Wales-wide service, a single point of access into all 7
Health Boards, with local
mental health knowledge & access to Mental Health pathways.
ECLO based at Nevill Hall hospital. Provides emotional support, information, assistance and signposts on to many different services to help at this difficult time. The ECLO can bridge the gap between health and
social care for people with sight loss.
A social group that meets locally and enjoy talks, activities, speakers,
outings, refreshments and other entertainment. The groups meets on alternate Mondays at Trinity Church Hall, Abergavenny between 2.00 – 4.00pm.
Full time
ECLO based at the Stanley Eye Clinic, Abergele Hospital. Provides emotional support, often at a time of great need. Also signposts 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. The ECLO, Roxanne Anderson, has a mobile number 07355 028707.
Meet on the first Monday of the month, 2pm at the Morlan Centre, Queen's Rd, Aberystwyth SY23 2HH. For more information, contact Jane Guest (Secretary) on 01970 617952 or janeanneguest@gmail.com
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.
Supporting people with a hearing loss or who are d/
Deaf to make, change, or cancel
medical appointments and advising Health Professionals on how to book qualified communication support.
MACS organises sailing
trips and adventure weekends for
young people with MACS conditions.
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.
ECLO based at Amman Valley Hospital. Provides emotional support, often at a time of great need. Also signposts 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.
A
VRS assists someone regain
daily living skills they may have lost through sight problems and helps them re-learn to do things they could previously do for themselves.
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.
Glyn Vivian Art Gallery, Alexandra Road, Swansea, SA1 5DZ. 1 - 3 pm, fortnightly.
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.
A bilingual (English and Welsh) audio recording service producing talking books and talking newspapers.
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.
Provides emotional support and information for individuals attending the Lucentis injection clinic at Specsavers in Unit 2 Austin Friars, Newport.
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.
A social group that meets locally and enjoy talks, activities, speakers,
outings, refreshments and other entertainment. The groups meets every Tuesday at Golau Caredig between 1.30 – 3.30pm.
Our audio-led sessions have helped blind and partially sighted people keep active from their homes during the pandemic and have continued to be enjoyed by people around the world.
BBS hosts a virtual live workout week at the beginning of each month, with a different exercise class taking place each weekday evening at 6pm. At the end of the workout week, the BBS team upload recordings of the workouts to our YouTube channel for those who were unable to attend.
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.
Cycling activities for people with sight loss. Every Wednesday from 12pm - 1pm at Dunvant Rugby
Club, Swansea.
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.
A social group that meets locally and enjoy talks, activities, speakers,
outings, refreshments and other entertainment. The group meets on alternate Mondays at Blackwood Library between 11.30 – 12.30pm.
Aneurin Leisure page on libraries they manage for Blaenau Gwent CBC.
A Vision
Rehabilitation Specialist (VRS) assists someone regain skills they may have lost through sight problems. It helps them re-learn to do things they could previously do for themselves.
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.
Baseball for people with sight loss.
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.
The aim of
Boccia is to throw leather balls - coloured red or blue as close as they can to a white target ball, or jack. These are held every 2nd Tuesday of the month 5-6 pm. Archbishop McGrath School, Brackla, Bridgend.
Transport can be arranged if required.
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.
Temporarily closed.
Services offered:
Delivered on a one-to-one basis from various locations in the Swansea area.
Part time (Mon, Tues, Thurs and Friday)
ECLO based at Princess of Wales Hospital, Bridgend. Provides emotional support, often at a time of great need. Also signposts 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.
For
Deafblind people. Second Friday of the month at St. Marys Hall Norton, Bridgend from 11am - 1pm. Coffee and chat, speakers and
trips out.
Direct Payments enable people assessed as requiring
Social Care services to purchase their own care and support. Bridgend use an agency (People Plus - see elsewhere).
Awen Cultural Trust page offering library services for Bridgend County.
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. It helps them re-learn to do things they could previously do for themselves.
These coffee mornings often include invited guests for talks and presentations. 1st Friday of the month, 11.30am-1pm at St. John's Ambulance
Training Centre, Minerva Street, Bridgend, CF31 1TD.
At Bronfair Allotments, Garth, Maesteg. every Wednesday.
Bus leaves Market Street at 10 am and leaves Maesteg at 12.30 pm. Contact John O'Donnell below.
Bridgevis organise meals out, visits to places of interest and
trips to the New Theatre Cardiff and the Wales Millennium Centre. Contact below for latest information.
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.
ECLO based (Tues, Wed, Fri) at Bronglais Hospital (North Road Clinic). Provides emotional support, information, assistance and signposts on to many different services to help at this difficult time. The ECLO can bridge the gap between health and
social care for people with sight loss.
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.
A culture and tourism project that makes tourist attractions, sites and activities more accessible.
Council page on library services in Caerphilly CBC.
Vision
Rehabilitation Specialist (VRS) are trained to support individuals with sight problems to rebuild skills and confidence as their sight changes. Support aims to encourage independence around mobility, communications, household skills, lighting, using magnifiers and specialist equipment. The local authority also maintains the
Sight Impairment Register, and signposts to many other agencies.
A social group that meets locally and enjoy talks, activities, speakers,
outings, refreshments and other entertainment. The group meets on alternate Tuesdays at the Haywain pub between 12.00 - 2.00pm.
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.
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.
ECLO based at Glangwili hospital. Provides emotional support, often at a time of great need. Also signposts 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
The Carmarthen Talking Newspaper is an audio collection of local news cherry picked from the Carmarthen Journal every week - with half an hour of English and half an hour of Welsh. The bi-monthly Carmarthenshire News in a Welsh and an English edition is sent out with the Carmarthen Talking Newspaper.
Direct Payments enable people assessed as requiring
Social Care services to purchase their own care and support. Carmarthenshire currently use Diverse Cymru to manage Direct Payments on behalf of clients. (See Diverse Cymru)
Council page on library services in Carmarthenshire.
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.
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.
