Events

Calendar of events

We hope this calendar of events will grow to become a comprehensive listing of all important VI events. In addition to this event listing, we also publish a listing of general awareness activities (in other words, events with no specific dates attached) in our library.

We aim to list events for both Members and non-Members of VISION 2020 UK, and so if you would like us to add your event to this calendar, please use the contact form on the site.

  • SEPTEMBER 2010

    • 8 Sep 2010 - Sight North East 2010

      10:00am - 4:00pm

      The largest exhibition of equipment, serviuces and support held annually in the North East for people who are blind or partially sighted.

      Free entry and sighted guides for visitors.

      • Organised by: Sight Service
      • Venue:
        The Bamburgh Suite
        St. James' Park Football Stadium
        Barrack Road
        Newcastle upon Tyne
        NE1 4ST
      • Tel: 0191 478 5959
      • Email: contactus@sightservice.co.uk

    • 11 Sep 2010 - Annual Reunion Meeting

      National Federation of the Blind (Scottish Central Branch) invites all blind or partially sighted people to their Annual Reunion Meeting.

      10.30am to 4pm - No charge!

      Topics for discussion: Community equipment – why are we excluded? And Shared Streets – no-go areas or town improvements?

      Finger buffet lunch, equipment stands and displays.

      Influential and well informed speakers and ample opportunity for your views!

      Sighted guides and guide dogs also welcome.

      The NFB is run by the visually impaired for the visually impaired. Support us and have an interesting and enjoyable day. All we ask is that you let the secretary know you are coming! For that and more details contact Pauline Topham.

      • Organised by: National Federation of the Blind (Scottish Central Blind)
      • Venue:
        Discovery Point
        Dundee
      • Contact: Pauline Topham
      • Tel: 01382 668543
      • Email: paulinetopham@btinternet.com

    • 11 Sep 2010 - Birdshot Chorioretinopathy Patient Day

      10:00 - 4:45pm

      The day aims to provide an opportunity for patients with Birdshot and leading specialists, nursing staff and trainees to meet, share experiences and learn from one another.

      For more information or tickets, please email us.

    • 16 Sep 2010 - Colour and Tonal Contrast Training 1 - Antonia John

      Whole day £120 (£100 VB)

      This course will help delegates understand the concept and basic principles of inclusive design and lifetime homes and help delegates to appreciate how housing design can incorporate the needs of people with sight loss whilst taking a client focused approach to feasibility.

    • 17 Sep 2010 - Designing with Colour - Antonia John

      Whole day £120 (£100 VB)

      This module is for those who already have an understanding of colour contrast as defined by using Light Reflectance Values, and focuses on other important aspects of colour which a designer has to take account of when planning an environment.

    • 18 Sep 2010 - Finding Your Feet (first steps) re-launched by Action

      A programme of practical and emotional support to help people come to terms with sight loss has been re-launched by national charity Action for Blind People, taking place at its Vision Hotels.

      We are able to offer the next weekend 18th – 20th September at Windermere Manor Hotel, Cumbria at a cost of £65 per person (reduced from £110). This includes two nights’ accommodation, meals and programme sessions. The cost of getting to and from the hotel is not included.

      The three day Finding Your Feet (first steps) sessions include information and support through interactive discussion groups and specialised workshops, which are delivered by expert facilitators who have either a personal experience or a professional understanding of visual impairment.

      There is a focus on reducing the feelings of isolation, sharing experiences with others in the group and regaining confidence, mobility and independence.

      Finding Your Feet (first steps) is designed for adults of all ages who are finding it difficult to come to terms with losing their sight. The programme also recognises that partners, family members and friends are affected by the issues of sight loss and they are encouraged to attend as well.

      Heather Billington, Finding Your Feet Co-ordinator at Action for Blind People, said: “We’re providing the opportunity for people with sight loss to meet others in a similar situation and to share information, experiences and emotions. Over the weekend participants should come to recognise that they can adjust to dealing with their sight loss; building their personal confidence to meet the challenges of daily living.”

      Please send out brochures and application forms to your service users or refer to me Heather Billington 0151 677 2163 or 0151 208 3222 ext 329.

