For
Deafblind people. Second Friday of the month at St. Marys Hall Norton, Bridgend from 11am - 1pm. Coffee and chat, speakers and
trips out.
Our popular Arts and Crafts sessions take place on the last Tuesday of the month between 10.00am and 12.30pm at Jones Court, Womanby Street, Cardiff. Join other members in the Activity Room at Jones Court to learn and take part in different craft activities. Activities vary and there are always several available to try out.
There is a Coffee Morning every Tuesday between 10.00am and 1.00pm in the Activity Room at Jones Court, Womanby St, Cardiff. Everyone is welcome to drop in for a chat with other members, staff and volunteers. Coffee, tea, cake and biscuits are always available. Occasionally there are guest speakers or optional activities.
Council page on library services in Cardiff County.
Direct Payments enable people assessed as requiring
Social Care services to purchase their own care and support. Cardiff use Dewis CIL for their agency support for Direct Payments recipients.
Cardiff Council has a member of staff qualified to provide mobility
training to
vi children in a school environment. The contact is Roberta Veryard.
Help to protect vulnerable
visually impaired people to live more successfully within their local communities by helping them find solutions to their problems.
A Vision
Rehabilitation Specialist (VRS) assists someone regain skills they may have lost through sight problems and helps them re-learn to do things they could previously do for themselves.
Every Wednesday 11am to 12pm in the Activity Room at Jones Court, Womanby St, Cardiff. The Chair Yoga class is one of our most popular groups. It gives you the chance to stretch safely and there is a wonderful relaxation session at the end. People often arrive early (or leave late!) in order to have a hot drink and a chat with other members. Numbers are limited so it is best to ring first to check whether there is space in the class.
Fully trained volunteers provide
training in basic computer skills, touch typing, use of email and the internet, on a one-to-one basis.
Diverse Cymru provide a comprehensive
Direct Payments service in Cardiff. The service helps you to manage your payments and offers support with your needs and responsibilities as an employer.
The
Disabled Person with Companion
Travel Card enables you to travel on Wales'
bus services with a companion subject to meeting certain criteria. The concession is overseen by Transport for Wales but you must apply to your local authority in the first instance.
The project offers a range of
befriending services to reduce loneliness and isolation and improve the wellbeing of
older people in Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan.
Support group for people with
macular disease. Meets at Sight Life monthly on the first Monday of the month. 10.30am - 12.30pm. Sight Life, Jones Court, Womanby Street, Cardiff CF10 1BR. Contact Sightlife.
Our
Music Appreciation group usually meets at Jones Court on the second Wednesday of the month between 2.00pm and 3.30pm. Our volunteer Derek puts together pieces of music for members to listen to - anything from classical pieces to big band music - and
referral-service-pears">prepares a narrative to accompany each piece, as discussion points.
Weekly cycling group at Pedal Power, Sophia Gardens, Cardiff. Contact Val for more information on 07707 295 121.
Rehabilitation officers can give people with sight problems the skills and confidence that they need to stay independent, including help getting about, communication, lighting, using magnifiers and special equipment in the home.
An adventurous group with members ranging from 16-60. Here's your chance to go ten pin bowling, white water rafting, quad biking, horse riding and take part in other social activities. The end of the summer season of activities is topped off with a lively barbecue for all. Approx 7 pm to 9.30pm. Usually meets the Croft pub in Roath, Cardiff and other venues. Also Saturday
outings & adventures.
An individually planned
befriending service whereby volunteers use their sight in a practical way to help the
visually impaired person. It can be used for companionship, reading, writing of letters, accompanying etc, but not for domestic work, decorating or gardening.
Held every Tuesday 11.15am to 1.30pm at Jones Court, Womanby Street, Cardiff. Join this group of
visually impaired people of Cardiff and the Vale, for talk and support. Be involved in lively discussions about a wide variety of topics (excluding religion and politics). The group also occasionally enjoys a
trip out for lunch.
The
club meets at Jones Court, Womanby Street, Cardiff on the 3rd Friday of every month fron 10.30am - 12.30pm. Anyone with a sight and hearing impairment are welcome. Volunteers will be on hand to assist if need be.
Meetings are held each Friday morning between 10.30 - 1.00, primarily at an adapted plot at Rhydypenau Allotments on Lake Road North during the summer months and Jones Court at other times.
The group usually meets at Jones Court at around 9.30 to
travel by
bus or train to the chosen starting point and returns by approximately 3 or 4pm. Sighted guides are available for those who need one. The group usually stops for a mid morning coffee stop so take a flask along. Lunchtime is usually spent at a local cafe along the route.
Resource centre run by Sight Life. It contains the latest aids, gadgets and information for
vi people, and all the equipment is sold at concessionary prices. Staff and volunteers are always on hand to advise and assist, but you are also welcome just to browse around.
Transport can be arranged if required.
1st & 3rd TUESDAY of the month - 10.30am to 12.30pm at Jones Court, Womanby Street, Cardiff. Run by volunteers, attendees can sing to some musical favourites old and new.
Last Tuesday of the month - 10.30am-12.30pm
A group of like-minded women who enjoy days out shopping, lunching and the odd glass of wine! Recent
trips have included a day to Ebbw Vale Festival Site shopping centre and lunch at The Farmers Wife at St Brides Major. The group is also occasionally joined by guest speakers.
Support group for people from an ethnic minority community and others who have sight loss, or care for someone with sight loss. The group meets on the fourth Tuesday of the month to share experiences, learn new things and suggest ways of improving services.
Support group for people from an ethnic minority community and others who have sight loss, or care for someone with sight loss. The group meets on alternate Thursdays to share experiences, learn new things and suggest ways of improving services.
A mature group of around 40
visually impaired people. Members are brought in by V.E.S.T, including those in residential care. The group enjoys morning coffee or tea, lunch, bingo, raffles and quizzes and are well supported by an enthusiastic group of volunteers.
A door-to-door volunteer
transport service organised by Sight Life. It can be used for social activities, hospital appointments and meetings, but not for work purposes. Two working day's notice is requested.
Full time
ECLO based at University Hospital Wales, Cardiff. Provides emotional support, often at a time of great need. They also signpost patients on to the many different services to help maintain their independence. The role of ECLO helps to bridge the gap between health and
social care services for blind and partially sighted people.
Sight Life offers a basic vision awareness
training course which includes sighted guiding training, covers basic eye conditions, as well as demonstration of the use of products. It takes place in their HQ in Womanby Street, Cardiff.
Every other Friday between 10.30am and 12.30pm at Jones Court, Womanby St, Cardiff. The photography group goes out and about in the city centre looking for photo opportunities and occasionally takes
trips around the local area. The group also discusses various aspects of photography back at Sight Life over a cuppa.
VIC - Campaign Group meets on the last Thursday of each month from 1-3pm at the Second Floor, RNIB Cymru. The group is dedicated to making Cardiff City Centre more inclusive for blind and partially sighted individuals. Their main focus is on reducing street clutter, such as advertising boards, furniture, and rubbish, to create a safer and more accessible environment for all.
This course raises individuals’ understanding of sight loss and advises on effectively supporting your customers or employees with sight loss.
WoW is a programme that offers support and
training to people who live with
disabilities and long-term health conditions.
Other Results
Wales-wide service, a single point of access into all 7
Health Boards, with local
mental health knowledge & access to Mental Health pathways.
Access Design Solutions provides
training in the design, development, management, and operation of the built environment and
transport services.
Access to Work can help you get or stay in work if you have a physical or
mental health condition or
disability. The support you get will depend on your needs. Through Access to Work, you can apply for: a
grant to help
pay for practical support with your work; support with managing your mental health at work; money to pay for communication support at job interviews.
A gateway to RSBC services in Wales: Employment; Assistive
Technology; Family Support; Information and
Advice; Activities. In partnership with North Wales Society for the Blind, Vision Support, Wales Council of the Blind, Council for Wales of Voluntary Youth Services Council, Boys and Girls
Clubs of Wales.