Our IT service provides
advice, one-to-one
training, short term equipment loan, and some financial support towards purchasing equipment. The service is completely free and we do not sell equipment, we just advise and support. Try before you buy: if you want to try before you buy, we can offer the loan of phones and tablets for 2 weeks. This would help you decide on the type of
technology that meets your requirements and skills. We have an iPad and iPhone as well as an
Android Synapptic tablet and phone.
Direct Payments enable people assessed as requiring
Social Care services to purchase their own care and support. Ceredigion currently provides its support through Diverse Cymru (see elsewhere).
Council page on library services in Ceredigion.
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.
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.
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.
We are currently producing a single, online only, edition of the Chester and Flintshire Talking Newspapers. This will be posted each week under the Chester News section.
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.
All walks are held on Wednesdays . Meet at North Wales Society for the Blind, 325 High Street, Bangor. 10.30 am.
An online community where people can discuss issues related to this condition.
Compass can help guide you through the process and support you to manage all aspects of your direct payment (
personal budget).
Fully trained volunteers provide
training in basic computer skills, touch typing, use of email and the internet, on a one-to-one basis.
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.
Direct Payments enable people assessed as requiring
Social Care services to purchase their own care and support. The Rowan Organisation provide agency support in Conwy.
Council page on library services in Conwy.
NEWSSS has a member of staff qualified to provide mobility
training to
VI children in a school environment. The contact is Rachel Ward below.
A social group for adults with a
vision impairment. The Conwy Sight Loss Group meets on the first Wednesday of each month from 1:00pm until 3:00pm at Mostyn Gallery, 12 Vaughan Street, Llandudno, LL30 1AB.
Help to protect vulnerable
visually impaired people to live more successfully within their local communities by helping them find solutions to their problems.
The team works with
children and
young people from birth to age 19. Specialist skills tuition is provided for those children and young people with a significant sensory loss with support,
advice and guidance being provided for families, schools and other agencies to provide a seamless approach to meeting the needs of identified individuals.
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. Note: RCT's VRS only works with
vision impaired adults.
Provides confidential support and information to people who, because of sight loss, are experiencing emotional difficulties.
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.
A social group that meets locally and enjoy talks, activities, speakers,
outings, refreshments and other entertainment. The group meets on alternate Tuesdays between 10.30 – 12.30pm. Long Meadow Court, Cowbridge.
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.
A community
bus service from Barry or Wenvoe to Culverhouse Cross, Cardiff. Shop at Marks and Spencer, TK Maxx, Tesco and Aldi. Drivers will carry your shopping into your house. Door to door service. To register call 029 20 490325.
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.
Meets on the second Thursday of the month at 10.30-12.30. Venue: AVOW, 21, Egerton Street, Wrexham.
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.
The group provides a friendly, safe space where members can meet for a chat and a cuppa, and share challenges, information and build friendships. It will meet monthly, on the last Thursday, from 12 - 1 pm on the 4th floor of Cardiff Central Library. For
referrals to the group, please contact Carys Jones, Sensory Support Officer via email at carys.jones@
deafblind.org.uk.
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.
Crafts group for
deafblind people - meets between 2-4pm on the first Tuesday in the month at Hafan Deg, Grange Rd, Rhyl.
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.
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.
Direct Payments enable people assessed as requiring
Social Care services to purchase their own care and support. The Rowan Organisation provides agency support in Denbighshire.
Council page on library services in Denbighshire.
NEWSSS has a member of staff qualified to provide mobility
training to
VI children in a school environment. The contact is Rachel Ward below.
The team works with
children and
young people from birth to age 19. Specialist skills tuition is provided for those children and young people with a significant sensory loss with support,
advice and guidance being provided for families, schools and other agencies to provide a seamless approach to meeting the needs of identified individuals.
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.
You can access our service if you are aged 18 and over (or 16 and over if you are in transition), you are ordinarily resident in Newport, and you have or care for someone who has: physical
disability; sensory impairment; learning impairment; conditions relating to older age; dementia; terminal or degenerative condition.
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.
Vision Support provide digital
training whether you are a complete beginner and want to know about the
technology available or you have a device and you want to make it more accessible/learn how to use the accessibility features. We are able to come to your home and provide one-to-one training. We provide support throughout North-East Wales.
When a Social Services department offers a Direct Payment to one of their clients they advise that person to seek support and information from an organisation with whom they have contracted to give this support. Dewis does this for the authorities indicated.
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.
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.
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
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. Please call the Integrated Transport Unit on the number below.
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
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
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
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
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. At the Ceredigion Council site it is not clear about the companion
pass. Contact them directly as below and stress that it is currently a local authority responsibility, not Transport for Wales, to process the Companion Travel Card.
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
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
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
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. (NB The website below leads you to the Transport for Wales page, but you will still need to contact the local authority.)
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
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 site below gives no information other than to direct you to the Transport for Wales site. Contact the number or email below to apply.
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. Little or no information is available at the NPT site. Click the Provider link below for contact details for NPT Council.
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
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. Ask for a Disabled Eligibility
Assessment Form from the Local Authority.
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. (NB Powys does not give any information concerning the Companion Travel Card. Applicants are advised to press the council for assistance in the matter using the general number below. If you are not satisfied, please contact Wales Council of the Blind on 029 20 473954.)
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
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
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
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
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.
You receive 1/3 off adult train
travel with a
Disabled Persons Railcard, for you and an adult companion, if needed.
An ID card to enable concessionary
travel for
disabled people 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.)
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
Weekly local news recordings in Welsh and English, plus bi-monthly magazine recording also in Welsh and English.
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.
A
grant to empower and enable future generations of people who are blind and partially sighted to reach their goals and fulfil their aspirations whatever they may be. Applicants in receipt of means-tested benefits will be given priority. They are happy to consider applications for specialist software, equipment and specialist
training in the use of access
technology.
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.
This
club meets every Wednesday between 10am and 2.30pm at St. Andrews Church Hall, Garden City.
Not currently running. Eye Can aims to provide social groups and activities for young
visually impaired people, and to give them specialist support in a wide variety of areas including sight loss, health, education and
training. The project is also providing workshops to local schools and colleges so that they are able to promote the service to their visually impaired students.