      For further information or to download a copy of the Finding Your Feet first steps brochure and application form, visit: www.actionforblindpeople.org.uk/findingyourfeet.html


    • 19 Sep 2010 - Drayton Manor Park & Zoo Family Fun Day

      The National Blind Children’s Society would like to once again invite children with a visual impairment and their families to attend a wonderful Family Fun Day at Drayton Manor Park & Zoo on Sunday 19th September 2010. We have held this event at Drayton Manor for the last 2 years and it has been such a success we have decided to do it again!

      Drayton Manor Theme Park in Tamworth, Staffordshire is packed with a host of great rides and attractions including Drayton Manor Zoo, Dinosaurland and the new Thomas the Tank Engine land. There’s the Action Park, Fisherman’s Wharf and Aerial Park for older children and Pirate Cove and Farmer McColls farm for younger members of the family.

      The day includes our own hospitality room for the day with plenty of exclusive parking for NBCS guests outside, refreshments for all will be provided on arrival together with direct access into the theme park, a finger buffet lunch of hot and cold food and wrist bands for all the rides. It will be a fantastic day!

      Booking is essential. Children with a visual impairment plus one parent/guardian are free. Immediate family members only cost: £10 per child aged 4-11, £15 per child 12 and over plus adults. Children 3 and under free.

      For further information or to receive a booking form contact: Sally Freeman at the National Blind Children’s Society on 01278 764775 or email sally.freeman@nbcs.org.uk

      We hope you will come and join us for a day to remember….

      • Organised by: National Blind Children’s Society
      • Venue:
        Drayton Manor Theme Park
        Tamworth
        Staffordshire
      • Contact: Sally Freeman
      • Tel: 01278 764775
      • Email: sally.freeman@nbcs.org.uk

    • 23 Sep 2010 - Colour and Tonal Contrast Training 1 - Antonia John

      Whole day £120 (£100 VB)

      This course will help delegates understand the concept and basic principles of inclusive design and lifetime homes and help delegates to appreciate how housing design can incorporate the needs of people with sight loss whilst taking a client focused approach to feasibility.

      • Organised by: RNIB Cymru
      • Venue:
        North Wales Society for the Blind
        Bangor
      • Contact: Kara Townsend
      • Tel: 01792 325 304
      • Email: Kara.Townsend@rnib.org.uk

    • 24 Sep 2010 - Designing with Colour - Antonia John

      Whole day £120 (£100 VB)

      This module is for those who already have an understanding of colour contrast as defined by using Light Reflectance Values, and focuses on other important aspects of colour which a designer has to take account of when planning an environment.

      • Organised by: RNIB Cymru
      • Venue:
        North Wales Society for the Blind
        Bangor
      • Contact: Kara Townsend
      • Tel: 01792 325 304
      • Email: Kara.Townsend@rnib.org.uk

    • 28 Sep 2010 - Visionary Annual Conference: Supporting Positive Change

      28- 30 September 2010

      Visionary – linking local sight loss charities, is the new name for the National Association of Local Societies for Visually Impaired People (NALSVI) and whilst we might have changed our name to something more pronounceable and easier to remember our ethos is unchanged.

      Full details of the conference have been circulated to organisations and will be regularly updated on our newly launched web site www.visionary.org.uk – There is already an exciting range of workshops as well as speakers.

      The booking for places is now open on the York University web site https://store.york.ac.uk/events/ - please make sure you follow the instructions and read the terms and conditions.

      For the first time ever people who are not members of Visionary are eligible to attend the conference. People who book early by the end of July will pay at the ‘Early Bird’ rates. Please note that rates will rise from the 1st August.

      Bookings for workshop places are not necessary at this stage. This will allow you to maintain maximum flexibility in a rapidly changing world both nationally and locally, and to take advantage of anything which comes on stream in the near future.

      Key Note Speakers
      We already have an exciting range of speakers lined up and have attached details about those that we have available.

      The speakers are:-
      Angela Tinker, CEO, Visionary, “Linking local sight loss charities – leadership in challenging times.”