This charity produces and publishes high quality early years books in dual format - giant print (75pt) &
braille - with illustrations. The design enables braille or large print readers to read without obscuring the text or illustrations; and therefore gives
children and adults the opportunity to read together, forming both educational and social relationships. Books can be purchased, and are also available for loan from some Welsh libraries.
Torch stocks a wide range of Christian books, magazines, Bible reading notes and the Bible itself. They are available in audio, large print or
braille. Most of their books are available to borrow from their library. Many items are also available to buy through their shop.
The
Nystagmus Network virtual get together group for adults living with acquired nystagmus to connect with other people with nystagmus and make new friends.
MACS organises sailing
trips and adventure weekends for
young people with MACS conditions.
Advicelink Cymru offers quality assured
advice on welfare benefits, debt, employment, education, housing, immigration and
discrimination.The service aims to help people access the right advice, at the right time and make it easier for them to access services again if they need further help—whether that’s about the same issue or something new.
Helpline for
advice on money matters, benefits and entitlements, income and tax, pensions, legal issues and consumer advice.
Provides a website resource, on-line discussion forum and telephone support for people affected by
albinism.
People living with sight loss in the UK can apply for a free Alexa device. The ability to control Alexa by voice and without buttons or on-screen controls makes it a fantastic option for people living with sight loss who want to access audio entertainment and information. More information via the news web link below.
All Formats, based at Queen Alexandra College, provides a range of
braille, large print and audio services. All Formats professional transcription services meets the needs of large and small organisations throughout the UK. Our expert staff include braille users who will ensure that information is produced accurately, efficiently and cost effectively.
The organisation offers help and
advice with educational, social and benefit problems to people affected by
Alstrom syndrome.
Provides support for those affected by
Alström Syndrome, their
carers and professionals working with them. This includes a forum, help with gaining access to
medical assessments with doctors who have expertise in Alström Syndrome, quarterly medical screening clinics and a newsletter.
Amber
Music Awards exist to provide financial
grants to individual
children and
young people in support of this vision. Music Award applications are open to all blind and partially sighted children and young people, who may also have other
disabilities or
special educational needs, until the age of 18. New applications for an Amber Music Award must be made before the young person’s 18th birthday.
AmberPlus aims to enable blind or partially sighted
children to engage with
music by providing families and professionals with resources and ideas for music-making.
Aniridia Network provides a positive, supportive network of families, individuals and professionals in order to share ideas, experiences and give emotional support. It provides information to health professionals, patients and their families, about aniridia, the related conditions and their implications for the patient.
Guide Dogs believes the right assistive
technology – sometimes called ‘access’ or ‘adaptive’ technology – can help your
child learn and
play, just like everyone else. That’s why they've helped children and
young people access a world of technology designed to suit their
vision impairment.
Transport for Wales provides assistance for passengers with access needs. The Passenger Assist service is available for those requiring extra help to travel. TfW encourage passengers to book assistance before you travel - it helps with planning but is not essential. (For the service provided by National Rail, call 03457 48 49 50).
ASUK are piloting a new ‘Wellbeing Service’ where they will develop 1-1 and group wellbeing sessions, webinar sessions for the global community, round table discussions prior to the AS multi-disciplinary clinics and signpost to relevant local organisations for families and individuals to reach out to, as well as wellbeing resources and top tips. Melissa Crowland is the Wellbeing Coordinator.
Audio books by subscription.
Join us on Zoom as we listen to different audio books with other
Visually Impaired (VI)
young people from all over the UK!
You can listen to books of your choice in the comfort of your space, have a chance to meet new people & make new friends as we have discussions, quizzes, and create your own audiobook sessions around the chosen book.
Once we finish a book, we also hold exciting nominations and vote in time for the book reveal session.
Audio book
club is at a regular time of 5pm-6pm every Monday and Thursday for
children and young people between the ages of 8-25.
Audio description services for the cultural industries.
Listening Books has over 10,000 wonderful fiction and non-fiction titles in our collection for
children and adults, including many popular authors. We also have set texts and study guides and many of our educational titles are recorded in our professional digital studios and aren't available anywhere else! Titles can be streamed over WiFi on computers, laptops, tablets, or
smartphones, downloaded to portable devices to listen to offline or on the go, or on
MP3 CDs sent through the post.
Bag Books is the only organisation in the world publishing multi-sensory books specifically for people with learning
disabilities. Each year we reach around 19,000
children and adults throughout the UK with Profound and Multiple Learning Disabilities (
PMLD), Severe Learning Disabilities (SLD) or severely affected by Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
A blog giving information and experiences concerning people with sight loss from
BAME communities.
Webinars and other events for people with sight loss from culturally diverse communities. The website below gives news and events.
Monthly chat for adults with Bardet-Biedl Syndrome. Events are arranged on a month by month basis, generally at the end of the month. If you would like to join in, please email rebecca.perfect@bbsuk.org.uk.
BBSUK can help by putting you in touch with other families who are facing similar problems, by passing on
advice which has helped others in the day to day management of thieir
children, and by sending information which will help professionals in
medical and educational fields to understand more about our special children.
Befriending scheme for people with
aniridia who are members of Aniridia Network - an opportunity to talk to someone who has experience of the condition.
A telephone
helpline for members which is available between 9.00 am and 8.00 pm on weekdays and between 10 am and 6 pm on weekends and bank
holidays (see website for full details). It is run by volunteers so answerphones may be used at certain times. Callers who leave a message are contacted as soon as possible at the Society's expense.
Local
support groups in-person and online. For groups in Wales contact Rachel below for more information.
A page giving
advice on benefits.
Cruse volunteers are trained in all types of bereavement and can help you make sense of how you're feeling right now.
Bierly products help people with partial sight to magnify text and be able to enjoy reading and regain their independence. The products are innovative but simple. They have been designed specifically for people with partial sight, poor coordination, dexterity issues and anyone who may find modern
technology challenging.
BUS supports patients with
uveitis">Birdshot, particularly when first diagnosed and provides up-to-date information about the condition and treatment options to help empower patients and ensure they have access to the most appropriate treatment possible.
Blazie write custom scripts for
screen readers, as well as provide
training teams of software engineers on the latest WCAG guidelines and HTML accessibility practices.
A monthly Social Hour, where people with sight loss who are in, or looking for employment can connect with other people in a friendly, laid-back environment. Contact Blind Ambition to find out how to attend.
Blind in Business provide a range of services aimed at assisting
visually impaired graduates into employment. These include assistance with applications, practice interview sessions,
advice on job hunting and help with networking.
Booktouch packs are available for
children who are blind or partially sighted. Children are entitled to this pack in addition to the two standard Bookstart packs. You can collect your free Booktouch packs from your health visitor, local health clinic, early years setting or local library. Bookstart schemes also work closely with these professionals and sensory impairment teams to help make sure everyone receives the packs best suited to them.
Our exciting weekly online early years group for parents who have a blind or partially sighted baby or
child between 0-4 years old. These drop ins run every Monday from 1pm till 2pm virtually on zoom. In these sessions you can expect to see:
a range of different activities each week from sensory stories to messy
play and
music sessions for you and your little ones to participate in; an opportunity to chat with/meet other parents and families; the chance to participate in useful discussions about practical concerns with some guest hosts.
Being told you need laser treatment or surgery to treat your
glaucoma can be an overwhelming experience. Though you will be given information on the procedure itself, it’s likely that you will still have lots of questions about what to expect. Speaking to someone who has already had the laser treatment or surgery can offer much needed re-assurance and helps to make the unknown a little less daunting.
If you have any questions about laser treatment or surgery for glaucoma, we can put you in touch with someone (referred to as a ‘buddy’) who has already had the procedure. They can talk you through their own experience of the treatment, relate to concerns you may have and answer any questions.
CALL
Helpline is the all Wales
mental health helpline. It provides emotional support to anyone living in Wales. The helpline operators provide a listening ear to anyone wanting support with their mental health. The Helpline is available 24/7 to anyone phoning from Wales. CALL is also a bilingual service, meaning callers can choose to speak to the helpline operator in either Welsh or English. CALL also offers a service through Language Line, which allows a caller to speak to the Helpline Operator in their language of choice.
