Island Community Action - ICA

19/10/2026

For information…

19/10/2026

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 contacting [email protected]

Guidelines:

Select an alphabet letter of your choice from those available by contacting the ICA office on 01305 823789, popping in to see us at Easton Shopping Centre, Portland, DT5 1EB (Monday-Friday, 10am - 2pm) or by emailing [email protected]

Create your letter in UPPER CASE ONLY.

Choose ONE colour and stick to it (using as many shades of that colour as you like).

Whatever you create must be fixed securely, all the way around, to the background provided.

Create a 2D (flat) version of your letter in the font and format of your choice. This can be knitted, crochet, felted, sewn, applique, beaded - or anything else that can fulfil all the criteria.

It must be made of materials that can withstand outdoor weather in a variety of locations. Messages could end up hung vertically from fences with zip-ties for example, or laid flat on the ground and secured with tent pegs.

Each letter must fill up the space provided on the background squares (approx 1 ft × 1 ft). Leaving a 2inch/5cm border around the edge.

Completed creations must be returned to the ICA office.

We can’t wait to see your creations spreading messages of joy.

Best Wishes

The ICA Team

19/10/2026

Just two places left on our charity Christmas Wreath workshop. Fizz and festive snacks included in the price.

All money raised, after costs, used to support our services for older people.

***NEW EVENT - CHRISTMAS WREATH MAKING***

Join us for an evening of wreath-making, complete with festive fizz, Christmas treats, and all the seasonal sparkle you could wish for.

Create your own beautiful, handcrafted wreath. All materials supplied, from fresh foliage and decorations to all the tools of the trade. Feel free to bring your own personal accessories e.g. lights. The workshop will be delivered by Lorna, from Portland-based Pebbles Beach.

Every penny of profit will go towards supporting older and vulnerable people on Portland, helping them stay connected, supported and part of a thriving community this winter.

Come make something gorgeous, enjoy a glass of festive cheer, and do something truly good for the island.

BOOK VIA: https://buytickets.at/islandcommunityaction/2408246 or use the QR code on poster. Early bird offer - first six tickets at £25.

19/10/2026

***CREEPY CIRCUS HALLOWEEN TRAIL***

Launching Saturday 24th with a live event, featuring some spooky Halloween themed actors (charge £2.75 - every paying child gets a prize). Continuing throughout half term (25th to 31st) as a poster-based, free, trail through Weymouth town centre.

For more information and to book your tickets check out: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/weareweymouth/2364986

We Are Weymouth UK
EPIC Games Dorset

17/10/2026

NEW EVENT - LIVING WELL WITH DEMENTIA TALK: UNDERSTANDING THE JOURNEY

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)

16/10/2026

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR SCHOOL CROCHET CLUB

Local children were so inspired by ICA’s Woolly Wonderland Yarn Bomb Festival in Easton Gardens last summer that an after-school crochet club was started by staff at Atlantic Academy.

Due to the unexpected demand for this activity, which currently has 30 members from across primary and secondary and a waiting list of more, staff are now asking if volunteers from the community who could support them.

The club runs on Mondays during term time, from 3pm – 4.15pm, in the library at Atlantic Academy, Maritime House, Southwell Business Park, Portland.

Anyone interested in signing up please contact: [email protected]

15/10/2026

It's nearly that time 🧑‍🎄🎄🧑‍🎄 look no further if you want an enjoyable Christmas trip from South Dorset.

See below 👇

15/10/2026

Last night's SFX make-up workshop provided a fantastic kick-start to ICA's Halloween offer for 2026.

Led by professional zombie scare actor Becci Wiles, the session saw 16 horror enthusiasts learn the essential techniques behind realistic special effects make-up.

Participants discovered how to create gory wounds, creepy bruises and convincing zombie complexions, gaining hands-on experience and professional tips throughout the evening.

The workshop formed part of ICA's new two-year programme of Wellbeing Tasters, part-funded through the Community Wellbeing and Mental Health Fund, managed by Dorset Community Foundation in partnership with NHS Dorset and the Community Action Network.

The tasters, which focus on improving mental health and wellbeing, provide opportunities for people to try out new activities, learn new skills, meet new people, extend social networks, and find out more about the opportunities, services and support available to them locally.

If you're interested in participating, we'll be posting details about each new taster here, on our website and digital screen (situated in the ICA office window, Easton), and in the Free Portland news.

In the meantime, why not book a ticket to our upcoming events:
- Weymouth Halloween Trail (in collaboration with We Are Weymouth UK and EPIC Games Dorset - https://www.tickettailor.com/events/weareweymouth/2364986

- Nothe of the Living Dead (in collaboration with Nothe Fort and
EPIC Games Dorset - https://www.tickettailor.com/.../islandcommunitya.../2403925



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14/10/2026

*Coach trip to Cardiff - £30pp*

Saturday 5th December

To Book
Phone: 01305 823789
Pop into: The ICA Office, The Easton Centre
Email: [email protected]

Times:
7.30am: Easton Square
7.40am: Victoria Square
4.30pm: Leave Cardiff

With Thanks to:
Excelsior Coaches Ltd

All proceeds raised goes towards older people's projects on Portland