We are looking to recruit a dedicated, motivated, and energetic individual to join our team of Community Support Workers, providing help and support for visually impaired people in Dorset to maintain healthy, independent and socially active lives  in their local community.

This role will be to work specifically with our members through social clubs and activities and overseeing the volunteer recruitment and management process in BCP.

Working from home and spending a lot of your time out and about in the community, this is an exciting opportunity for someone to bring their skills and personality to the role and help shape and develop future services for our members.

So, if you are someone who can become passionate about wanting to help make a positive difference to the lives of blind and partially sighted people in Dorset and will  enjoy the satisfaction of knowing you are achieving that, then we really want to hear  from you.

Key duties include:

• Run several monthly social clubs in your given area with outings and activities
• Assess and react to the needs of our service users
• Actively promote all Dorset Blind Association services and promote the value of

our membership scheme

• Recruit, retain and support good quality and motivated volunteers
• Take over the management of volunteers already in your area
• Communicate regularly with all service users and volunteers
• Match and introduce volunteers to service users making each aware of good

practice guidelines

• Monitoring of the service and accurate record keeping and reporting
• Entering information on to web-based database (training will be provided)
• Attending community events and networking with other charities, agencies and

professionals

• Raising the profile of the Dorset Blind Association generally and acting as its

representative within the community

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.

• Living in BCP area
• Happy working from home and out and about in the community
• 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 and to fit in with club activities and outings

• Outgoing personality and able to relate to and deal effectively with people on

many different levels

• Willing and able to act as an advocate 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 older people and those with a disability and

confident to help service users with mental health needs

• Experience of recruiting, working with and managing volunteers
• Good written and verbal communication skills and a good working knowledge of

MS Office

Salary: £16,020 (actual)

Access to own reliable transport is essential

An offer of employment will be subject to a satisfactory DBS check, receipt of two satisfactory references and the person appointed will serve a probationary period of six months.  Applications for this post can be made by sending your CV and a covering letter to Miss Leah Cross by email leah@dorsetblind.org.uk

One of Dorset’s biggest and best-loved family fundraising events is back next week, and this year marks a major milestone.

The Dorset Blind Association Motor Show returns to the stunning grounds of Lulworth Castle on Sunday 17th May 2026, celebrating its 10th anniversary with what promises to be its biggest and most exciting event yet.

Sunday 17th May 2026
Lulworth Castle, BH20 5QS
10:30am – 4:00pm
FREE Entry (donations welcomed)

Over the past decade, the Dorset Blind Association Motor Show has grown from a modest charity event into one of Dorset’s most popular motoring and family days out, attracting thousands of visitors each year while raising vital funds to support blind and partially sighted people across the county.

This year’s show is expected to feature 300 display vehicles, including classics, supercars, vintage models, sports cars, American vehicles, custom builds and modern performance cars. Enthusiasts from across the South Coast will descend on Lulworth Castle to showcase their pride and joy in the spectacular castle grounds.

Vehicle exhibitor spaces sold out earlier than ever before this year, reflecting the growing popularity of the event and its reputation within the car community.

But the event is about far more than cars.

Visitors can enjoy a packed programme of live entertainment and family attractions throughout the day, including:

 

• Live music and performances throughout the day
• Bournemouth Carnival Band
• The Land Girls vintage vocal duo
• Rock Choir and Live Harmony
• Circus performers, workshops and stilt walking from Jamie Jigsaw
• Children’s rides and family entertainment
• Artisan stalls and shopping village
• Street food, bars, coffee and sweet treats
• Formula 1 Driving simulator
• RAF military display
• Vintage London bus
• Mini Rovers children’s driving experience
• Live vehicle artwork from artist, Alexander Dakers

The event is proudly supported by Platinum Sponsor Blue Sky Financial Planning, alongside Supercar Sponsor Daizun Investments and a growing number of local businesses and partners.