Calibre Audio is a charity that provides a completely free for life audiobook service to everyone with a
disability that makes reading print difficult or impossible. Members enjoy 13,000+ unabridged audiobooks with unlimited borrowing through digital streaming, download, or on memory stick. Visit the website to find out more and join.
The Calvert Trust has an accessible centre in Exmoor where
disabled people can enjoy outdoor activities.
The Calvert Trust runs an accessible centre in Kielder where
disabled people can try out new experiences with family and friends. Various types of breaks are available, from day or half day
trips to self catering and
respite breaks.
An accessible, residential, outdoor activity centre for
disabled people. A wide range of activities and breaks are available for people of all ages.
The Cerebral
Visual Impairment Society hold an annual meeting which provides opportunities for parents, people with CVI and professionals to meet up and learn from each other in a mutually supportive environment.
Change 100 is our flagship programme of paid summer internships, professional development and mentoring. We match talented university students and recent graduates with any
disability or long-term condition with progressive employers.
The priority for the Group is to create opportunities to bring families together. If you are interested in attending an event or helping to organise one in your area, follow the link below.
At Seable, we collaborate with local and national charities, non-profit organisations, and schools to organise residential, cultural, and international
trips that are tailored to the needs of blind and
visually impaired participants. By working with us, charities can remove the stress and pressure of planning group holidays, ensuring a smooth and enriching experience for all involved.
The Childhood Eye Cancer Trust (CHECT) support fund provides
grants to families in need of financial help as a result of their
child’s diagnosis, treatment or screening for
retinoblastoma. The fund is available to UK members of CHECT and/or those receiving treatment under the NHS in one of the UK retinoblastoma centres – Royal London Hospital or Birmingham Children’s Hospital. Eligible families could receive up to £200 per year.
Childline helps anyone under 19 in the UK with any issue they’re going through. You can talk about anything. Whether it’s something big or small, their trained counsellors are here to support you. Childline is free, confidential and available any time, day or night.
RNIB’s
Children,
Young People and Families and Education (CYPFE) Service supports individuals aged 0-25 who have
vision impairment, their families and friends, and the professionals around them with any kind of query. We also support parents who themselves have vision impairments. Our locally based Family Support Officers provide
advice and guidance, resources and
training, and activities and events.
Guide Dogs Cymru support to
children and their families as they tackle the challenges of sight loss from birth through transition to adulthood.
Citizens
Advice Bureaux offer free, confidential, impartial and independent advice on welfare benefits, financial, consumer and relationship issues either over the phone.
ClearVision is a UK postal lending library of mainstream
children's books with added
braille. Our books all have braille (or Moon), print and pictures, making them suitable for visually-impaired and sighted children and adults to share. There are over 13,000 books in the collection, including tactile board books, simple stories for young children and stimulating books for newly fluent readers. We have fiction and non-fiction in uncontracted (grade 1) and contracted (grade 2) braille.
Macular Society's Connect by Tech service offers one-to-one telephone support with the
technology you are using around your home. Make the most of you
smart phones, tablets, laptops and computers, smart speakers, and other technology. Help with setting up Alexa, using accessibility features on devices, help with video calls, setting up a computer, Zoom and conference calls and more.
Connect Radio is especially for blind and partially sighted people and broadcasts 24 hours a day, seven days a week on Freeview Channel 730 and online at the link below.
We hold monthly evening group sessions for parents and
carers of
vision impaired children and
young people (0-25 years) which are facilitated by our team of RSBC Family Practitioners. It’s a supportive group where you will learn from the experiences of other parents and carers and in turn be able to support others with your own experiences and stories. Each month there will be a new topic covering many of the milestones and issues which parents and carers might face. It’s a safe place to share your feelings knowing others will support you. What to expect: Peer support; Empowering each other; Learning about and understanding
mental health and well-being; Sharing knowledge and experience; Discussing the challenges of raising a child with a vision impairment; Open
advice forum – no question is too big or too small.
Groups provide parents of
disabled children with essential practical and emotional support. Workshops and other events are organised.
The College in Birmingham provides a wide range of courses for students with a
visual impairment, or other
disabilities. Subjects include health and
social care, hospitality, IT and the performing arts - see the website for full details.
We hold regular online and hybrid sessions for
children and
young people of any age up to 25 to come together and share their creative passion. Whether you enjoy
music, playing an instrument, singing, poetry, drama, or creative writing you can join our sessions and meet others who share your interests. Online Gaming: We hold regular online gaming sessions for children and young people to come together and have some fun gaming together. Open to any children and young people up to age 25, why not come and join and meet others whilst playing online.
Guide Dogs CustomEyes service produces large print books for
children with
vision impairment. These are tailor-made for each child or
young person, but they are only
charged the recommended retail price. The customised large print books open up a whole world of imagination and learning, by enabling visually impaired children and young people to read the same books as their sighted friends and classmates.
DAC tests web sites for accessibility in line with the W3C Web Content Accessibility Guidelines version 2 (WCAG 2.1) – the government recommended standard.
Our befrienders are here to talk, laugh and build lasting friendships with. Living with
deafblindness can be lonely and you might find yourself feeling increasingly isolated. That’s why we offer a free
befriending service where you can have some regular company from a friendly volunteer, either by phone, text message or email.
Our specially trained support workers can visit you at home and work with you to do whatever you want. This might be helping you with post and paying bills, or it might be helping you get to your appointments, to the bank or support with shopping, to help make sure you don’t miss out on any information. They will also support you to carry on with your hobbies, making sure sight and hearing loss doesn’t stop you from doing what you love.
Support to develop your employability skills.
Our empowering support service helps you to resolve any practical issues that you might have or to get back on your feet after a setback. We can help you to access health and
social care, apply for welfare and benefits, research and access local services, understand housing options, investigate leisure and
transport options, connect with opportunities to make new friends or try new activities or to find help to fix a problem in the home. This is free, one to one support.
Telephone (0800 number) and text (0790 number)
advice and information for
Deafblind people.
We all need a break sometimes, but we know that for some, staying away from home is not that easy. Our self catering caravan in Hopton-on-Sea, Norfolk provide a home from home break at heavily discounted rates.
Whether you have lived with sight and hearing loss for a while or it is new to you,
Deafblindness can be difficult to understand. The information at this site will help you to understand deafblindness and how to make the most of life with sight and hearing loss.
Meet fortnightly (on Fridays), to give support and
advice to anyone with sight and hearing loss who is looking to find employment.
Our supported living accommodation is expertly designed to provide people with combined sight and hearing loss, who may have additional complex needs, with a safe and secure environment to live independently within the wider community.
Our
technology support service teaches you to make the most of technology to help you be as independent as possible. From magnification to
voice recognition, we can show you how to make the most of the gadgets you’ve already got or how to use specialist accessibility software.
Our wellbeing and emotional support service can help you through particularly difficult times. You can contact our trained staff and volunteers who are non-judgemental and experienced in helping people who are
deafblind. We can contact you at regular times throughout the year to see how you’re doing and to offer any
advice or support that you might need. We can also send you Christmas and birthday cards and put you in touch with other people who are in a similar position to you.
The voluntary groups across Wales are run voluntarily by people living with
diabetes. These groups can offer you local information and support and the opportunity to meet other people who live with diabetes.
The
Diabetic Eye Screening Wales service checks for eye problems caused by having
diabetes. Making changes to your diabetes management, or having specialist treatment can slow or reverse changes caused by diabetic retinopathy. If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, and are aged 12 or over, you will be invited to attend a screening appointment.
Accessible Wales flagship
training course is an Introduction to
Disability Awareness which is a program of informal but professional training courses. This course is aimed at addressing day to day issues relating to disability within the workplace.
Creating an open and fair environment where all employees are valued is good for morale - enabling all employees to work to their full potential creates greater efficiencies.
DW's
Disability Equality
Training module will provide you with an understanding of the
Social Model of Disability and barriers faced by disabled people. They offer bespoke training and can tailor the module to your organisation.
