Hi, we're Dorset Abilities Group

I have 17 years experience working with people with a wide range of disabilities & mental health needs. Since founding DAG in 2015, I have had the pleasure of working with the most amazing, special group of people that I could have ever wished to meet.

Prior to joining DAG, I spent 18 years working at New Look in Retail, Marketing and HR communication roles. As DAG grew I was able to leave the corporate world behind and focus on growing this fabulous place we call ‘work’!

For the last 19 years I have worked with Encompass Dorset, a local social care provider as a Senior Manager, and I have watched DAG grow and develop over the last 4 years.  When the opportunity presented itself to join the team in April 2019, I just knew it was right for me! I love the spirit of DAG and how it brings to life the true meaning of person-centred support.  DAG has a genuine commitment to the group members and it’s a privilege to be part of a great team.

I have spent the last 15 years working as a Learning Disability Support Worker at Encompass. When the opportunity came up to be part of this exciting venture, I couldn’t miss it – I joined DAG in October 2018 and I haven’t looked back. I love my job!

If this opportunity was available when I first started work, DAG would have been my career until retirement. I am a Chef by trade. I have worked at sea, in hotels, restaurants and I also ran a bistro and bar with my family. I have travelled the world and have met (and am still meeting) wonderful people. Working at DAG and passing on my knowledge on to our Group Members is a privilege.

Before joining DAG, I worked in the HR department at New Look for 15 years! I followed DAG on social media for a while and fell in love with the whole DAG ethos. Now, 1 year in, I’m working with amazing people, who I get to watch and support, as they grow in confidence and make new friends.

I previously spent 8 years working at Wyvern Academy with SEN, as a Teaching Assistant. During this time, I took a sabbatical to work abroad as a SEN children’s manager in holiday resorts in the Balearic Islands and Greece. I now have the best job in the world at DAG!

I first started coaching DAG’s football team when it was formed in 2016. I have recently completed my GCSE’s at Wey Valley School and am looking forward to starting Budmouth Sixth Form too. I’m also really excited about getting stuck in to my apprenticeship at DAG!

I have volunteered at DAG since it was formed in 2015. As well as the business, I’ve seen the people we support grow, become more independent, make new friends and build confidence. Every day is different, I feel blessed to be able to work whilst having fun. DAG really is the best place to work!

Sue very kindly volunteers with us once a week and on DAG days out and social events. Once a week, Sue spends time with a small group teaching basic reading, writing and mathematics.

Dawn currently works at Weymouth College as a Specialist Support Assistant and kindly volunteers with DAG during the holidays. Dawn supports a few of our Group Members at college, they joke that they can’t get away from her!