Send a gift to distant loved ones

Dorset’s disability charity is offering everyone an opportunity to send festive gifts to their loved ones this year.

Diverse Abilities is selling sets of two handmade baubles that can be delivered anywhere in the country to let friends and family know they are in your thoughts. Two sets are available, both crafted by local artisan Life in Layers, with designs provided by volunteers and the people supported by the charity.

The Snowman Bauble Set features a snowman designed by Andrew, who attends The Beehive – an activity and therapy day centre for adults with disabilities, and a snowflake by Caragh, one of the charity’s volunteers. The Christmas Tree Bauble Set has a tree designed by Dawn, who also attends The Beehive, and another by Cat, the charity’s marketing manager.

Naomi Richards, fundraising officer at Diverse Abilities, commented: “Our baubles are an excellent way to stay in touch with friends and family during the social restrictions we are currently facing. While restrictions may be lifted later this month, many will not be seeing loved ones in order to keep them safe, and many may have too many people they wish to see within the time frame.”

All sets of baubles are dispatched with a poem;

Hang these gifts on your tree,

As they are sent with love to you from me.

The order cut-off date for postage before Christmas is Thursday December 17, if you wish to order your baubles to send on to friends and family with your own cards and gifts, then orders must be placed by Monday December 14.

Orders can also be placed to be sent to people you do not know and the charity will distribute baubles to local care homes and the people it supports.

Visit diverseabilities.org.uk/the-christmas-store for more details and to purchase a set of baubles for £6.75 including postage and packaging.