Sam Baker, Community Relations Officer at Dorset Blind Association, said:

“The fact we’re celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Motor Show this year is something we’re incredibly proud of. What started as a relatively small fundraising idea has grown into one of the highlights of Dorset’s events calendar.

The support from the local community, car owners, sponsors, volunteers and visitors has been phenomenal over the years. Last year alone, the event raised over £37,000 to help support blind and partially sighted people across Dorset.

Most importantly, it’s become a genuinely brilliant family day out. Whether you’re a serious car enthusiast or just looking for something fun to do with the kids, there really is something for everyone.”

All proceeds from the event support Dorset Blind Association, which has been supporting people with sight loss across Dorset since 1918 through services including social groups, equipment and technology support, home visits, wellbeing activities and accessibility advice.

Visitors are encouraged to arrive early due to the popularity of the event and anticipated traffic around the Lulworth area. The showground opens at 10.30am – come early, bring your family, and enjoy a brilliant day out at Lulworth Castle.

For more information, visit Dorset Blind Association on Facebook or contact communityrelations@dorsetblind.org.uk.

Rev your engines – the countdown is on for the Dorset Blind Association Motor Show. We are back at Lulworth Castle for a very special year, celebrating the show’s 10th anniversary!

Join us for one of Dorset’s most popular family events, set in the stunning grounds of Lulworth Estate. This milestone show promises to be bigger, brighter, and more exciting than ever before.

Visitors can look forward to:

• Over 300 vehicles on display, from classic favourites to modern supercars
• Live music and entertainment throughout the day
• Family-friendly activities and a dedicated kids’ area
• A fantastic selection of food, drink, and artisan stalls
• A raffle packed with prizes, generously donated by local businesses

Whether you’re a car enthusiast, a family looking for a great day out, or simply want to enjoy the atmosphere, there’s something for everyone.

📅 Date: Sunday 17th May 2026
📍 Location: Lulworth Castle, BH20 5QS
🕥 Time: 10.30am – 4.00pm (display cars to arrive from 9am)
💸 Entry: FREE for the general public (donations welcome). Car pitches are SOLD OUT

This much-loved event raises vital funds for Dorset Blind Association, helping support people living with sight loss across the county to live full and independent lives.

Come along, bring your friends and family, and help us celebrate 10 years of motors, community, and making a difference.

It’s that time of year again — the Dorset Blind Association Christmas Raffle is here! Members will soon be receiving their tickets in the new issue of The Link, and we’re excited to offer a fantastic range of prizes that will make this year’s raffle our most thrilling yet.

Incredible Prizes to Win

From luxurious treats to memorable experiences, there’s something for everyone:

• Restaurant vouchers for a special night out
• Days out for family or friends
• Premium spirits for the connoisseurs
• Luxury hampers packed with festive goodies
• Designer watch for a timeless prize
• Photography sessions to capture memories
• Salon treatments for some well-deserved pampering

And that’s just the start — there’s more to discover when you buy your tickets!

Where to Buy Tickets

Tickets are just £1 each (or £5 for a book) and can be purchased:

• At any of our 12 Dorset charity shops:
  Southbourne, Parkstone, Poole, Christchurch, Wimborne, Blandford, Shaftesbury, Dorchester, Weymouth, Bridport, Sherborne, Ferndown
  Find your nearest shop here
• From your local Community Support Worker at upcoming social groups.
• If you haven’t received your tickets yet, or need more, call Jo in the office on 01202 712 865.

The draw will take place on Tuesday 9th December and all winners will be contacted directly.

Help Us Spread the Cheer

Your support makes a huge difference. By buying a ticket, you’re not just entering to win amazing prizes — you’re helping Dorset Blind Association provide vital services to visually impaired people across Dorset.

Get your tickets, encourage friends and family to join in, and let’s make this year’s Christmas Raffle bigger and better than ever!

The Link

Our Autumn 2025 issue is out now. Click here to read the latest news from Dorset Blind Association.