2024 Highlights & Thanks from Sight Loss Shropshire

Collage featuring photographs of people engaging with Sight Loss Shropshire's services

Reflecting on a busy year at Sight Loss Shropshire, we are incredibly proud of the growth and achievements that have shaped our community’s support network, as well as the continued collaboration with partners and stakeholders that has allowed us to broaden our reach.

From expanding our range of services to launching new initiatives, we have worked tirelessly to provide crucial resources and assistance to people facing challenges with sight loss. 

Each step forward represents a significant achievement, and we are committed to building on this momentum in the coming year to ensure that we continue to support our community and beyond.  

Key Highlights for 2024 

  • The See & Hear exhibition made a return to Shropshire, attracting 40 exhibitors and around 250 visitors 
  • Our free one-to-one tech training service has made a real difference, helping individuals regain confidence and independence, and has expanded into offering home visits 
  • We launched our Sight Loss Awareness Training service to help organisations, businesses and groups make their services more accessible to people with sight loss 
  • We partnered with West Mercia Police to assist in making access to its services more accessible 
  • We launched our Tech Talk series, which continues to provide valuable insights with a collection of videos offering tips on using smartphones, apps, and voice-activated tools 
  • Our popular Winter’s Day Out was attended by over 200 visually impaired guests and supporters 
  • We took 27 visually impaired youngsters on a thrilling supercar driving day 
A young visually impaired person driving a specially adapted blue Lamborghini
Youngsters had an exhilarating experience at the supercar driving day
Guests inside a marquee
Guests enjoyed the fundraiser at Hodnet Hall Gardens

Changes at Sight Loss Shropshire 

As we close out the year, we’re saying a heartfelt thank you to Diana Flint DL, who recently stepped down as Chair of Trustees after several years of dedicated service. Diana’s leadership has been instrumental in advancing our mission to support people with sight loss, and we’re delighted her involvement will continue as a Trustee. We warmly welcome Arwyn Jones, our newly elected Chair, who brings extensive experience in the sight loss sector. Arwyn will lead Sight Loss Shropshire into an exciting new phase, with a focus on expanding our services and partnerships. The Board, Committee members, and staff are thrilled about the future and our continued progress in supporting our community. 

A Festive Message from our Trustees 

2024 has been a year of significant change and growth for Sight Loss Shropshire. As we look ahead, we are excited about the opportunity to broaden our services for people living with sight loss throughout Shropshire, Telford, and Wrekin. Arwyn Jones, our new Chair of Trustees, shares warm wishes and updates in a virtual Christmas Card. 

You can listen to the festive message below:

Living Well with Sight Loss courses have expanded to in-person group sessions across Shropshire

 
Thank You 

We would like to extend our gratitude to all of our volunteers, beneficiaries, partners and donors – whose generosity makes our work at Sight Loss Shropshire possible. Your support enables us to provide essential services, resources, and programmes that empower people living with sight loss to lead more independent and fulfilling lives. 

Your commitment has made a real difference in the lives of many, and we look forward to continuing our journey together in the new year. 

With best wishes for a healthy and prosperous 2025, from all at Sight Loss Shropshire.