Organisations participating in
Disability Equality
Training will be able to:
demonstrate recognition of their accountability to disabled people;
understand the implications of the
Equality Act, particularly the disability provisions, and it’s relevance to arts provision in Wales
devise an appropriate and realistic format for effective action planning;
work towards best practice in inclusion and accessibility.
You receive 1/3 off adult train
travel with a
Disabled Persons Railcard, for you and an adult companion, if needed.
Family Fund's new ‘Discover more support’ tool features topics like money and benefits,
mental health and wellbeing, education and learning and
disability. It gives users the option to browse through 130 trusted listed organisations, to find available support services best suited to their families’ needs
Dolphin assistive
technology products are designed to improve accessibility and independence on computers, for people with a wide range of
vision impairments. This includes
screen readers for people who are blind, and magnification and audio products for people who have partial sight and low vision.
An on-line forum where people can discuss any aspect of
dystonia.
The telephone
Helpline is available Monday to Friday from 10:00 to 16:00 to deal with questions about
dystonia from both members and non-members, and from healthcare professionals. Helpline staff are not medically qualified and that the Helpline cannot offer
advice about an individual's treatment or provide any type of diagnosis. The service can however provide support and information on many aspects of dystonia and its management
A
helpline for people affected by
discrimination or human rights
abuses. It can advise on the
Equality Act 2010, and your options for resolving problems formally or informally. See website for full details.
Eating disorders are serious mental illnesses, and if you think you may have one, you deserve help to get better. Learn more about how to ask for and what to expect from treatment, as well as how we can support you.
Storm WCB (Ein Llais Ein Storm) aims to give young adults across Wales the opportunity to have their voices and opinions heard. The project uses social media to share thought and open discussions, create an online community and to promote services. Run in conjunction with UCAN Productions.
Help with looking for work or helping you to stay in work for people with sight loss.
Enhanced Vision offer an extensive line of low vision products including
video magnifiers. Their products are designed to help people regain their visual independence by providing the ability to read, write, see loved ones, or enjoy the outdoors.
An on-line tool enabling
disabled people to identify sports which are suitable for their specific impairment, and then search for
clubs in their area where they can try that activity. By highlighting inclusive activities and one-off events which non disabled and disabled people can do together, Every Body Moves can inform and inspire people to discover something new.
An on-line resource containing information on eye care for people with learning
disabilities. It includes information in easy-read format, and also information for
carers.
Provide
grants to the families of
disabled children and
young people who meet certain criteria. The grants can be used for essential items such as washing machines, fridge-freezers, family breaks, clothing and bedding as well as contributions to hospital visiting costs. They also help with tablets, laptops and sensory toys.
This service offers one to one support for the whole family; help with coping with a diagnosis; help to access practical support; and support for your
child's development.
The Society will provide
grants to help people who are in hardship because of Behçet's disease. To provide a grant, evidence of the amount needed must be provided. Examples of claims which might be funded include prepayment certificate for drugs, help with
travel to hospital, household bills, help towards computer with reading aids/
voice recognition if you are
visually impaired, or aids/other equipment not available on the NHS to help if you are
disabled.
Focal Point UK is a leading private sector provider of vision
rehabilitation (rehab) services to all sector organisations - statutory
service providers such as social services departments, education departments and Employment Services, or their agents acting on their behalf. We also work with
voluntary sector organisations who provide or require vision rehab services and support.
Whether it’s the magical place your favourite book used to take you or special memories locked in letters and journals that you can no longer read, we understand the importance and power of the written word and how difficult it can be for you to read what you want, when you want. Our team can help with removing these barriers. They can help you to stay in touch with your local community, continue to attend social groups and activities, enjoy your favourite hobby, or widen your horizons through education and
travel, by simply taking your print and converting it into a format you can read yourself.
We focus on finding and funding scientific research that advances the understanding, prevention, diagnosis and treatment of eye disease. And we have an ambitious five-year scientific research strategy to ensure our funding is putting change in sight.
RNC offers a wide range of further education courses for
visually impaired students at its site in Hereford. Subjects include
braille and independent living skills in addition to various BTec, GCSE, A and AS level courses.
Glaucoma UK organises patient
support groups across the UK. The concept of the groups is to allow patients to meet their health care professionals in a relaxed atmosphere, away from the time restricted atmosphere on outpatients, so the condition and treatment can be discussed in more depth. The weblink below gives details and contact points.
Meet other people with
glaucoma and share information and experiences. The
support groups are also attended by health care professionals and guest speakers, so you’ll have an opportunity to speak with them in a relaxed atmosphere and ask the questions that matter most to you. The groups may also run social events and arrange fundraising activities.
A on-line discussion forum for
glaucoma patients and their families. The website also includes information about all aspects of glaucoma.
Telephone and email
helpline for practical help and
advice about
glaucoma and emotional support. The line is open Mon - Fri: 9:30 am to 5:00 pm. After office hours, an answerphone is in operation, where you can leave a message and they will ring you back.
Directory of goalball
clubs around the UK including Wales.
MACS gives
grants to cover the cost of activities or equipment needed by
children born without eyes, or with under-developed eyes. You must have been a member of MACS for at least 6 month to apply.
A
guide dog can offer a unique, safe and effective way of getting about independently and confidently.
Welsh language talking book service.
The gateway to information about health and health services in Wales.
The information the NHS provides will be presented to help you make decisions that matter to you and to understand what is happening in relation to your own health and to health care more generally.
HealthUnlocked offers you the ability to learn about your health and to connect with other patients and healthcare professionals. At the heart of HealthUnlocked is your profile that allows you to communicate, and manage your health.
The home of multiple online services, enabling
children of all ages and abilities to
play, develop and achieve. Teachers, therapists,
carers and parents can provide accessible game-based learning activities, creative
personalised choice-making activities, access readymade curriculum activities and sensory stories, or assess and develop early vision and cognition behaviours.
Henshaw's Hints and Tips library is our home for articles, videos, tips, tricks and useful information. Whether you are living with sight loss, supporting someone who is or simply want to educate yourself, explore our helpful resources, inspiring stories and how-to guides to learn more.
A page of information and guidance on loneliness to help
young people. There are links for young people, parents, and professionals.
HumanWare develop technological aids enabling people living with
vision impairment to develop their potential, live independently and improve quality of life by promoting literacy, inclusion, and accessibility.
Hungry Fingers produces books with tactile graphics; listen and touch books which contain more complex graphics; educational sets containing various objects (shapes, models) which come with tactile books.
Inclusive Kicks is a
pan-
disability football programme that improves wellbeing, develops confidence and increases social interaction.
A fundamental introduction of inclusive teaching and education practices for teaching
Visual Impaired Learners.
Provides
advice on getting
direct payments, including information on:individual budgets/
personalisation; funding from social services in relation to the care needs of the
disabled; the appeals process; general advice on employing personal assistants
Our mission is to help our students reach their potential, maximise independence and find their place in the world. Our College offers bespoke further education courses for 16-25 year olds from across the UK. We’re able to provide both residential and day placements to
young people who have left the structure of school and are looking for the next step into adulthood.
For
young people at our College, we provide a wide range of specialist support services that help our young people achieve their potential in life. Our vision is to make sure every young person with sight loss and
disability gets access to the same opportunities as others.
We aim to make sure they have the opportunity to learn, grow and develop into independent adults who can live and work independently. Our services encourage independence whilst providing the necessary support and care required.
The website contains information for families affected by this condition.
A page at
Macular Society's site giving information for the
medical support for wet AMD.
insport is a
Disability Sport Wales project delivered with the support of Sport Wales, which aims to support the physical activity, sport, and leisure sectors delivering inclusively of disabled people. Disability Sport Wales have developed toolkits to support
Clubs, National Governing Bodies (NGBs) and Local Authorities to deliver excellent standards of inclusion for disabled people in sport and physical activity. These are separated into individual programmes: insport Club, insport NGB, insport Development, and insport
Third Sector. You can find your nearest insport club by entering your postcode at the site below.
AbilityNet offers a range of free services to enable
disabled people to make use of assitive technologies. These include free factsheets, a telephone
helpline and an on-line
assessment tool.