      Mike Brace, Chief Executive of VISION 2020 UK, - “Change,” – see http://www.vision2020uk.org.uk/ for more information about VISION 2020 UK

      Richard Leaman, new CEO from Guide Dogs, - “Change and Leadership”, - see http://www.guidedogs.org.uk/ for more information about Guide Dogs.

      Angela Catley, Community Catalysts, “Personalisation – challenges and opportunities for small providers” - see http://www.communitycatalysts.co.uk/ for more information about the work of Community Catalysts.

      Programme Outline and Workshops
      The most up to date information about the conference programme will always be available at www.visionary.org.uk.

      The extensive range of workshops and think tanks should meet everyone’s needs.

      Exhibitors
      We are planning a wider range of exhibitions than ever before. We have a daily increasing number of these finally confirmed:- Optelec; Coe Contact; Optima Low Vision Services; Sight and Sound Technology; ECL Plastics; Torch Trust; British Computer Association of the Blind, EyeT4All; RNIB Products; Sally Southwick; Simply Health; The Force Ten Company; Judges of Hastings; City Building Glasgow; Royal National College for the Blind; – and many more still close to final confirmation

      Details of the planned Awards Ceremony are also available on the Visionary website http://www.visionary.org.uk – though please note the closing date for nominations is Friday 30th July.

      The most recent details available for the conference will always be available at http://www.visionary.org.uk

  • OCTOBER 2010

    • 1 Oct 2010 - BBACT’s Annual Conference

      1st - 3rd October 2010

      If you are blind or partially sighted, run your own business or are considering self-employment, then attending BBACT’s annual conference is an absolute must. The weekend is always very enjoyable and whilst we know that it’s tough for businesses in the current economic environment, the conference is a great way to network with other business owners, to develop new skills, to expand your thinking and to invest in the future of your business.

      We will run a range of exciting and practical sessions, including discussions on:
      • the often confusing world of business finance and VAT;
      • how to increase the profile of your business through social and digital media;
      • the pros and cons of business websites and some inexpensive ways to help get you started
      • selling products through eBay;
      • changes in the delivery and practice of disability training;
      • changes in DLA and how they may enable blind and partially sighted people to benefit from the Motability Scheme
      • Assessing the potential business and tax advantages or disadvantages of delegates owning and running their own cars.
      • learn about and practicing your business “Elevator Speech”

      A key benefit for anyone attending a BBACT conference is the networking opportunity it offers. There will be formal and informal opportunities to meet and talk with other blind and partially sighted business owners, something that all previous attendees have found invaluable.

    • 13 Oct 2010 - Equipment Exhibition

      9:30am - 3:00pm

      The Beacon Centre will host its equipment exhibition, showcasing the latest in visual aid technology. To find out more, contact John Walters.

      Admission is free!

      • Organised by: Beacon Centre for the Blind
      • Venue:
        Wolverhampton
      • Contact: John Walters
      • Tel: 01902 880111
      • Email: jwalters@beacon4blind.co.uk

    • 13 Oct 2010 - Sensory Impairment Information Event

      Stalls from many local VI charities and organisations, as well as equipment and software demonstrations from leading manufacturers.

      All welcome.

      • Organised by: Guide Dogs/Christopher Grange
      • Venue:
        Christopher Grange
        Youens Way
        Knotty Ash
        Liverpool
      • Contact: Penny Williams
      • Tel: 07500 993219

    • 20 Oct 2010 - Induction to Visibly Better/Basic Visual Awareness

      Whole Day Session £75 (£65 VB)

      . Setting the scene and explaining the need
      . Explaining the system and its impact on various job roles

    • 23 Oct 2010 - Finding Your Feet (first steps) re-launched by Action

      A programme of practical and emotional support to help people come to terms with sight loss has been re-launched by national charity Action for Blind People, taking place at its Vision Hotels.

      The three day Finding Your Feet (first steps) sessions include information and support through interactive discussion groups and specialised workshops, which are delivered by expert facilitators who have either a personal experience or a professional understanding of visual impairment.

      There is a focus on reducing the feelings of isolation, sharing experiences with others in the group and regaining confidence, mobility and independence.

      Finding Your Feet (first steps) is designed for adults of all ages who are finding it difficult to come to terms with losing their sight. The programme also recognises that partners, family members and friends are affected by the issues of sight loss and they are encouraged to attend as well.

