How We Make A Difference
As Shropshire’s leading sight loss organisation, we empower people with sight loss to live independently by providing expert support, specialist services, and meaningful opportunities that help them take control of their futures.
Through our wide range of services — from advice about practical daily living solutions to social activities, events and financial support and home visits, we make a lasting difference in people’s lives.
LIVING WELL WITH SIGHT LOSS COURSES
“The info has been superb! I will do a Euro Star journey through Europe.”
“The tech possibilities – suddenly I’m looking forward to a whole new exciting challenge!”
Our ‘Living Well with Sight Loss’ courses welcomed participants ranging in age from 23 to 93 across in-person and telephone courses held throughout the year.
A growing number of attendees don’t have a Certificate of Vision Impairment (CVI), highlighting the increasing importance of providing early access to information, support, and informed choices.
More people of working age are now engaging with our courses, reflecting a broader awareness and need across different life stages.
SHROPSHIRE DIGITAL SKILLS TRAINING FOR VISUALLY IMPAIRED PEOPLE
“Sometimes medication boxes change branding and I get awfully confused, now that I have Seeing Al (app) this will help me identify them”
“Now I have an Alexa I can just ask it the time, as I can’t see the clock anymore in my bedroom and have to get up and go into another room in the middle of the night to check on the time – this will be great!”
Our Digital Skills service continued to provide vital one-to-one home visits, helping visually impaired people build confidence and independence through technology.
Clients improved their skills and confidence with smartphones, tablets, smart speakers and iPads, and we helped family members, partners and carers gain a better understanding of sight loss and available solutions.
SIGHT LOSS EVENTS: Connecting people with information, opportunities and each other
In partnership, we delivered an expanded See & Hear exhibition, bringing together more than 70 exhibitors showcasing equipment, assistive technology and support services for people with sight loss, hearing loss and dementia. Visitors discovered local resources and explored the latest developments supporting accessibility, independence and quality of life.
Our annual Winter’s Day Out welcomes 200 people every year, providing opportunities to enjoy activities and entertainment, connect with others and discover local support and services.
We support a network of peer support groups reaching more than 150 people each month across Shropshire, working closely with groups to overcome challenges, strengthen sustainability and maintain vital peer connections.
SOCIAL INCLUSION & OPPORTUNITIES FOR CHILDREN & YOUNG PEOPLE
“I would go again to the Escape Room – I liked it that much.”
“Thank you for putting on such a different event.” (Parent)
We launched our Children & Young People’s Activities Programme, an exciting new project for visually impaired young people aged 14 to 25, delivered in partnership with Telford & Wrekin Council’s Sensory Inclusion Service. This collaborative initiative offers a programme of adventurous activities and creative sessions, providing opportunities for young people to build confidence, develop skills, and connect with peers.
SIGHT LOSS EQUIPMENT REHOMING
“I wanted to buy one of these, but couldn’t afford it… What a blessing, I was able to read an actual real book for the first time in 13 years with the Orcam reader today.”
“Thank you for posting the bump on stickers, mum is already a lot more confident around the house!”
We give unwanted and donated equipment a new lease of life by rehoming items such as magnifiers and electronic aids for people living with sight loss. This helps reduce waste, keeps useful equipment out of landfill and ensures it reaches someone who can benefit from it, and offer items such as VI lanyards and tactile stickers, providing simple, practical support that can make a meaningful difference in everyday life.
FINANCIAL SUPPORT: GRANTS TO INDIVIDUALS
We provide financial assistance to people living with sight loss when essential needs cannot be met through statutory support, awarding grants towards specialist technology and equipment, including Meta AI glasses, providing practical features that can support greater independence in everyday life.
SIGHT LOSS AWARENESS TRAINING
We deliver sight loss awareness training to organisations, professionals and communities, helping improve understanding, accessibility and inclusion.
By working collaboratively with statutory and voluntary organisations, we help raise awareness of sight loss and aim to improve local services.
INFORMATION, ADVICE & SIGNPOSTING
“You have been a rock within my sight loss journey.”
We are a trusted point of contact for people seeking support with sight loss, providing advice on everything from adjusting to changes in vision and accessing practical support, to finding leisure opportunities and assistive technology.
Growing numbers of referrals from opticians and social prescribers reflect increasing awareness of our services and the importance of early support for people affected by sight loss.
Together, these services help ensure people living with sight loss feel informed and supported at every stage of their journey.