By using Specialist Employment Advisers, we're able to support people with sight &/or hearing loss, through a range of interventions tailored to the needs and circumstances of the individual. In partnership with Centre of Sign Sight Sound (COS), Merthyr Tydfil Institute for the Blind (MTIB), and Agoriad Cyf, ELITE's role in JobSense is to work with jobseekers who have sight &/or hearing loss. We also work with employers to enable their ability to recruit from a diverse workforce inclusively.
An on-line forum where people with an interest in the condition can raise and discuss issues.
Little Amber is Amber’s innovative
music service that aims to enable blind or partially sighted babies and young
children to engage with music by providing families and professionals with resources and ideas for music-making.
'Living made easy' is an impartial
advice and information website about
daily living equipment and other aspects of independent living for
disabled people. The site includes an 'Ask Sara' section which takes you through a series of questions to identify the type of help that you need.
RNIB’s free, informal, community-based courses provide information,
advice, support and practical solutions for people adjusting to sight loss and those close to them. Boost your confidence and connect with others to share experiences. You can join a course by phone, group video call, or in person when we can offer face-to-face sessions.
The BWFB provides high quality, easy to use audio equipment which has been specially designed and adapted for listeners living with sight loss.
Local Minds support over 370,000 people across England and Wales. Their services include talking therapies, crisis
helplines, drop-in centres, employment and
training schemes, counselling and
befriending. Each local Mind is an independent charity run by local people, for local people. They are responsible for their own funding and services. Mind Cymru works together in partnership with Local Minds.
The Talking News Federation website has a facility to search for local talking newspapers in your area by inputting your county.
A free mentoring service for
young people with
vision impairment. Offers support on topics such as school and college; gap year ideas; career and life plans; socialising and confidence; independent living. Mentors are vision impaired themselves.
Come and meet other parents of
Visually Impaired children every other Tuesday at 19:30GMT in our free online meet up sessions. (On Mondays from August 2023)
If you already have a
vision impairment or low vision, or are registered as either
sight impaired or
severely sight impaired a specially trained and accredited Low vision
optician/
optometrist) can help you make the best use of the sight you have. There are specially trained low vision practitioners working out of high street opticians throughout the whole of Wales. To find your nearest one simply search the database at the link below.
Telephone
helpline offering
advice and support to parents of
children born without eyes or with under-developed eyes.
Calling the
helpline at
Macular Society is your access to
advocacy as a patient regarding treatment. Contact the helpline if you would like advocacy support for liaison with the
ophthalmologist etc.
Depending on your circumstances, you may be entitled to financial support from the government. Welfare benefits are available to help those living with
macular disease, and their families, with extra costs.
About
macular disease; diagnosis and treatment; how is macular disease diagnosed?; what to do after diagnosis; treatments; navigating the healthcare system; support for you; get involved; research; professionals; who we are; work with us; shop;
advice and information.
All Wales telephone calls to help those who are unable to make it to meetings in person. These will take place on: First Wednesday of the Month 11am – 12pm - English and Welsh speaking.
It is not unusual for some people with
macular disease to feel isolated, especially if it's difficult to get out and about. However, there is no need to feel alone - MS telephone befrienders can provide a regular friendly phone call, which may help to rebuild confidence and independence. Their telephone
befriending service may be especially helpful if you cannot get to one of their
support group meetings, but would like to talk to someone who has experience of macular disease.
The
Macular Society can put you in touch with a Treatment Buddy who has already had treatment, for information and reassurance. If you are experiencing visual hallucinations (
Charles Bonnet Syndrome) due to sight loss there is a buddy service where you can talk to someone who has also experienced visual hallucinations for information and reassurance.
Macular Society has a team of qualified counsellors who have extensive experience either personally or professionally within the field of sight loss. This is a telephone service for anyone who has been diagnosed with macular disease. They also offer the same service to that person’s family members, in the UK or internationally.
They are bound by the BACP (British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy) Ethical Framework for Good Practice in Counselling, and fully compliant with the Data Protection Act.
The
Macular Society has local self-help
support groups across the UK. The groups vary in size and style but all offer invaluable practical and emotional support to people with macular disease from people with macular disease. Click the link below and enter your postcode to find the group near you.
Web page of information and
advice for people with
macular disease.
Aimed at individuals with
sight impairments and
additional learning needs and founded in honour of UCAN Board Member, Dr Margaret Woodhouse OBE, known to everyone as Maggie. This once a month event is full of fun, drama, games, sound workshops and arts and crafts. 2:30pm-3:30pm at School of
Optometry and Vision Science, Cardiff University, Maindy Rd, Cardiff. For more information and to book a place please contact Enireth.
Managing Better is a free, cross-tenure, home visiting service offering practical help for
older people with sensory loss, dementia, or who have had a stroke. Their dedicated Managing Better Caseworkers will visit your home and provide vital information and practical help to enable you to live as freely and safely as possible. They can provide adaptations to your home that are necessary if you are suffering from sight loss, hearing loss, dementia or have had a stroke.
Provides information and a range of literature about
Marfan syndrome. Members are also invited to various events organised by the association. There is a range of membership options. The basic 'Friends Membership' (which gives access to the
helpline, all online & social media resources & all standard e-news articles), is free.
An online group where people can fellow
Marfan and Loeys-Dietz supporters, ask questions, share worries and swap tips.
An online group where people can meet similarly situated parents and discuss common concerns in a friendly, warm environment.
Disabled and
Deaf artists, as members of Disability Arts Cymru, have access to information,
advice and support throughout Wales.
From Dyslexia to Arthritis, to visual and hearing losses, whatever the condition, Microlink can assess, advise, supply, train and support anyone looking to break down a barrier caused by their conditions.
An online resource dedicated to supporting people who become ill or
disabled. The site offers a range of practical tips and free impartial
advice to help people better understand their money matters when faced with a life-changing event such as
a long-term health condition or disability.
If you’re in Year 6 and you want to share your thoughts and chat to others who, like you, will be moving to Year 7 in September, then why not join our Moving on Up Group! As well as the other
young people, our Family Practitioners will be on hand to answer your questions and help you work through the move. This Group will give you the chance to talk about your thoughts and feelings, help you work through them and help boost your confidence before September! The sessions are fun, and enjoyable but they will also offer you a safe space to talk to others and to the RSBC’s Family Practitioner.
Music in Mind aims to enable blind or partially sighted
children with neurodegenerative disease to engage with music by providing families and professionals with resources and ideas for music-making.
The 'My Guide' scheme is a partnership between
Guide Dogs and community organisations, which helps people with sight loss get out of their homes and back into the community. My Guide aims to reduce the isolation that many people with sight loss experience, helping to rebuild their confidence and regain their independence.
Delve into the world of
macular disease with the Macular Society. Join us as we hear from eye care professionals, providing expert insight on the latest developments in research and evolving treatments. Listen as we also share first-hand stories and explore the support available for those living with sight loss.
Every month
Macular Society hosts a webinar to bring you closer to the experts. You will be joined by experts in macular disease who discuss the latest in treatments and research and answer your questions.
Subscribers to the service get access to an extensive range of newspapers, TV listings magazines and other top-selling and specialist magazines to read on CD player, mobile phone or laptop. Some publications for
children are also available.
NCW is a national residential school and college for
young people aged 11 to 19 who are blind or partially sighted. Every student at NCW has a tailored programme, carefully planned & delivered to meet their individual needs in three key areas; academic achievement, independent living skills and involvement in extracurricular activities at the College and in the community. The College also runs a range of outreach courses for professionals/parents and events for young people and their families.
You can have an eye examination for free if you have an eye problem that occurs suddenly. Formerly known as the
Eye Health Examination Wales (EHEW) initiative, you are entitled to have your eyes examined free of
charge by a registered
optometrist if you have an eye problem that occurred suddenly (acutely) which you think requires urgent attention. Patients with an acute problem with their eye or vision can be seen for the following issues: Minor eye injury; red eye; painful eye; foreign body; sudden loss/ change in vision; new onset
flashes/ floaters. You can self-refer to a local optometrist without the need to see a GP. You can also have a free examination if you: have been referred by your GP to an optometrist because of an eye problem; have sight in one eye only, i.e. you are effectively blind in your worse eye; have a hearing impairment and are profoundly
deaf; suffer from
retinitis pigmentosa; have Black African, Black Caribbean, Indian, Pakistani or Bangladeshi family origins; are at risk of eye disease by other reasons of race or family history. Find out more at the link below.