      Heather Billington, Finding Your Feet Co-ordinator at Action for Blind People, said: “We’re providing the opportunity for people with sight loss to meet others in a similar situation and to share information, experiences and emotions. Over the weekend participants should come to recognise that they can adjust to dealing with their sight loss; building their personal confidence to meet the challenges of daily living.”

      Please send out brochures and application forms to your service users or refer to me Heather Billington 0151 677 2163 or 0151 208 3222 ext 329.

      For further information or to download a copy of the Finding Your Feet first steps brochure and application form, visit: www.actionforblindpeople.org.uk/findingyourfeet.html


    • 27 Oct 2010 - The 2010 Eye Day

      The Conference will be chaired by Dr. Alison Hood of Guide Dogs.

      It is to include lectures on the following topics:
      - Blepharism
      - Developments in stem cell/genetics in relation to eye conditions
      - Ethnic minorities - related eye conditions
      - Retinitis pigmentosa

      Lunchtime Exhibition:
      Applications are invited from companies/organisations wishing to exhibit. Exhibitor's Stand £30, plus an additional £15.50 for each member of an exhibitor's team who requires lunch.

      Coference fee (including lunch): £90 per delegate

    • 28 Oct 2010 - Eye to Eye Conference 2010

      The event will take place during the school half-term break from October 28 to 29, 2010.

      Eye to Eye is the first event of its kind in the UK aimed at connecting young people with visual impairment and their families with professionals from the clinical, social and education fields.

      The conference will be themed around emotional wellbeing, a concept aiming to promote a clear understanding of the constructive and positive care pathways available from first diagnosis.

      This is the first event to address the shocking picture of social isolation and exclusion facing the UK’s 18,000 blind and visually impaired children that Guide Dogs exposed in recent research.

      It will provide a unique opportunity for families to find out what help they can expect from professionals specialising in the particular needs of individual children.

      During the two full days of the conference there will be talks, discussion groups and workshops led by a wide range of experts in visual impairment and in the practical, emotional and educational needs of children and their families.

      There will also be plenty of time for entertainment and relaxation, and a chance to meet other families – and siblings – in a similar situation.

      National Blind Children’s Society chief executive Carolyn Fullard said: ‘This important initiative with Guide Dogs is a significant development for us. The conference will help many families who need our support in caring for children with visual impairment and we are delighted that Guide Dogs is joining us in making it possible.’

      Tom Pey, Guide Dogs Director of External Affairs, said: ‘If the life chances of children and young people who are blind and partially sighted are to improve over the next decade parents, teachers, professionals and the children themselves need to learn how to work together. We are delighted to join the NBCS in what we hope will be the first of many such conferences.’

      Eye to Eye will enable delegates to hear from the world’s leading researchers, practitioners and professionals in the fields of social care, ophthalmology, child psychology and education.

      The full programme includes:
      •Bob Denman, Chartered Educational Psychologist
      •Marie-Renee Hector, National Institute for the Blind, Paris
      •Professor Khalid Khan, Professor of Obstetrics-Gynaecology and Clinical Epidemiology
      •Dr Jugnoo Rahi, Reader in Ophthalmic Epidemiology and Honorary Consultant Ophthalmologist, UCL Institute of Child Health
      •Lindsey Rousseau, Children’s Consultant, Special Educational Needs
      •Susan La Venture, Executive Director of the National Association for Parents of Children with Visual Impairments, USA

      For more details, including possible support with costs, and to download a registration form go to www.eyetoeyeconference.com

      • Organised by: Guide Dogs/National Blind Children’s Society
      • Venue:
        Holiday Inn
        Birmingham City
        Smallbrook Queensway
        Birmingham
        B5 4EW
      • Website: http:/ / www.eyetoeyeconference.com

  • NOVEMBER 2010

    • 2 Nov 2010 - QAC Sight Village Exhibition

      2nd & 3rd November 2010

      2nd 10am – 4.30pm
      3rd 10am – 4.00pm

      FREE ENTRY

      QAC Sight Village events are the UK’s leading exhibitions of technology, equipment and support services for people who are blind or partially sighted.

