‘Volunteers are the lifeblood of this charity’
If the Prime Minister ever needed evidence of his much-vaunted Big Society at work, he need look no further than Dorset Blind Association.
The local charity has an army of some 400 volunteers that, between them, gives more than 25,000 hours a year to working with Dorset people who live with sight loss and its effects.
“We are enormously grateful for the fantastic help and support that members of the community give us so willingly, it is truly heartwarming to see the positive benefits our members get from their work,” says chief executive officer Jonathan Holyhead.
The charity currently has a number of volunteering opportunities available.
“Volunteers are the absolute life blood of this charity. However much or little time a person has to give, if people want to help make a real, positive difference to the lives of people with sight loss in Dorset, there’s a place for them in our team.”
Dorset Blind Association is especially looking for volunteers to help at its Poole and Bournemouth Social clubs, with the Poole club needing a new organiser and the Bournemouth club a transport organiser.
“The clubs are typically – but not exclusively – for older, retired people. The posts are open to anyone who wants to make a difference and having the right attitude to helping others is far more important than previous experience,” adds Jonathan.
To find out more about volunteering opportunities with Dorset Blind Association, call 01202 712869.
Dorset Blind Association helps up to 1,000 blind or partially sighted people each month. It receives no regular government funding for this and relies heavily on donations, grants and legacies. To help it call 01202 712869, visit www.dorsetblind.org.uk or send a donation to 17 Bournemouth Road, Lower Parkstone, Poole , BH14 0EF.
For more information contact Jonathan Holyhead, chief executive officer of Dorset Blind Association on 01202 712861.