The
Nystagmus Network website has a range of information about the condition. However, membership gives additional benefits such as access to experts,
advice, support and discounts on NN publications.
The
helpline can answer questions on what it's like to have
nystagmus, on treatment and research, on
DLA, on education and employment, on driving and
discrimination, in fact anything you can think of related to nystagmus, whether congenital (early onset) or acquired (late onset). Or you can just phone for a chat with someone else who has nystagmus.
The
Nystagmus Network virtual adult get together group for adults living with congenital nystagmus to connect with other people with nystagmus and make new friends.
Older Not Colder is a Wales-wide service that helps
older people to keep their homes warm and reduce their energy bills. Care and Repair can visit and asses your home and give you free expert
advice. They will even try and find funding for you if you need repairs or work to improve the energy efficiency or warmth of your home. The service is for people who: live in Wales; are over the age of 60; own their own home or privately rent. Contact your local Care and Repair at https://careandrepair.org.uk/contact-us/ . Questions about the project can go to the email address below.
An on-line tool available from the UK Government. Get an estimate of what benefits (eg Income Support or Jobseeker's Allowance) and
tax credits you could get, and find out about claiming specific benefits. You can also find out how your benefits would be affected by a change in circumstances (eg if you find work).
Contact Cymru is running a new online drop-in service for families of
children with additional needs. Sessions take place every Thursday morning between 11:00-12:00 during term time. The drop-ins are run by our parent volunteers, who provide a safe space to talk about information and experiences. Each drop-in has a topic theme, but it’s also open to anyone who just wants to chat with other families or find out more about Contact.
Optelec products are designed to help with making the most of life: to allow staying in touch with friends and relatives, to participate and succeed in education and the workplace as well continuing to enjoy hobbies. They manufacture a range of Electronic Magnifiers and
Text-to-Speech readers and give free demonstrations at home.
Optima supply a large and comprehensive range of optical and electronic magnifiers, as well as a range of Anti-Glare Filters and LED task lamps.
Pamtrad sell a range of products including optical magnifiers, electronic magnifiers, access software such as iZoom, large print keyboards and reading machines.
Support hub for parents of
children with sight loss.
The Peer Support network connects people living with
diabetes, giving the chance to share information, experience and support. It is run by a team of volunteers, each with lots of experience of managing and living with diabetes. You can talk by email at any time, or phone during opening hours.
Penderels Trust can assist with all aspects of a direct payment, for example helping you to manage your care money, dealing with employment issues, paying your staff etc. Once your package is established, your independent living adviser (ILA) will assist you to take on more responsibility for the management of your direct payment, but will always be available to support you if you need some help.
Transcription service for blind and partially-sighted people. Formats offered: Audio in human voice or digitally generated synthetic speech, on CD,
Daisy CD, or as an
mp3 file;
Braille; Large and giant print; Electronic text; Tactile diagrams and images; Accessible sheet
music and musical scores - Modified Stave notation.
Braille, large print, and audio production service.
Professional Vision Services Ltd sell the MagniLink range of
video magnifiers, a variety of hand-held electronic magnifiers,
Braille devices,
Braille embossers and access software. They also offer free demonstration of products.
If you are aged 18 or above and want to move into employment, the advance2work programme at Queen Alexandra College in Birmingham may be able to help. It aims to help you fill any skills gaps, get some work experience and find a job as quickly as possible. The College's experienced staff of tutors and Employment Consultants will work with you on your individualised programme which can last from a few weeks up to a year if necessary. The programme is funded by the Dept for Work & Pensions.
A free confidential support line on 0808 196 3651 for
advice on loneliness support.
There are five regional officers. One each for North Wales, Mid Wales, West Wales, Central South Wales and Gwent areas. Contact details are given at the web page below.
Our
rehabilitation officers are specially trained to help veterans like you adjust to living with sight loss. Our care is tailored to your individual needs, so your rehabilitation programme is just that – yours. Our team assess how you cope with carrying out day-to-day tasks. They will work with you to identify what you need help with and what your goals are. Your rehab programme will be based around what you need, and continually assessed during your time with us.
Reinecker offer a wide range of products and individual solutions. This includes optical and electronic magnifiers, desktop
video magnifiers, transportable camera systems, vocal systems and
magnifying Software for PC and MAC. They also offer individual consulting and
training.
This interest-focused group will give you the opportunity to share your stories, tips, hints and
advice around all things creative from painting to pottery, sketching to sculpting and every creative talent in between. It will meet online, via Zoom.
A peer
support group where you can share your experiences, tips and hints around all things Tech. The meetings take place bi-monthly via Zoom.
RP helpline is operated by volunteers all directly affected with a genetic eye disorder, who genuinely understand the issues faced with
daily living.
Retina UK volunteers run a number of Local Groups in towns across the UK. The also run an online group for 'Wrexham and Wales'. These enable people with
RP to socialise and support each other as well as raise funds and run events on our behalf.
For people who prefer a regular call from someone who is affected with inherited sight loss and can offer a listening ear, provide information, hints and tips.
An interest-focused group is a safe, friendly & welcoming place which will give you the opportunity to share your stories, tips, hints and
advice around all things home & garden from DIY & decorating to planting flowers & mowing the lawn. It will meet online, via Zoom, bi-monthly.
RNIB Bookshare supports those who are unable to access print with a vast collection of accessible textbooks and materials to support the UK curriculum from early years to adult education. This free service, which can be accessed by teachers, students, and parents, has a range of accessible formats so books can be read electronically or adapted to suit personal reading needs, giving students the same educational opportunities as their peers.
RNIB's Connect Facebook groups are a supportive space for people affected by sight loss to talk to others in a similar situation about topics that matter to them, ask questions and share tips and stories. The group for Wales is given in the link below.
Offering telephone and online counselling to people impacted by sight-loss. Counselling through the medium of Welsh, as well as English.
The
helpline can assist you with information on any aspect of RNIB's many services.
The RNIB Library is the largest of its kind in the UK, and it's completely free, with over 60,000 items in the collection. This website is your gateway to the entire collection in one place: Audio,
Braille,
Music - there is so much to access, borrow and enjoy.
We deliver more than 200 popular and best-selling publications, in a format to suit you. There are popular high street titles, specialist publications,
children's magazines and the major daily and weekend papers.
A digital download library, allowing subscribers to download talking books, talking magazines and podcasts directly to their computer, tablet or
smartphone.
RNIB Shape and Share events bring
children and
young people with a
vision impairment and their families together for peer support, to share experiences and take part in fun activities virtually via Microsoft Teams.
Products that help you live independently and enjoy everyday activities. Visit the RNIB Shop Window where they highlight some of the latest articles written by the RNIB Shop team, who have lived experience with sight loss, and have been researching the high street options so you don't have to.
This provides opportunities for you to socialise in small groups by phone to build friendships and get peer support with other people in a similar situation. We match individuals together for conversations based on age and group preferences. Trained volunteers or RNIB staff facilitate the groups. Talk and Support
befriending groups meet on the same day, at the same time, each week. Each group runs for 55 minutes. Facilitators help the group chat together and keep the conversation flowing.
RNIB is working with her Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC) on a project to support blind and partially sighted people with tax and benefit issues. Our service is free and confidential.
If you want to feel empowered and knowledgeable about the world of
technology, then join our Accessible Technology sessions. Our Senior Accessibility
Advisor Alex can provide support with using a wide range of devices such as
smart phones, computers, tablets,
braille readers and much more. They can also offer support in how everyday devices can be used to support blind and partially sighted people in areas including
travel, finances, wellbeing and fitness, independent living and school. You can arrange a personal session online with Alex, designed just for you, or you and your family.
We also run a range of group workshops online. All sessions last between 1 and 1.5 hours and can be arranged at a date and time of your convenience.