      Kensington Town Hall is a short walk from Kensington High Street underground (circle or district line) and is well serviced by bus routes (numbers 9, 10, 27, 28, 49, 52, 70, 328, C1)

      For more information about the event please contact the organisers on 0121 428 5041.

      • Organised by: Queen Alexandra Colleg
      • Venue:
        Kensington Town Hall
        Hornton Street
        London
        W8 7NX
      • Tel: 0121 428 5041

    • 9 Nov 2010 - Understanding Sight Loss

      Half Day Session £70 (£60 VB)

      This module covers:
      • Getting eye health checked
      • Discovering a condition
      • Different conditions and how people 'see'
      • Statistics
      • The importance of linking people to social services
      • Items blind people use
      • Identifying problems with eyes
      • Guessing someone has sight loss
      • Changing ideas of what it mans to be blind

    • 10 Nov 2010 - Functional Vision Assessment and People with Learning Disabilities: A short course for carers and supporters of people with learning disabilities

      1 in 3 people with a learning disability have sight problems, much of which might be undiagnosed or unnoticed by others. For people to reach their potential getting the right eye care is vital.

      SeeAbility’s eye 2 eye team has created a Functional Vision Assessment pack specifically for supporters who work directly with people with learning disabilities or people with profound and multiple learning disabilities.

      A Functional Vision Assessment recognises potential sight problems and can provide vital information when supporting people with learning disabilities to access eye care services.

      Following the success of our Functional Vision Training event in London earlier this year we are pleased to offer the training to those supporting adults with learning disabilities in the North of England.

      To book a place the Leeds Functional Vision Training event go to: http://www.lookupinfo.org/forms_booklets/functional_vision_assesement_pack/default.aspx

      Visit Look Up for more information about eye care and people with learning disabilities on www.lookupinfo.org. To find out more about SeeAbility's eye 2 eye campaign visit http://www.seeability.org

    • 10 Nov 2010 - ICT & Information Days

      10th November: 10:00 am to 12.30 and 1.30 to 4pm.
      11th November: 9.30am to 1.00pm

      We are delighted the Lincoln ICT Day will be held in association Professional Vision and Lincoln & Lindsey Blind Society at their offices in Lincoln.

      National Blind Children’s Society is this year celebrating it’s 15th birthday, the charity was founded in December 1995 in Somerset by Roderick Carne, who himself is registered blind. The aims of the National Blind Children’s Society is to ensure that children who are visually impaired achieve both educational and recreational goals. We do this through the provision of five key services. These are:

      - Family Support and Information
      - CustomEyes Large Print Books
      - Recreational Activities
      - ICT & Specialist Equipment
      - Educational Advocacy

      Professional Vision are one of the oldest companies within the Visual Impairment field today. Professional Vision Services own a substantial amount of LVI and therefore are in the unique position in the UK of designing and manufacturing products for the visually impaired market. To name one; The Magnilink Student Addition - which won the prestigious education BET award and is still the only visually impaired product to win this award. Other products such as the Magnilink ZIP evolved from customer consultations and their requests. Professional Vision will be offering the opportunity of some hands on experience during the two days.
      Lindsey & Lincoln Blind Society - the Lindsey Blind Society was established in 1921, the society has been most successful in its main aims of enabling people with sight loss to achieve a better quality of life, both through their home visiting service and by the running of social and therapeutic sessions via their centres. The society merged in 2007 with Lincoln Blind Society and became the Lincoln & Lindsey Blind Society providing their members with over 150years of joint experience.

      Booking is strongly recommended as spaces are limited.

      To request a booking form please contact Janine Froud on 01278 764785 or email janine.froud@nbcs.org.uk

      • Organised by: National Blind Children’s Society/Lincoln and Lindsey Blind Society/Professional Vision
      • Venue:
        Lincoln & Lindsey Blind Society
        Unit 6
        Checkpoint Court
        Sadler Road
        Lincoln
        LN6 3PW
      • Contact: Janine Froud
      • Tel: 01278 764785
      • Email: Janine.froud@nbcs.org.uk

    • 18 Nov 2010 - Visual Impairment and Autism Project Conference: Children who have visual impairment and autism – Furthering understanding of research and practice

      Thursday 18 and Friday 19 November 2010

      This major event will be of interest to those working with blind and partially sighted young people who have autism and the parents of these children. It will be of relevance to a wide range of practitioners, including teachers, teaching assistants, therapists, psychologists, mobility officers, care workers and doctors. It will also be of interest to those carrying out research in visual impairment and in autism and in the relationship between them.

