Blind people and their families across the county will get help and support thanks to Dorset Freemasons.
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 Dorset 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 are integral in relieving loneliness and social isolation, offering support and providing a safe, supportive environment for individuals to connect with others, share experiences and build friendships. This funding will be primarily used to cover venue hire, transport and entertainment.
Dorset Blind Association provides practical help and emotional support to enable people with sight loss to stay happy and healthy. Recognising that everyone's sight loss journey is different, the Association offers lifelong, continuous assistance tailored to the individual needs of its members. The funding will make a significant difference in the lives of its members. It will be used to pay the operational costs for the social and activity clubs for older people for a three-year period.
The grant from the Freemasons underscores their commitment to supporting initiatives that make a tangible difference in the lives of vulnerable individuals and communities. Their contribution will enable Dorset Blind Association to expand their reach and impact, ensuring that more visually impaired individuals receive the assistance and resources they need to thrive.
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, Head of 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 are all too common among people who have lost their sight, and it's great that this wonderful charity can organise regular social activities and entertainment for them on a long-term basis."