RSBC’s “Futures” service is a bespoke service for
young people 13-25 and there to support you as you start to make
plans for your future. You may already know what you want to do in the future - seeking paid employment, becoming a volunteer, running your own business, taking up an apprenticeship, going onto further or higher education, or perhaps you aren’t sure yet what you’d like to do? At RSBC our “Futures” service can be your side to guide and support you as you start to make those plans. RSBC has links with partners that mean you have the best possible opportunities to build your own skills, knowledge, experience and of course confidence. Perhaps you need support with really practical things such as
Access to Work (link), mobility for your route to work or college, or applying for
Personal Independence Payment (PIP). We can help with these areas too, which can sometimes feel confusing and hard to find support for. You may be a family member of a young person trying to access some information or support alongside your young person. We understand that sometimes information about the support available for blind and partially sighted young people can be difficult to access. Through the Futures service you can access one to one session with our team, get support and share ideas with other young people, get practical support with CV writing, work placements or experience and really build your confidence to take the next steps in your future. We will make sure that we support your personal aspirations and look after your wellbeing. So, whether you are making choices about your GCSE subjects, starting to think about your next steps in education, or planning your career or volunteer role, our Futures service can help you reach your goals and aspirations.
Held on the last Wednesday of the month. The group is a monthly virtual session targeted specifically for
vision impaired children and
young people across Wales.
This virtual group is a place for any young people from the ages 10 to 16 who are partially sighted, blind or
sight impaired who live in Wales. These sessions are held virtually on Zoom and are for any who would like to meet other like-minded people, build new relationships and form new bonds.
The RSBC youth forum is a group of blind and partially sighted
young people aged between 16 and 25. We are committed to creating positive change and championing the voices of blind and
visually impaired young people, as well as influencing all areas of work across RSBC. The youth forum works to raise awareness and challenge perceptions of visually impaired young people. We aim to represent their views and opinions, highlight the issues that affect them, and make sure we’re doing our best to influence those who can push for change and bring about improvements in services at both RSBC and external organisations. The youth forum meets online and in person, and meets regularly with trustees and staff across RSBC, to ensure that the voices of blind and visually impaired young people are at the forefront of driving the charities services and engagement.
The Jubilee Sailing Trust offers
disabled people the chance to sail on their tall ships. Day sails or longer voyages are available.
Contact a Samaritan. If you need someone to talk to, they listen. They won't judge or tell you what to do. You can write, email, chat online or speak face-to-face.
SANE provides emotional support and information to anyone affected by
mental illness, including families, friends and
carers. Their mental health support services are completely confidential. Whatever your problems or concerns, you will receive non-judgemental emotional support. Their professional staff and trained volunteers have specialist mental health knowledge; they can help you consider options for support that address your individual circumstances.
Come and join Alys every fortnight at the wonderful Sight Life Centre, Cardiff, CF10 1BR. Sessions aim to develop confidence, vocal and self-
advocacy skills whilst making friends and having fun. There are also opportunities to access our recording studio space there, to make podcasts, radio content, or simply engage with the stimulating possibilities offered by
music and sound
technology. 18+ years old. Bi-weekly on a Wednesday 11:30am-2:15pm at Sight Life Centre, Jones Court, Womanby Street, Cardiff.
We have a host of resources that will help sports practitioners, coaches, teachers and support staff provide sensory experiences for people who are
deafblind or
disabled. We also support the sports and
social care sectors through consultation and
training. Our tools, training and resources can help you ensure your sports programmes are more inclusive and accessible.
Our Sensory Loss Awareness
training is primarily aimed at people likely to come into contact with people with sensory loss within their working lives. The aim being to improve their awareness of the difficulties and barriers people with sensory loss encounter interacting within unfamiliar environments where communication and other difficulties are often experienced.
With over 150 years' experience of working together with blind and partially sighted people, our knowledge can help your business open up a host of new opportunities. We can help with websites,
apps, accessible communications, user testing,
training and much more.
Through our Lottery project, we deliver prevention work amongst
children and communities at high risk of sight loss (Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities have a higher prevalence of sight loss and often experience barriers in accessing eye care). We deliver talks at schools and community groups to raise awareness on people can maintain good eye sight and encourage them to engage with eye care.
Through our Sight Loss
Advice Service, RNIB offers support to blind and partially sighted people across the UK. We can help you to find the right assistive
technology, support you in education and work, access financial help and much more. We're here to help you live the life you want. We cover a wide range of topics such as: eye conditions; emotional support; wellbeing; registering your sight loss with social services; home life and family; mobility and getting around; employment; accessing information; benefits and concessions; your rights; education; leisure; technology.
Our Lottery project provides awareness
training to organisations and businesses in Wales. The sessions look at the barriers that people with sight loss face and how those barriers can be broken down. We also run the accredited Sight Loss Friendly Organisations scheme. A Sight Loss Friendly accredited organisation would be required to meet several criteria, with the ultimate aim of ensuring organisations are better equipped to support and provide services for people with sight loss.
Torch Trust can help your church to become more aware of how to support people with sight loss. We can support you to become more accessible and more able to confidently engage everyone in your church, and those who would like to join.
People aged 16 and over experiencing mild to moderate anxiety,
depression or stress can sign-up for a 12-week course of SilverCloud. SilverCloud is an online therapy platform that uses proven methods like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) to help people manage their problems by encouraging them to change the way they think and behave.
Sisterhood is a fantastic online group for young women aged 11 –25 to come together and discuss issues that are important to them. It’s a chance to discuss anything from
mental health and wellbeing to hair care and make up. It’s a lovely supportive group that meets Tuesdays fortnightly online.
We work with individuals with sight loss to support them to run individual social action projects. This project equips people with sight loss with the skills and confidence to make a change in society. Individuals will learn a suite of skills such as campaigning, marketing and networking and they will be supported to lead their own social change project on a topic that is important to them, for example, improving access in their local community centre or public
transport, creating more recycling facilities in their community or working with a
service provider to make their written materials more accessible.
Deafblind Cymru's peer support & social groups provide those with both sight and hearing impairments plus their
carers an opportunity to meet people and make friends. At regular meetings, all members are encouraged to get involved in the decision making process to determine what activities the group should do, often including social
outings and arranging meetings to enjoy guest speakers on subjects of interest.
Track racing experiences for blind and partially sighted people at a range of circuits in the UK.
An on-line resource written by five expert organisations to give parents the information, support and guidance they need at the time of their
child's sight loss diagnosis. While it is not a substitute for information and
advice from a medial professional, Starting Point is a gateway to invaluable information and support.
Thomas Pocklington Trust's Student Support Service is here to support blind and partially sighted students aged 11+ to get the most out of their secondary, college and university education.
Provides support for
visually impaired people working in the legal profession, including a student mentoring scheme. They also share information/knowledge about IT solutions to information gathering; accessing printed material and legal material in alternative formats.
If your
child is affected by
deafblindness, or if you are a deafblind parent, we can give you and your family specialist support at each stage of your child’s development. We also support schools, colleges, universities and employers to make sure children and
young people who are affected by deafblindness have the best possible start in life.
The Childhood Eye Cancer Trust (CHECT) is there to help you through the difficult period of diagnosis and treatment of your
child and beyond, offering support throughout their teenage years and into adulthood.
If you or someone in your family has
Usher syndrome, there are lots of ways we can help. Our specialist Usher team can help you to understand the condition and what it means for you, as well as give practical
advice about benefits, employment opportunities – and much more! We are here to support you whatever your age, whatever stage of your Usher journey you are on, and whatever type of Usher syndrome you have.
Talking Books Wales/Llyfrau Llafar Cymru produces audio versions of Welsh Language books (talking books). They have a catalogue of more than 1000 titles.
TAVIP is an organisation for all
visually impaired people with an interest in computers, from those using them in schools to professionals working in IT, and for professionals interested in issues related to IT and visual impairment.
TAVIP's
Technology for Work
Training Course offers members up to 5 hours of free one-to-one training to help them gain the IT skills needed in the work place so that, with other pre-employment support, they are ready to make the step into paid work.