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.
Bridgevis volunteers work with the
ECLOs within the hospital to provide information and support to patients who are experiencing, or have some level of, sight loss.
You can have an eye examination for free if you have an eye problem that occurs suddenly. Under 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 an EHEW if you: have been referred by your GP to an EHEW registered 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. Go to link below to search for your nearest practitioner.
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.
This service offers support with searching and applying for
grants; help with budgeting; signposting to organisations to help with a range of issues; benefits checks; information and guidance on schemes/discounts that you may be eligible for; hints and tips on how to save money.
Aura is the website of information on Flintshire libraries.
NEWSSS has a member of staff qualified to provide mobility
training to
VI children in a school environment. The contact is Rachel Ward below.
The team works with
children and
young people from birth to age 19. Specialist skills tuition is provided for those children and young people with a significant sensory loss with support,
advice and guidance being provided for families, schools and other agencies to provide a seamless approach to meeting the needs of identified individuals.
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.
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.
Forest Talk provides a weekly talking newspaper for blind and
visually impaired people in the Forest Of Dean, Gloucestershire. We record local news items taken from the weekly Forest of Dean newspapers: The Forester and Wye Valley Forest
Review. We complement this with a weekly ‘magazine’ of light-hearted articles, local interest items, poems and anecdotes. Each recording lasts approximately 90 minutes. Our recordings are distributed on USB memory sticks. We also supply each of our registered blind listeners with a free of
charge USB ‘soundbox’ to enable them to listen to our recordings each week. Publications: The Forester (weekly); The Wye Valley Review (weekly); Western Daily Press (daily).
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.
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.
This offers support and friendship through regular phone contact for
visually impaired people in Breconshire (South Powys).
The Fuchs' Friends international online
support group is a place of support and information for people with all types of
Corneal Dystrophy. It is an outreach project of The Corneal Dystrophy Foundation. We are here to provide Education and Support regarding Corneal Dystrophies. We are here to help people who, when diagnosed, are sent on an emotional roller coaster ride caused by shock of the diagnoses and fear of the unknown future of their vision.
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.
Thomas Pocklington Trust's Get Set Progress provides paid internships for blind and partially sighted people to secure that first rung on the career ladder or who are returning to work following a career break.
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.
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 North and South Wales.
Gorseinon Institute, Lime Street, Gorseinon, Swansea, SA4 4EE. 10am – 12pm, 1st Wednesday of the month.
Ceredigion Association provide some
grants to
visually impaired people. To be eligible you must have serious and uncorrectable visual impairments, and have been referred to the Association by the
Rehabilitation Officer in Ceredigion Social Services.
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.
Provide some
grants to blind people living in the Swansea area.
Grants are offered to anyone with a permanent and uncorrectable eye condition, living in Breconshire to help
pay for equipment, services,
training, education and experiences (such as
holidays). Applications are welcome from the
visually impaired, their families and
carers.
A
guide dog can offer a unique, safe and effective way of getting about independently and confidently.
Advisers on the
helpline can provide information and
advice on
advocacy, can advise on entitlement to advocacy based on care and support needs, and can signpost and refer to relevant advocacy services and other specialist services.
The Helpline is open Monday to Friday 10am-3pm. (Newport residents should contact Dewis Centre for Independent Living).
Welsh language talking book service.
Direct Payments enable people assessed as requiring
Social Care services to purchase their own care and support. Gwynedd uses The Rowan Organisation to manage Direct Payments.
Council page about library services in Gwynedd.
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.
Brio Fitness at Northgate Arena in Chester offer
vision impaired sessions after running taster sessions with Vision Support. The vision impaired sessions are sports sessions tailored to those partially sighted or blind. Gym Sessions Tuesdays 12.30pm – 1.30pm.
The fully trained staff and volunteers at Vision Support's Halton Sensory Service
Resource Centre alongside
Deafness Resource Centre, supported by Halton Borough Council, are a fully integrated sensory service geared to meeting the diverse needs of people with sensory loss. They demonstrate and sell specialist equipment to help with
daily living. The Resource Centre has a range of information on Vision Support's services and other relevant services available locally and nationally.
ECLO based at Withybush Hospital, Haverfordwest. Provides emotional support, often at a time of great need. Also signposts 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.
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.
Hereford Journal; Hereford Times; Ledbury Reporter; Leominster Advertiser; Ross Gazette.
VIM makes home visits to members, particularly to assist people who have been recently diagnosed to adjust to their situation.
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.
A fundamental introduction of inclusive teaching and education practices for teaching
Visual Impaired Learners.
Vision Support's qualified
rehabilitation officers focus on maintaining independence and promoting equality for anyone living with sight loss. They also have a team of Rehabilitation Assistants who demonstrate specialist equipment and support
service users in their own homes.
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
Provides support to encourage independent living for
disabled people. Independent Support Officers provide support throughout the process, including recruitment, management,
training and payroll setup. The Support Officers at CIL provide an ongoing support service once everything is set up.
The website contains information for families affected by this condition.
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.
Council page on library services on Isle of Anglesey
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.
Swansea Grand Theatre Conservatory, Singleton Street, Swansea, SA1 3QJ. 11.00am to 1.00pm, 2nd Thursday of the month.
For more information contact via email, phone or Text: 01443 485686; Fax: 01433 408555.
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.
Befriending and At Home support for people with a hearing loss or who are
Deaf, enabling them to access aids and adaptations to support them to remain independent and safe.
'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.
This programme from VIM offers a range of interactive discussion sessions with professional facilitators, with time to focus and discuss the things that you find difficult about sight loss. As well as learning about helpful products, services and support, this is also an opportunity to reflect on taking positive steps forward to improve and enjoy life. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet with people in a similar situation to share experiences.
ECLO based at Prince Philip Hospital, Llanelli. Provides emotional support, often at a time of great need. Also signposts 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.
Llanelli Star (monthly); Swansea Sound (monthly).
Part time
ECLO based at Royal Glamorgan Hospital. Provides emotional support, often at a time of great need. Also signposts 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.
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.