      The conference will provide the opportunity to:

      1. Learn about some of the most recent research into visual impairment and autism.
      2. Extend your knowledge of the diagnosis and nature of autism in children and young people who are blind or partially sighted and the links between visual impairment and autism.
      3. Learn about the different approaches used in educational settings with children and young people with visual impairment and autism.

    • 27 Nov 2010 - Finding Your Feet (first steps) re-launched by Action

      A programme of practical and emotional support to help people come to terms with sight loss has been re-launched by national charity Action for Blind People, taking place at its Vision Hotels.

      The three day Finding Your Feet (first steps) sessions include information and support through interactive discussion groups and specialised workshops, which are delivered by expert facilitators who have either a personal experience or a professional understanding of visual impairment.

      There is a focus on reducing the feelings of isolation, sharing experiences with others in the group and regaining confidence, mobility and independence.

      Finding Your Feet (first steps) is designed for adults of all ages who are finding it difficult to come to terms with losing their sight. The programme also recognises that partners, family members and friends are affected by the issues of sight loss and they are encouraged to attend as well.

      Heather Billington, Finding Your Feet Co-ordinator at Action for Blind People, said: “We’re providing the opportunity for people with sight loss to meet others in a similar situation and to share information, experiences and emotions. Over the weekend participants should come to recognise that they can adjust to dealing with their sight loss; building their personal confidence to meet the challenges of daily living.”

      Please send out brochures and application forms to your service users or refer to me Heather Billington 0151 677 2163 or 0151 208 3222 ext 329.

      For further information or to download a copy of the Finding Your Feet first steps brochure and application form, visit: www.actionforblindpeople.org.uk/findingyourfeet.html


  • JANUARY 2011

    • 14 Jan 2011 - 60's Weekend in Eastbourne, 14-17 January 2011

      Jill and Alvin will be organising their eleventh sixties weekend at the Albany Lions Hotel, Eastbourne, from Friday January 14th till Monday 17th, 2011.

      The cost for three nights will be £144 per person, to include dinner, bed and breakfast, light buffet lunches, and afternoon tea on Saturday and Sunday, and a drinks reception on Friday before dinner. A live sixties band will be staying for the week-end, for you to dance to, or just listen to. For those staying just 2 nights (Friday and Saturday), the cost will be £110 to leave after Sunday lunch. Children under 12 sharing with adults will be half price.

      There will be time for walking and shopping on Saturday and Sunday mornings.

      We will have quizzes and time to share memories in the afternoons. If you can bring a musical instrument, why not join a jam session or two. There will also be plenty of time for karaoke.

      The hotel is well-known for its excellent food and staff who are well trained in how to assist blind people, and guide dogs are very welcome. There is a free-running area for the dogs just five minutes' walk away, and there is a grassy area fifty metres from the hotel. It should be noted that there are six steps, with a hand-rail at the front of the hotel, so it is not suitable for people who are unable to get out of their wheel-chairs. However, if you can get into the hotel, there is a talking lift to all four floors, and all amenities are on the ground floor.

      Even if you are on your own, please come and make new friends.

      To book, telephone the hotel on 01323 722 788.

      For further information, please contact Jill Allen-King, M.B.E. on 01702 477 899.

      We look forward to meeting you.

      Please book early.

      • Organised by: Jill Allen-King, MBE
      • Venue:
        Albany Lions Hotel
        Eastbourne
      • Contact: Jill Allen-King
      • Tel: 01702 477899

    • 22 Jan 2011 - Finding Your Feet (first steps) re-launched by Action

      A programme of practical and emotional support to help people come to terms with sight loss has been re-launched by national charity Action for Blind People, taking place at its Vision Hotels.