Grants to registered blind or partially sighted people for useful
technology that can help them live independently.
Our products support literacy, numeracy and accessibility in the classroom and the workplace. Get access on any device or platform, wherever you're working.
The Accessible Friends Network (TAFN) is a national independent UK charity providing
social networking, computer technical support,
training and entertainment via the internet. It is a user-led voluntary group run for and by
vi people which uses email, the internet, voice conferencing and other resources to improve the quality of life for vi people and their partners by networking. Events, which are moderated, include quizzes, musical theme nights, jazz
club, & computer skills workshops.
Who do we fund? Individuals: Applications may be made by, or on behalf of,
vision impaired individuals who are aged 25 and under, permanently resident in the UK, and in need of financial assistance. Organisations: Applications may be made by charitable organisations registered in the UK, whose work provides direct benefit for people in the UK, and which have, as part of their aims, a focus on services (new or existing) that support vision impaired
children and
young people.
The Rowan Organisation provides a wide range of support services created to help you manage your
Direct Payments. This can include: supporting you to decide whether to employ a
Personal Assistant (PA) or to use other services; support with setting up the scheme; support with paperwork required by the scheme; support with finding and recruiting staff; providing you with information and
advice on the legal requirements of being an employer.
Our social impact funding supports projects that are designed to improve the experience of being blind or partially sighted, or at risk of sight loss, in the UK. We are an evidence-led funder and base our programmes on where we feel our money can have the greatest impact. The Vision Fund supports organisations who directly support blind and partially sighted people or people at risk of losing sight.
Thrive - Get Gardening presents Thrive's experience and expertise in gardening with a
disability, which has been gathered over 30 years of helping disabled people to start or continue gardening. It contains practical information to make garden jobs easier,
advice on taking care, useful hints and tips and details of the equipment and tools which will be particularly helpful. It has a section for blind & partially sighted people. If you can't find the info you need, you can phone or email us.
There are a variety of
holidays on offer with a Christian ethos. Many of them happen at Torch's own Holiday and Retreat Centre in West Sussex. Other holidays are available elsewhere in the UK and abroad
To provide Christian friendship, support, encouragement and fun to people experiencing sight loss (especially those unable to easily access Christian and social activities) via Telephone Friendship Groups. It offers blind and partially sighted people the opportunity via the telephone to share the Scriptures together,
pray together and fellowship together - all from the comfort of their own armchair!
A simple on-line calculator to help you find out whether you might be entitled to any state benefits, and find out where to go for further support.
Arts Award is a range of unique qualifications supporting anyone aged up to 25 to grow as artists and arts leaders, inspiring them to connect with and take part in the wider arts world through taking challenges in an art form - from drama to digital art, pottery to poetry.
Through progressing through the five levels,
children and
young people get to: discover the enjoyment of creating and participating in arts activities; experience arts events; develop creative and communication skills that are essential for success in 21st century life; explore the work of artists and craftspeople and gain insights into the professional arts world; gain experience and knowledge to help progress into further education and employment.
UCAN creates and delivers creative arts and learning programmes which help and enable our members to develop physical and vocal confidence, raise aspirations and develop individual abilities. Workshop activities also serve to improve self-
advocacy skills in relation to issues and topics relevant to our members.
UCAN run a regular Friday evening drama/
music/social workshop in the Cardiff School of
Optometry building. This is attended by UCAN members, their friends and family, and also volunteers who work with UCAN. Trainers Alex and Alys, and our Peer Engagement Officer Hannah, deliver all sorts of activities relating to drama games, acting, music recording and sound
technology, Arts Awards and also the chance to relax and have fun with friends in a safe environment. School of Optometry and Vision Science, Cardiff University, Maindy Rd, Cardiff. Every Friday 5:30pm-7:30pm.
For
children and
young people. Have fun and learn new skills through drama. A popular group with lots of drama games, creative and storytelling activities. Every Tuesday 5:00pm-6:30pm, on Zoom.
UCAN has delivered vision awareness
training in
medical settings, as well as to public and private companies, schools, trade unions and youth organisations in the UK and abroad. This training is delivered by young
disabled people and takes a unique approach in challenging public perceptions and attitudes towards sight loss. UCAN Productions also works with Cardiff University School of
Optometry, delivering lectures on the lived experience of
vision impairment to optometry students.
An on-line resource giving information about the care of
retinitis pigmentosa. There are sections for patients, parents, family & friends, teachers, employers and health professionals.
A membership organisation for people with
keratoconus. The website has information about the condition, and an on-line discussion forum.
An on-line forum providing information and support to families affected by the condition. Some information is also available to download.
It may be helpful to find some professional support to help you talk through the impacts of
Usher syndrome on you emotionally and physically, but if you need just to chat with another parent who has been there before and can share their experiences with you, you can contact us.
VICTA organise a wide range of activities and week-ends for
vi children and their families. Although most activities are in England so likely to be impractical for people from Wales, the longer breaks are worth considering.
The only free nationwide service dedicated to helping
disabled people make friends remotely. Chat online or on the phone with your buddy once a week from the comfort of your home. Sense Virtual Buddying is open to disabled people aged 5 and over in the UK.
The only free nationwide service dedicated to helping
disabled people make friends remotely. Chat online or on the phone with your buddy once a week from the comfort of your home.
The
Nystagmus Network hosts virtual parent get togethers on Zoom. If you’re the parent,
carer or other family member of a
child or
young person with nystagmus and would like to join in, meet others and make new friends, please email us.
An accreditation and
advice provider to enable organisations to create accessible and attractive environments in areas such as social housing, hospitals and offices.
Vision Aid Technologies is one of the largest specialist low vision & blindness product suppliers in the UK. Their range of over 1,000 products are carefully tested & selected from over 100 manufacturers around the world. This gives people the opportunity to view a comprehensive range of products in one location. The range of products include low vision,
braille devices,
video magnifiers, reading machines, access software and more.
Website on Wales' tourist attractions and services with a searchable database of accommodation, events/attractions and activities with accessibility information provided.
This course provides awareness and basic information,
advice and skills on
visual impairment, identifying the relevant issues and how visual impairment effects and impacts on people's lives and the professionals who work with them.
Courses for museum staff to develop and deliver live descriptive tours. Visual awareness and guiding
training.
Audits of your current access provision for blind and partially sighted visitors (visitor experience, online and programmed events); audience
advocacy sessions (reaching and growing your blind and partially sighted audiences); inclusive design workshops;
advice on digital
technology solutions.
Zoom / telephone meeting, third Monday of the month at 10.30am. Contact the information line below.
We combine the skills of our extensively trained transcribers with the latest advancements in
technology, data security and print production to deliver a highly responsive, reliable and secure transcription service for blue-chip companies operating in the utility, financial, telecoms and public sectors.
The Citizens
Advice service helps people ensure they receive appropriate benefits by providing free, independent & confidential advice. Advice can be given at local offices, outreach sites & over the phone. Home visits are available in some areas.
An ID card to enable concessionary
travel for
disabled people, and other eligible categories, on many Wales rail and
bus services. The holder can travel free on most bus services in Wales and the borders and enjoy discounted or free travel on many rail services. You can apply on the phone number below, via email, or via the weblink. (Please note, this is not valid outside Wales (with the exception of some border services) and does not replace the scope of the
Disabled Persons Railcard issued by National Rail.)
This project, funded by the Community Fund, aims to support the wellbeing of people with sight loss and their
carers in Wales. With a focus on the ethnic minority groups, schools and organisations, we have a campaign team which reaches out to create awareness about the prevention, causes, management and supporting people living with
visual impairments.
This webinar, which takes place on the last Thursday of every month, focuses specifically on different
macular conditions and issues affecting anyone of working age.
A monthly Zoom-based discussion group, offers a relaxed and sociable environment for people of a working age who are
visually impaired. The forum provides a supportive space where you can share your experiences and tips around employment, particularly valuable for younger members, and hear about relevant topics from guest speakers.
Thomas Pocklington Trust service tailored to individuals’ needs. It supports blind and partially sighted people to develop skills and provides
advice to transition to the workplace, navigate the job market or further careers.