LOOK owns a
holiday flat in Scarborough on the Yorkshire coast. The flat is accessible with two bedrooms, one double (with space for a cot), and one with bunk beds plus an extra single bed. The LOOK flat provides an opportunity for every family with a
visually impaired child to enjoy a seaside break and can be booked for both long and short breaks at very reasonable rates.
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.
Macular Group meets 4th Wednesday each month at 1pm. Tesco Community Centre, Park Avenue, Aberystwyth.
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.
Meets on 3rd Monday in the month at 1.30pm. Hafod y Park, Abergele, Conwy.
Second Thursday of the month, 10.30am at Llandybie Public Memorial Village Hall Llandybie Ammanford.
Second Monday of the month 10.00am at Brecon Town Council Offices (rear entrance), The Guildhall, Brecon, Powys LD3 7AL. Contact Tina.
Bridgend – Third Friday of the month 10.30am at Halo Bridgend Life Centre, Angel St, Bridgend CF31 4AH. Contact Joy.
Third Wednesday of the month at 10.30am at Caerphilly Library, 2, The Twyn, Caerphilly, CF83 1JL, in the reading room. Contact Denise.
Meet on 2nd Tuesday of the Month. 10.30am - 12.30pm at Radley Room, The Guildhall, Cardigan SA43 1JL. Contact Monica on 07726 569818.
Fourth Thursday of the month 10.30am at Yr Atom, 18 Stryd y Brenin, Caerfyrddin SA31 1BH; contact Janice.
Support group for people with
macular disease. Meets on 3rd Wednesday of every month, at 1.30pm. Theatre Fach, Dolgellau, Gwynedd.
Second Wednesday of the month, 2pm, at St Thomas Methodist Church, 7 St Thomas St, Lampeter SA48 7DQ. Contact Diana.
Group meets 4th Thursday each month at 1.30pm. Llanbedr Community Hall, Llanbedr, Gwynedd.
Support group for people with
Macular disease. Meets monthly, on first Monday of the month at 11am. Craig y Don Community Centre, Llandudno.
Third Wednesday of the month 10am at The Lantern Centre Hall Street Church Llanelli SA15 3BB. Contact Adele.
Support group meets 4th Monday of every month at 11am. The Hand Hotel, Llangollen, Denbighshire.
First Thursday of the month, 2pm at Milford Haven Library, Cedar Court, Haven's Head Business Park, Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire. Contact Maddy.
First Thursday of the month, 2pm Wyesham Christian Fellowship, Chapel Close, Wyesham, Monmouth NP25 3NN contact David on 07951 869 586
Neath – Fourth Tuesday of the month, 1pm at Neath Library, Water St, Neath SA11 3EP. Contact Carole.
First Monday of the month at 1pm at the Salvation Army Hall, 1 Hill Street, Kingsway Centre, Newport NP20 1LZ. Contact Caroline.
Support group meets 1st Monday each month at 2pm. MCRA,
Plas Dolerw, Milford Road, Newtown, Powys.
First Friday of every month at 10.30 am at Treorchy Library, Station Road, Treorchy CF42 6NN. Contact Jean Bently.
First Wednesday of the month 2pm at The Pavillion, 52 Lanelay Road, Talbot Green, Pontyclun, CF72 8HY contact Julie Parker 07531 498 967
Meet on every 2nd Thursday of the month. 11 am at Canolfan Naylor Leyland Centre, Ruthin.
Last Wednesday of the month at 2pm at St Davids Rugby
Club, Nun Street, St. Davids, Haverfordwest SA62 6BP. Contact Margaret Hughes.
Bi-Monthly (Jan, March, May, July, Sept, Nov) First Thursday of the month 11.30am at the Grand Theatre Conservatory, Singleton St, Swansea SA1 3QJ contact Kate on 01792 401 450
Last Thursday of the month, at 2pm, Community Centre, Augustus Place, Tenby, Wales, SA70 7DJ. Contact Adele.
Meets 1st Tuesday of every month at 11 am. Neuad Pendre, Tywyn, Gwynedd.
Fourth Monday of the month at 10.30am at Welfare Hall, Lesser hall, Brecon Road, Ystradgynlais SA9 1JJ. Contact Cilla.
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.
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. 2:00pm-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.
Disabled and
Deaf artists, as members of Disability Arts Cymru, have access to information,
advice and support throughout Wales.
VI/
Deaf-blind men of all ages meet every 6 weeks in Wetherspoons Maesteg 2-4pm. Contact Sandy Davies,
Rehabilitation Officer, for forthcoming dates.
Part time
ECLO based at Prince Charles Hospital, Merthyr. Provides emotional support, often at a time of great need. Also signposts 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.
Direct Payments enable people assessed as requiring
Social Care services to purchase their own care and support. Merthyr uses Dewis CIL to manage DP.
Council page on library services in Merthyr Tydfil CBC.
Merthyr Tydfil Council as a member of staff qualified to provide mobility
training to
vi children in a school environment. The contact is Lisa Beattie.
A
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.
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.
Formerly run by Vision Support. Contact Wales Council of the Blind for current status.
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.
A social group that meets locally and enjoy talks, activities, speakers,
outings, refreshments and other entertainment. The group meets on alternate Thursdays at Wyesham Christian Fellowship between 1.30 – 3.30pm.
Direct Payments enable people assessed as requiring
Social Care services to purchase their own care and support. Direct Payments in Monmouthshire are managed by GAVO.
Council page on library services in Monmouthshire.
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. Note: Monmouthshire's VRS only works with
vision impaired adults.
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.
Mumbles Methodist Church, Mumbles Road, Mumbles, Swansea. 1.30 - 3.30 pm, 3rd Monday of the month.
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.
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.
Every month
Macular Society hosts two webinars 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.
My Sound Cinema is the first online cinema dedicated to audio described content and designed for the
visually impaired community.
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.
Direct Payments enable people assessed as requiring
Social Care services to purchase their own care and support. NPT uses the following approved suppliers to provide DP support: Diverse Cymru; The Rowan Organisation; Compass Independent Living; ILBP; My Care, My Home; People Plus.
