The Co-operative Food - Blandford, Salisbury Road

The Bus Shelter Dorset was established in December 2016, gaining charity status from March 2017. After a number of months fundraising we converted a double decker bus in to safe sleeping accommodation for rough sleepers in Dorset, based in Weymouth. We believe that everyone has a right to a safe, warm place to call home whilst they receive non-judgemental and unconditional support and advice to address their problems and, when ready, move on into semi-dependent living and ultimately move on to independent living and employment. Our charity has evolved from our very humble beginnings and we now have a new site and 12 self contained units of accommodation for our guests along with a large communal kitchen, dining and lounge area, learning room and laundry facilities. We offer rough sleepers or those at risk of homelessness access to a supportive community environment with 24 hour high support tailored to meet their individual needs. The support we offer is unique and we have created a family environment where it is not judgmental and second chances are always offered. We want people to leave our service and not have to return through the revolving door of homelessness and will support individuals to access the appropriate move on accommodation when they are ready to do so. The support we offer: Development of daily living skills, emotional support and self-esteem building, referrals to other services and complimenting their support, support with benefit claims, support with budgeting and maximising income, support attending appointments, support to court hearings, assessment of individual needs, individual support plans led by client, allocated keyworker and regular 1-1 sessions, Trauma Informed support, preparation for tenancy readiness and tenancy sustainability, SMART recovery, Partnership working - Housing, Outreach services & Housing Associations, Probation/Prisons, Police, Health – GP, Dentist, Opticians, CMHT, Debt services, Drug and Alcohol agencies, Adult Social Care, Domestic Abuse Services, Low service charge – includes all meals, Somewhere safe to call home, a sense of belonging and purpose that continues throughout the journey of our services.

Teddy20 Supporting Children with Cancer is a charity based in Blandford Forum, Dorset. Our aim is to provide Emotional and Financial Support to children and young people suffering and undergoing treatment for Cancer. In 2008 our youngest son, Ted, was diagnosed with a very rare form of bone cancer, Ewings Sarcoma. The shock of this diagnosis impacted all through our family and we embarked on what was to be the most harrowing and gruelling time of our lives. During the first few months, we were overwhelmed by the kindness, support and generosity of CLIC Sargent. Basically, they were there to pick up the pieces from day one and guide us through this turbulent time. In May 2009, my Husband, Owen, decided he wanted to give something back to the organisations that had helped Ted and us as a family. Owen has a cricket coaching background and decided to arrange a 20-20 cricket match in our home town of Blandford . This evening proved to be such a success and with the help of some lovely local people organising raffles, prizes and baking cakes we were astonished to raise over £2,000. This gave us the idea along with Ted’s input to call the event ‘Teddy20’ which is a play on the cricket shorter game of twenty20. It seemed to lend itself very well to our little idea! This was to be the beginning of our journey into becoming our own Charitable organisation. Tragically, after an immense fight against the evil that is cancer our little Ted passed away peacefully in June 2010 at the tender age of 10. In May 2014 Teddy20 became a registered charity in England and Wales and continues to support children and young people with cancer.