More than 500 blind and visually impaired people will receive essential support and services thanks to a grant from Dorset Freemasons.

The £36,000 grant to Dorset Blind Association will fund social and activity clubs for older blind people.

They often have difficulty maintaining an active social life.

A registered charity, Dorset Blind Association provides over 20 social clubs and activity groups where people can meet regularly.

These are considered integral in relieving loneliness and social isolation, offering support and providing a safe, supportive environment for individuals to connect with others, share experience and build friendships.

The grant will be primarily used to cover venue hire, transport and entertainment.

Dorset Blind Association said the funding would make a significant difference in the lives of their members.

It will be used to pay the operational costs for the social and activity clubs for older people for a three year period.

Jonathan Holyhead, the charity’s CEO, 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, Provincial Grand Master, 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.”