Part time (Mon, Thurs)
ECLO based at Neath Port Talbot Hospital. Provides emotional support, often at a time of great need. Also signposts 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.
Council page on library services in NPT.
Every Monday in Neath Library from 1-3 pm. Water Street, Neath.
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.
ECLO based at Royal Gwent Hospital, Newport. Provides emotional support, information, assistance and signposts on to many different services to help at this difficult time. The ECLO can bridge the gap between health and
social care for people with sight loss. The ECLO attends the clinic 3 days a week but if a patient needs support they will make arrangements, and they take
referrals 5 days a week
Council page on library services in Newport.
A social group that meets locally and enjoy talks, activities, speakers,
outings, refreshments and other entertainment. The group meets on alternate Tuesdays at the Salvation Army, Newport between 12.00 - 2.00pm.
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. Note: Newport's VRS only works with
vision impaired adults.
The
Club is held at no 20 Station Rd, Colwyn Bay, LL29 8BU. We get together every 2nd and 4th Monday in the month, from 11-1 pm.
Transport and lunch may be arranged for you if required. We have guest speakers, entertainment also go out on day
trips. For further information please contact Bethan on 01248 353 604.
NPT Council has a member of staff qualified to provide mobility
training to
vi children in a school environment. The contact is Martha Rees.
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.
Our
technology service enables individuals to become more independent and access information, and includes specialist
training advice and guidance from an experienced tutor who will work with you through a program of individual learning aims to help you reach your personal goals. We can advise on appropriate technology or software including: accessibility options; magnification and speech software; tablet devices including the iPad and Kindle.
The
children's fund was established to help meet the needs of children who have impaired vision, by providing special needs
grants and specialist equipment. Many families with young children who have
vision impairments will have experienced lengthy
delays and numerous application forms when applying for essential equipment like a
CCTV</a> system or specialist computer software. We hope to be able to attract enough support to be able to help meet some of these needs.
We have several volunteer mentors who provide guidance and reassurance to their younger peers, their help and guidance is invaluable, they are positive role models who are themselves registered blind or partially sighted. The Mentors give
children and
young people the opportunity to ask awkward questions and are able to work with their younger peers to develop confidence and new skills.
The general
grant fund may award grants of up to £100 to individuals who are registered
sight impaired or
severely Sight impaired who also live in North Wales. The fund may provide grants for items which have been specifically designed for people with impaired vision. Contact Steve Thomas via the contact details below.
Located at 325 High Street in Bangor, the
resource centre is open from 10am to 4pm Monday to Friday. The centre is an invaluable source of
advice, information and practical demonstrations. They have a wide range of equipment on display ranging from magnifiers to mobile phones. Our knowledgeable staff and volunteers are on hand to demonstrate and advise on their use.
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.
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).
One-to-one sessions for
advice, support and information every Wednesday from 10am to 1pm. Location: Swansea Friends of the Blind, De La Beche Street, Swansea.
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.
The
Macular Society is developing a range of online
training modules which will give healthcare professionals a greater understanding of central vision loss.
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.
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.
Oswestry TN records items from the local weekly newspaper "The Oswestry and Border Counties Advertiser" following the day of publication and post the USB memory sticks to our listeners on the same day. We supply the USB audio players. Each issue also contains short pieces from the "Shropshire" magazine, a list of the local deaths and information on road-works and street hazards. Items are sometimes included from The Chronicle (Tanat, Cain and Vyrnwy Valleys) and the Oswestry and Borders Chronicle. We are currently including information supplied by Infosound which is relevant to blind and partially sighted people . We also include a TED talk and the latest version of the BBC 'In Touch' program. Generally we try to keep our listeners informed about changes that will affect them.
Pamtrad sell a range of products including optical magnifiers, electronic magnifiers, access software such as iZoom, large print keyboards and reading machines.
News recordings in both Welsh and English for listeners within the County of Ceredigion and beyond. Publications: Cambrian News Publication (weekly); Golwg (weekly); Golwy (monthly); Y Cymro (weekly).
Support hub for parents of
children with sight loss.
Weekly cycling group at Pedal Power, Sophia Gardens, Cardiff. Contact Val for more information on 07707 295 121.
VIM provides peer support to people with sight loss in Merthyr at their meetings.
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.
Direct Payments enable people assessed as requiring
Social Care services to purchase their own care and support. Agency used: Diverse Cymru.
Council page on library services in Pembrokeshire.
Western Telegraph (weekly). Our area covers the whole of Pembrokeshire, the borders of Carmarthenshire and Cardiganshire. Pembrokeshire Talking Newspaper is also available on smart speakers by saying "Alexa, enable Pembrokeshire Talking Newspaper". If you do not have an internet connection, you can make a telephone call to 0330 22 33 452 and use the keys on your phone to control the playback just like your normal memory stick player. The call is
charged at the same rate as a normal phone call, so please check your included call times. You can also hear us on any mobile, tablet or computer https://listen.talking-news.info/pembrokeshire where you can change playback speed, download the edition or subscribe to our podcast. Please note you do not need to install an
app to do this.
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. Note: Pembrokeshire's VRS only works with
vision impaired adults.
Penarth Library. 3rd Friday of every month, 3.00 - 4.00pm
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.
Monthly social group for adults with a
vision impairment in and around Penmaenmawr. The group meet from 10 am to 12 midday on the 2nd Monday of the month at Penmaenmawr Library, Bangor Road Penmaenmawr.
Bridgend and Neath Port Talbot make use of People Plus to manage
Direct Payments.
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.
Social group for blind and partially sighted people in Pontarddulais. 3rd Thursday of the month 10.30am – 12.30pm at Boot Elim Community Church. Alltiago Rd., Pontarddulais.
A photography group for people with sight loss meeting in Port Talbot Library on 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month at 10am.
Social group in the Port Talbot area.
This full time
ECLO service operates from a range of community clinics including Ystradgynlais, Brecon, Llandrindod Wells, Llanidloes, Machynlleth, and Welshpool. Provides emotional support, often at a time of great need. Also signposts 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. An alternative email address is Doug.hymers@rnib.org.uk
Council page about library services in Powys.
