Support groups for Dorset blind people secure three years of funding
Dorset Freemasons have given £36,000 to the county's Blind Association
More than 500 blind and visually impaired people from all areas of Dorset will receive essential support and services, thanks to a grant from Dorset Freemasons to the county's Blind Association charity.
The £36,000 grant will fund social and activity clubs for older blind people, who very often have difficulty maintaining an active social life.
Dorset Blind Association provides over 20 social clubs and activity groups where people can meet regularly.
These help to relieve loneliness and social isolation, offering support and providing a safe, supportive environment for individuals to connect with others, share experience and build friendships.
This funding will be primarily used to cover venue hire, transport and entertainment and will cover operational costs for a three year period.
Jonathan Holyhead, CEO of Dorset Blind Association, said:
"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, said:
“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 is all too common among people who have lost their sight and it’s great that this wonderful charity is able to organise regular social activities and entertainment for them on a long term basis.”