Since Dorset For Singing was formed in 2008, we have raised over £3500 for charity.

   In our first year we supported the 'Starlight Children's association', and last year our

   chosen charity was the 'South Dorset Alzhiemers Society'. This year the choir has

   chosen two charities to be the beneficiary of our concerts - 'Dogs for the Disabled'

   and 'The British Stammering Association'.

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   Dogs for the Disabled is a charity that trains dogs to help disabled adults and children enhance

   their lives and be more independant and confident. By training dogs to do physical tasks that

   most people take for granted, such as opening doors, picking up small and large objects off the

   floor, help dress and undress, take cards in and out of cash machines, fetching post and getting

   clothes in and out of the washing machine.

   The charity also provides a programme to support families with children with autism. Since 1988

   the charity has trained over 400 partnerships.

   Many of the partnerships now feel confident enough to take on new activities and become

   active members of the community. For one adult with disabilities it may simply mean being able

   to do a weekly shop, for another the ability to return to work.

   With your support Dogs for the Disabled can make their dream a reality, providing them with a

   better quality of life and real hope for the future.

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   Imagine not being able to say your name, many people take fluency for granted. The British

   Stammering Association (BSA) is the only national charity for children and adults who stammer,

   and their families. It is run by people who stammer, for people who stammer.

   The BSA provides unbiased, accurate information on stammering; promote effective speech

   therapies and works to raise stammering awareness.

   Around 800,000 people in the UK have a stammer, and there is no known cure for this often

   misunderstood communication disorder. Many people who stammer do not know that speech

   therapy is available to them, and many have never met another person who shares their

   experiences.

   The BSA provides information and support to all whose lives are affected by stammering through a

   helpline, postal lending libary, information packs, email suppor, the BSA website and social media

   pages.

   In addition to their support for adults, they also provide a resource to help parents and education

   professionals best support children who stammer throughout their education.

   More information can be found at www.stammeringineducation.net.

   Donations enable the continuation of their services, which help thousands each year.

   For more information please visit www.stammering.org.

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