A weekly USB stick covering both Montgomeryshire (North Powys) and Brecon and Radnor (South Powys). Publications: Brecon & Radnor Express (weekly); Montgomeryshire County Times (weekly).
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. Note: Powys' VRS only works with
vision impaired adults.
For people who would like to meet other people living with a
vision impairment in their local area. This group has a fantastic programme of events and activities. Meeting at the Presbyterian Church of Wales, Nant Hall Road, Prestatyn, LL19 9LR every first Wednesday 10am-12pm.
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.
A virtual group for people affected by
punctate inner choroidopathy (PIC). The group will meet monthly via Zoom, on the first Wednesday of the month at 7pm.
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.
Radnorshire Association offer
grants to Radnorshire residents to help towards the cost of equipment to help people with a
visual impairment.
The group offers
advice about services in the area, a Christmas meal and free summer
trip.
Greenhill Community Centre, Chapel Street, Swansea, SA4 4DT. 1.00pm to 2pm, last Friday of every month.
Council page on library services in RCT.
RCT Council has a member of staff qualified to provide mobility
training to
vi children in a school environment.
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. Note: RCT's VRS only works with
vision impaired adults.
Sight Life RCT Young at Heart Social group (ages range from approx. 30 – 60) which offers peer support and regular Zoom and face to face meetings fortnightly on a Friday morning between 11 – 1pm. It is very welcome and inclusive of new members. Activities on Zoom have included baking, arts and crafts, quizzes, and bingo etc. We have had picnics, taken part in Archery, accessible cycling, and bushcraft sessions. We also welcome guest speakers to the group.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Direct Payments enable people assessed as requiring
Social Care services to purchase their own care and support. Agency used: Dewis CIL
SIDS meets every 1st and 3rd Friday of the month between 10.30 am to 12.30 pm at The Hapi Hub, Masefield Way, Rhydfelin, Pontypridd, CF37 5HQ. This is not a Sight Life service but you can contact Barbara Protheroe via Carys Groves below.
For people who would like to meet other people living with a
vision impairment in their local area. This group has a fantastic programme of events and activities. It meets every fourth Wednesday of each month from 10:30am to 12:00pm at The ASK Centre, 9 - 11 Water Street, Rhyl, LL18 1SP.
A social group that meets locally and enjoy talks, activities, speakers,
outings, refreshments and other entertainment. The group meets on alternate Wednesdays at the Dan-y-Graig Church between 1.00 – 3.00pm.
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.
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.
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 Sense hub has been at the heart of Caerphilly since 2015. We support people with complex
disabilities across south Wales to learn new skills, keep healthy and make friends. Our hubs offer a range of activities for disabled people, including: arts and sports activities; sensory sessions and soft
play; teaching of key life skills; specialist support for people who are
deafblind.
Meet other people, discover shared interests and make new friends at Sense Hub Denbigh. We’re here for anyone needing support with hearing impairments,
vision impairments, physical
disability, autism and learning disabilities, no matter your age. Our hubs offer a range of activities for disabled people, including: arts and sports activities; sensory sessions and soft
play; teaching of key life skills; specialist support for people who are
deafblind.
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.
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.
Shooting
Club for blind and partially sighted people in Bridgend. Using a sound signal to indicate how close to the target the aim is, it is usable for people with total sight loss. Tondu Target Shooting Club every Thursday.
Bus leaves Market Street, Bridgend, at 2 pm and leaves Tondu at 4.30pm approximately. Contact John O'Donnell below.
We can provide help and support for independent living as well as benefits
advice and
advocacy and help accessing their services.
Assessments are carried out at the individual’s home.
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.
We have a wide range of specialised products in our
Resource Centre (located in our charity shop in Blackwood) from talking watches, large print diaries and calendars and much more. Our experienced and helpful staff will demonstrate the equipment which can help in everyday tasks.
Free audio player and weekly news and magazines on audio.
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.
Gardening at the Vetch Field, Swansea, ever Tuesday from 10am-12 noon. Madoc Pl, Swansea
Photography group for people with Sight Loss. Meet at Port Talbot library at 10.am. The group will meet on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each Month at Port Talbot library. The photographers will decide where they might go to visit to take different types of photographs.
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.
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.
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 twice a month, once in Newport on the 2nd Tuesday and once in Cardiff on the 4th Tuesday, to share experiences, learn new things and suggest ways of improving services.
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.
Social group for blind and partially sighted people in Sketty. 1pm – 3pm on 3rd Wednesday of each month at Hazel Court, Sketty Park.
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.
The Llanelli Blind
Club provides social events throughout the year including one or two
outings per year plus a dinner for upwards of 80/100 members. There is also a Christmas dinner at a local hotel.
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.
1, Alexandra Rd, Gorseinon, Swansea.
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.
Demonstrations of Dolphin computer systems and
CCTV</a> Electronic Magnification by Enhanced Vision and Optilec.
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.
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.
Full time
ECLO based at Singleton Hospital, Swansea. Provides emotional support, often at a time of great need. Also signposts 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.
Monthly Magazine (monthly); South Wales Evening Post (monthly).
Group members go on one theatre
trip per month and one other trip per month. There is also a holiday group which meets twice per year.
Grand Theatre Conservatory, Singleton Street, Swansea SA1 3QJ. 11am – 1pm, 3rd Thursday of the month.
Representation from
VI people in Swansea. Held on the fourth Thursday of each month in the Grand Theatre Cafe, Swansea.
Direct Payments enable people assessed as requiring
Social Care services to purchase their own care and support. Agency used: Compass Independent Living.
The organisation arranges
outings for people who are registered blind in Swansea.
Council page on library services in Swansea.
Swansea Council has a member of staff qualified to provide mobility
training to
vi children in a school environment. The contact is Cherrie Neal.
Swansea Central Library, Civic Centre, Oystermouth Road, Swansea, SA1 3SN. 11.00am to 12.00 noon, 3rd Wednesday of the month
Help to protect vulnerable
visually impaired people to live more successfully within their local communities by helping them find solutions to their problems.
