And just like that another group of Portland’s incredible young people have started their training for our The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Silver level expedition on Dartmoor.

Huge thanks as always to the fantastic team of volunteers, who give up their time to support the next generation to build confidence, resilience and friendships, learn skills, and make memories that will last a lifetime.

ICA’s Duke of Edinburgh’s Award programme is delivered in collaboration with Atlantic Academy, Portland.

APPEAL – As we continue to grow our DofE offer, our expenses grow too. This year, we are investing in more kit to accommodate larger numbers. We are also upgrading our safety equipment, funding additional volunteer training, and replacing or repairing old kit – including the tent Miss Ives slept in, which had two poles break during the night!

We are, therefore, appealing to any local residents or businesses who would like to offer their support. Please consider making a donation toward this incredible program so it can continue making a real difference to local young people, all of whom will be spending their free time volunteering in our community this year.

For more information about how you can help please contact: katypascoe@islandcommunityaction.org.uk

Following the success of our previous Community Crafters projects, including the Easton Gardens Woolly Wonderland Yarn Bomb and Portland Quirkies, ICA are hoping that local people will join in with our new project, ‘Love Letters.’

We hope to create a library of 1ft square alphabet letters that can be hired by local people to spread messages of joy such as ‘Happy Birthday Joe,’ and ‘Good luck Charlie’ or even ‘Bon Voyage Lexie.’ These will also be available for community groups to advertise their events and activities with message like, ‘Fete Here Saturday’ or ‘Coffee Morning Open Now.’

Letters can be sewn, crochet, knitted, felted, applique, beaded or anything else that fits within the guidelines below. Black pre-cut squares of weatherproof material will be used as the background for each letter to ensure continuity. These can be collected from the ICA office from 10am – 2pm, Monday- Friday. Alternatively, delivery can be arranged, if required, by emailing: katypascoe@islandcommunityaction.org.uk.

For more information, give us a call on 01305 823789, email (as above) or pop into the ICA office, Easton between 10 am to 2 pm, Monday to Friday.

***THIS EVENT WILL NOW TAKE PLACE AT THE PETER TRIM HALL, REFORNE***

Due to the venue change, we are now able to offer additional places. You can book your tickets via: https://buytickets.at/islandcommunityaction/2408246 or by using the QR code on the poster or popping into the ICA office, Easton (10 am to 2 pm, Mondays to Fridays).

The price of the ticket includes fizz (or non-alcoholic alternative), festive treats, and all materials (some people do like to bring their own items, e.g. lights to decorate).

Any profits raised will go to supporting ICA’s Helping Hands project, which provides 20+ services to support Portland’s older and vulnerable residents.

The talk, which forms part of our Chat A Latte’s monthly talks programme will happen on the 4th November, 11 am-12.30 pm at the C2000 Hall, Straits – Wednesday 4th November.

This compassionate and practical talk is designed to guide family caregivers, friends, and community members through the realities of navigating a dementia diagnosis. Moving beyond simple memory loss, the session will explore the full spectrum of cognitive, sensory, and behavioural symptoms, offering a unique look into what it truly feels like to live with the condition. Attendees will walk away with actionable tools for daily life, including communication techniques focused on emotional connection, home safety adjustments to preserve independence, and guidance on how to access local support networks.

This event is part-funded by the Wessex Water Community Fund (via Dorset Community Foundation).

19th October, 2026. 10-11 am. The Masonic Hall, Portland.

Free advice and information on everything energy-related, from how to keep warm and save energy to home insulation, water-saving devices, heating grants and more.

You could be eligible for FREE grants, support and resources. Come along and speak to one of Ridgewater Energy’s experts.

Pop into the ICA office Monday to Friday, 10am to 2pm, call 01305 823789 or email: office@islandcommunityaction.org.uk for more information.

Get your Halloween plans off to a truly terrifying start by joining professional zombie scare actor Becci Wiles for a hands-on workshop covering the essential techniques behind realistic horror make-up effects. Learn how to create gory wounds, creepy bruises, convincing zombie complexions, and chilling character transformations guaranteed to make a impression at any Halloween events.

Book your tickets here or use the poster QR code below. Alternatively, pop into the ICA office Monday to Friday, 10am to 2pm, or call 01305 823789.

Tickets cost £5 per person.

Suitable for ages 14+. Those aged 14 to 15 must be accompanied by an adult.

Well that was a windy one!

Huge thanks to all the volunteers who gave up their evening and night to deliver our first camp of the new year for our biggest The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award group yet.

The young people were absolutely fantastic. They all got into the spirit of things and enjoyed hunkering down against the elements with their mates.

Thanks also to The Codfathers, Weston for handling 32 separate chippy dinner orders so smoothly!

APPEAL – As we continue to grow our DofE offer, our expenses grow too. This year, we are investing in more kit to accommodate larger numbers. We are also upgrading our safety equipment, funding additional volunteer training, and replacing or repairing old kit – including the tent Miss Ives slept in, which had two poles break during the night!

We are, therefore, appealing to any local residents or businesses who would like to offer their support. Please consider making a donation toward this incredible program so it can continue making a real difference to local young people, all of whom will be spending their free time volunteering in our community this year.

For more information about how you can help please contact: katypascoe@islandcommunityaction.org.uk

ICA’s Duke of Edinburgh’s Award programme is delivered in collaboration with Atlantic Academy, Portland.