      The three day Finding Your Feet (first steps) sessions include information and support through interactive discussion groups and specialised workshops, which are delivered by expert facilitators who have either a personal experience or a professional understanding of visual impairment.

      There is a focus on reducing the feelings of isolation, sharing experiences with others in the group and regaining confidence, mobility and independence.

      Finding Your Feet (first steps) is designed for adults of all ages who are finding it difficult to come to terms with losing their sight. The programme also recognises that partners, family members and friends are affected by the issues of sight loss and they are encouraged to attend as well.

      Heather Billington, Finding Your Feet Co-ordinator at Action for Blind People, said: “We’re providing the opportunity for people with sight loss to meet others in a similar situation and to share information, experiences and emotions. Over the weekend participants should come to recognise that they can adjust to dealing with their sight loss; building their personal confidence to meet the challenges of daily living.”

      Please send out brochures and application forms to your service users or refer to me Heather Billington 0151 677 2163 or 0151 208 3222 ext 329.

      For further information or to download a copy of the Finding Your Feet first steps brochure and application form, visit: www.actionforblindpeople.org.uk/findingyourfeet.html


    • 26 Jan 2011 - Dementia and Sight Loss - Antonia John

      Whole day £120 (£100 VB)

      Aims
      • To begin exploring how sensory loss affects someone with dementia
      • To explore how poor sight will affect dementia suffers
      • To consider the sort of environment that is needed to help someone stay independent and anxiety free

  • FEBRUARY 2011

    • 9 Feb 2011 - Dementia and Sight Loss - Antonia John

      Whole day £120 (£100 VB)

      Aims
      • To begin exploring how sensory loss affects someone with dementia
      • To explore how poor sight will affect dementia suffers
      • To consider the sort of environment that is needed to help someone stay independent and anxiety free

      • Organised by: RNIB Cymru
      • Venue:
        orth Wales Society for the Blind
        Bangor
      • Contact: Kara Townsend
      • Tel: 01792 325304
      • Email: kara.townsend@rnib.org.uk

  • MARCH 2011

    • 12 Mar 2011 - Finding Your Feet (first steps) re-launched by Action

      A programme of practical and emotional support to help people come to terms with sight loss has been re-launched by national charity Action for Blind People, taking place at its Vision Hotels.

      The three day Finding Your Feet (first steps) sessions include information and support through interactive discussion groups and specialised workshops, which are delivered by expert facilitators who have either a personal experience or a professional understanding of visual impairment.

      There is a focus on reducing the feelings of isolation, sharing experiences with others in the group and regaining confidence, mobility and independence.

      Finding Your Feet (first steps) is designed for adults of all ages who are finding it difficult to come to terms with losing their sight. The programme also recognises that partners, family members and friends are affected by the issues of sight loss and they are encouraged to attend as well.

      Heather Billington, Finding Your Feet Co-ordinator at Action for Blind People, said: “We’re providing the opportunity for people with sight loss to meet others in a similar situation and to share information, experiences and emotions. Over the weekend participants should come to recognise that they can adjust to dealing with their sight loss; building their personal confidence to meet the challenges of daily living.”

      Please send out brochures and application forms to your service users or refer to me Heather Billington 0151 677 2163 or 0151 208 3222 ext 329.

      For further information or to download a copy of the Finding Your Feet first steps brochure and application form, visit: www.actionforblindpeople.org.uk/findingyourfeet.html


  • JUNE 2011

    • 13 Jun 2011 - National Eye Health Week, 13th -19th June 2011

      The dates for the 2nd National Eye Health Week have been set for 13 June – 19 June 2011.

      This is an opportunity for all organisations across the sector to join together and help promote the importance of eye health and the need for regular sight tests to people from every walk of life.

      - How can your organisation help promote the importance of eye health?
      - Does your organisation want to focus on a particular aspect of eye health?
      - Does your organisation want to target a particular audience?

      Now is the time for you to start planning your activities for the National Eye Health Week 2011!

      Get involved because vision matters!

      The campaign website www.visionmatters.org.uk is being updated to give details of the 2011 campaign/publicity materials etc. We will let you know as soon as this information is available.