Weekly tea and chat at 12 noon at Glynn Vivian Art Centre, Alexandra Rd, Swansea.
Swansea Social Services have a
Resource Centre of equipment for people with sensory loss, offering an opportunity to trial equipment for suitability before purchasing from providers.
Currently not running. The game is very much like conventional tennis though with much larger balls filled with ball bearings, making it easier to detect where the ball is coming from. Sessions take place on Thursdays from 1 pm to 2 pm at Swansea Tennis Centre.
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.
Walking group for people with sight loss.
Swimming group for people with sight loss. Every Friday at Penlan Leisure Centre, Swansea.
Brio Fitness at Northgate Arena in Chester now offer
vision impaired sessions after running taster sessions with Vision Support. The vision impaired sessions are sports sessions tailored to those partially sighted or blind. Swim Sessions Wednesdays 9.30am – 10.30am. Contact Josh on 07842 319377 or email jgarland@visionsupport.org.uk if you would like more information.
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.
Techno Vision Systems Ltd sell
Braille translation software,
Braille embossers, Braille paper,
music products, keyboard enhancements and tactile drawing. They also provide telephone support,
training, repairs and maintenance.
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.
Our Digital Inclusion Officers are able to support you in your own home with computers, tablets and other assistive
technology.
If you are isolated we can arrange for one of our volunteers to call you for a friendly chat and help with any difficulties.
For people living with a
vision impairment who may be feeling lonely and isolated and would like a chat to a friendly volunteer. Vision Support's Telephone
Befriending Service is delivered by volunteers who will call at a time, date and frequency that is mutually agreed.
Blind and partially sighted people who live alone or in isolated areas get a friendly call on a regular basis from volunteers who are themselves blind or partially sighted. Callers can also pick up any needs which may arise. They may be able to provide relevant information or can refer cases to social services.
Ten pin bowling group for blind and partially sighted people. 1st Friday of each month, 12pm – 2pm
Tenby Observer (monthly).
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.
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.
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!
Torfaen has an active
Direct Payments User Group which meet every 8 weeks at Canalside, Five Locks Road, Pontnewydd. If you are receiving Direct Payments, about to receive them or want to know more about them then why not come along to the next meeting. The Group discuss issues about Direct Payments, you get the chance to meet other
service users and find out more about Direct Payments.
Council page on library services in Tofaen County Borough.
A social group that meets locally and enjoy talks, activities, speakers,
outings, refreshments and other entertainment. The group meets on alternate Mondays at the Sight Cymru office in Pontypool between 1.00 – 3.00pm.
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.
VI crown green bowling at Bradley Bowls
Club, off Park Wall Road, Bradley, Wrexham, LL11 4DA. Runs from beginning of April to end of October. Every Wednesday.
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.
Traveleyes is a company which provides worldwide
holidays for groups of people, half of who are
visually impaired and half are sighted. Each VI traveller is paired with a sighted person, who acts as a guide and receives a discount.
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.
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.
Have fun and learn new skills through drama. A popular group with lots of drama games, creative and storytelling activities. Alys is one of our trained workshop leaders and has worked with UCAN for many years. Her workshops are all about making new friends and having tons of fun through activities including storytelling and improvisation. Every Tuesday 5:00pm-6:30pm, on Zoom. Ages 13-18.
Our workshop trainers Jake and Taylor run an interactive workshop for our younger participants. Playing games, quizzes and having a laugh is what they do best. It’s a great place to make friends and introduce yourself to drama activities in a fun way. Every Wednesday 4:00pm-5:00pm on Zoom. Ages 7-13.
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.
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.
Direct Payments enable people assessed as requiring
Social Care services to purchase their own care and support. Agency used: Penderels Trust
Council page on library services in Vale of Glamorgan.
Vale of Glamorgan Council has a member of staff qualified to provide mobility
training to
vi children in a school environment. The contact is Helen Davies
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.
VI Awareness
Training covering North-East Wales delivered by the regional society for blind people for the area.
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.
Advice and
training which will help raise awareness of the needs of blind and partially sighted people in both work and social situations. The training typically includes: low vision awareness, sighted guide techniques and demonstration, eye conditions, communication skills, aids and equipment demonstrations, practical advice and guidance.
VIM provide
vi awareness
training to families and organisations.
Every Wednesday, 10.30am - 11.30am at Dinefwr Bowls Centre, Manor Road, Ammanford. SA18 3AP. For further details contact: Alison Peters
Every Thursday, 10am - 12pm at Bro Myrddin Indoor Bowls
Club, Off Picton Terrace, Carmarthen. SA31 3BS. For further details contact John Wilson.
Every Wednesday, 12pm - 1pm, Islwyn Indoor Bowls
Club, Gelli Lane, Pontllanfraith, Blackwood. NP12 2JR. For further details contact Rhys Meredith.
Every Monday, 12pm -3pm. Meads Leisure Centre, Priory Road, Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire. SA73 2EE. For further details contact Steve Whitmore.
Every other Monday, 2.15pm - 4.15pm at Newport Indoor Bowls
Club, Glebelands Stadium, Bank St, Newport NP19 7HF. For further details contact Jackie Cooksley.
Every Saturday, 10am - 12pm at South Wales Bowls & Rec. Centre, South Road, Sully CF64 5SP. For further details contact Andrew Pemberton.
Every TUESDAY 12 -2 pm at Swansea Indoor Bowling
Club, Beaufort Road, Plasmarl, Swansea SA6 8AX. For further details contact Murray MacDonald.
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.
VI Tennis takes place on Tuesdays weekly from 11-12 at the International Sports Village, Spytty. Coaching is available and a first taster session is offered free. Contact Stacey Evans.
Vision Support's
VI Voices groups are for anyone living with a vision impairment who would like to raise awareness of the challenges people living with vision impairment experience and who are passionate about making a difference locally. As well as having a positive impact in the community, it is a great way of meeting others. Contact Nia below.
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.
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.
This social
club meets every Tuesday from 10.30-11.30 am at AVOW, 21 Egerton Street, Wrexham.
