A workshop for blind and partially sighted people in Dorchester is being held this week.

The Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) has introduced the workshop to bring local blind and partially sighted people together, as part of their Connect scheme.

Steve Hyde, RNIB regional campaigns officer for the south west of England, said: “This is our second Connect event and it’s the perfect opportunity for people to meet up with us to find out more about the support available from RNIB and local societies.”

The workshop will take place at The Junction Hotel, Dorchester on Thursday June 20 from 11am, and gives attendees the opportunity to meet and talk with the Connect community members, as well as their local RNIB team.

It will allow local blind people to be educated on Connect and feedback on plans for upcoming events and activities.

Mr Hyde added: “The day is also open to anyone with sight loss who wants to find out more about how we can support them. The Junction Hotel is easy to access for people with sight loss, so feel free to bring family and friends to discuss and learn how to overcome many of the problems that people with sight loss encounter daily.”

The RNIB Connect community is free to join and allows people with sight loss to meet other people with similar conditions, share their experiences and offer advice both face-to-face and online.

Every six minutes, someone in the UK begins to lose their sight.

The RNIB aims to make a world without barriers for people with sight loss, by creating opportunities and standing against exclusion, inequality and isolation so that these people can lead full lives.

The charity has also arranged fundraising events all across the UK including weekend treks and monthly subscription donations.

For more information about the workshop and to sign up, please RSVP by contacting RNIB’s South West England team on 0117 934 1733, 07944051079 or networksouthwest@rnib.org.uk.