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June 2021

Digital arts programme

Thanks to funding from Arts Council England and a National Lottery Project
Grant to develop libraries as cultural hubs, Dorset Library Service is to run a digital
arts programme for young people and adults. Working with The Arts
Development Company, the focus will be on celebrating diversity with a
selection of artists. There will be bespoke events for specific community groups,
including adults living with dementia. Activities will also support mental health in
young people. The range of activities will include author events, music, arts,
poetry, and dance linked to national celebrations such as National Poetry Day,
Black History. All events and booking information will be available at
www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/LibrariesAsCulturalHubs

Helping the Deaf – a good news story
When profoundly Deaf Bridport resident John Phillips received a free smartphone
from Dorset Council, he had no idea just how much it would transform his life. The
76-year-old received the gift on Christmas Eve, as part of the council’s drive to
help digitally connect people in need By then John, whose only method of
communication is sign language, had spent nine months in lockdown isolation,
had very little contact with
people and was feeling
very low. With support from
Millbrook Healthcare’s Sight
and Hearing team in
Dorchester, John started to
use his smartphone to
communicate with people
and it changed his life. He
said “The best part has
been contacting my friends
again via WhatsApp
because I had no contact
with them for so long. I’ve
b e e n a b l e t o
communicate with my oldest friend of 45 years for the first time in more than a
year. We send each other videos and messages and it’s been wonderful.”
John is one of 50 people in Dorset who have received, or will receive, a free
tablet or smartphone thanks to Dorset Council teaming up with the Good Things
Foundation charity.
Twenty of those devices are currently being distributed to people in the county
who have learning disabilities.

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