These are normally held on the second Monday of each month at Market Square Church Hall, 3 Salmons Street CF47 8DS (a short walk using the lane opposite the
bus station).
Quarterly newsletter giving information to residents of Merthyr County on activities for people with sight loss. Available in large print, audio CD and email.
Sensory impairment aids for everyday living such as mobile phones, talking clocks and watches, fully equipped kitchen demonstrating various aids,
CCTVS etc. There are also demonstration facilities for other
disabilities eg Tunstall equipment.
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 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.
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.
Closed?
Services offered:
Exploring the emotional impact of
vision impairment, sharing experiences if you feel comfortable and learning about coping mechanisms you can adopt to increase your emotional resilience. These sessions will be delivered by Vision Support Wellbeing Service Manager Gary Twigg and is open to anyone living with a vision impairment and their supporter’s. The workshops run every three months at Ty Avow, 21 Egerton St, Wrexham LL11 1ND.
Vision Support have two Community Information Service vehicles that visit local communities making it easier for those unable to get to a
resource centre to access information, services and equipment. Monthly schedules for the two vehicles are published on the website. The Wales events are listed in Perspectif's events calendar. It is recommended that you ring the telephone number given to confirm that a visit is going ahead or for a timetable of future appearances.
We understand the significant impact that living with a
vision impairment can have upon an individual's wellbeing. The Vision Support counselling Service provides counselling support over the phone to provide emotional support when you need it. Talking therapy can provide a safe non-judgemental space to talk and can incorporate coping strategies to overall improve well-being.
Referrals (including self-referrals) can be made by contacting Gemma on the landline below or Mobile 07595 412191. Alternatively email gedwards@visionsupport.org.uk or via the email below.
Vision Support understand how isolating living with a
vision impairment can be due to reduced confidence and mobility. Our home visitor service is here to provide companionship on a regular basis.
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.
This course raises individuals’ understanding of sight loss and advises on effectively supporting your customers or employees with sight loss.
Visually Impaired Pontypridd meets every 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month 10.00 am to 12.00 pm at Pontypridd Museum, Bridge Street, Pontypridd, CF37 4PE
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.
Running or walking - whatever suits you. Every Saturday at 1 pm at the athletic track behind Bridgend Recreation Centre. Contact details below.
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.
Social and entertainment group for persons who are
vision impaired and
carers.
Outings and speakers, general chat and company. Meetings are held at the Methodist Church, High Street, Welshpool on alternate Tuesdays between the hours of 2 - 4pm. from March - December. The
club is run by a small group of people who give their time freely. Raffle event every meeting towards cost of refreshments and use of hall. Affiliated with
Macular Society.
The West Shropshire Talking Newspaper (WSTN) publishes a weekly memory stick every Friday containing a lively digest of news readings, forthcoming events, features, interviews and information. This is based on newspapers published in Whitchurch, Wem, Ellesmere, Shrewsbury, Oswestry, Church Stretton, Ludlow and Bishops Castle. Titles include the Shropshire Star, Shrewsbury Chronicle, North Shropshire Chronicle, Whitchurch Herald, Oswestry & Border Counties Advertiser, South Shropshire Journal and Ludlow Advertiser. A bi-monthly magazine comprises readings from the inkprint Shropshire Magazine. The service is free for anyone who qualifies to use the
Articles for the Blind free post service and an application form can be downloaded from our website. Memory sticks can be played on personal computers, some digital radios and on dedicated players which can be issued on free loan within our area. Publications: Ludlow Journal; North Shropshire Chronicle; Oswestry & Borders Advertiser; Shrewsbury Chronicle; Shropshire Star. All monthly.
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.
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. Zoom meeting on the fourth Friday of the month 10.30am
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.
For anyone of working age living with a
vision impairment. This group meets both virtually and in person and is a great way of meeting other people living with a vision impairment in your local area who is of a similar age. The group meet in bars/pubs/restaurants in Llandudno/Chester (alternating monthly) and have a great time!
WoW is a programme that offers support and
training to people who live with
disabilities and long-term health conditions.
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.
Council page about library services in Wrexham.
ECLO (3 days per week) at Wrexham Maelor. Provides emotional support, often at a time of great need. Also signposts 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.
NEWSSS has a member of staff qualified to provide mobility
training to
VI children in a school environment. The contact is Rachel Ward below.
Help to protect vulnerable
visually impaired people to live more successfully within their local communities by helping them find solutions to their problems.
The team works with
children and
young people from birth to age 19. Specialist skills tuition is provided for those children and young people with a significant sensory loss with support,
advice and guidance being provided for families, schools and other agencies to provide a seamless approach to meeting the needs of identified individuals.
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.
For people who would like to meet other people living with a
vision impairment in their local area. This group has a fantastic programme of events and activities. Meeting at the Wrexham Methodist Church every first Thursday of the month 11am-1pm.
Young SANE is a virtual community that focuses on
mental health for people aged under 25. They want to highlight the issues that are particularly relevant to
young people and talk about their unique needs. Young SANE also celebrates the ingenuity, passion and dedication of young people who have made a commitment to tackling mental health stigma, and changing mental health for good.
This forum is aimed at feeding the opinions and concerns of blind and partially sighted people in South East Wales to the national agenda. A member of the group is also nominate to the Board of Directors of Wales Council of the Blind.
This forum is aimed at feeding the opinions and concerns of blind and partially sighted people in West Wales to the national agenda. A member of the group is also nominate to the Board of Directors of Wales Council of the Blind.
Part time
ECLO based at Ysbyty Cwm Rhondda Tuesday to Thursday. Provides emotional support, often at a time of great need. Also signposts 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.
This post is currently vacant.
ECLO (Mon-Wed) based at Ysbyty Gwynedd, Bangor. Provides emotional support, often at a time of great need. Also signposts 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.
ECLO based at Ystrad Mynach (Ysbyty Ystrad Fawr) hospital. Provides emotional support, information, assistance and signposts on to many different services to help at this difficult time. The ECLO can bridge the gap between health and
social care for people with sight loss.
