For some people, sight loss comes suddenly and for others, it’s a part of long-term health issues. Either way it may be life changing. It’s estimated that there are 1.7 million people in England living with sight lossthat has a significant impact on their daily lives, and each year around 20,000 Certificates ofVision Impairment are issued. The information below is about services that could help and support your family and includes details of their contact information.
Action for Blind People Visually Impaired Service
Information & support for visually impaired people to access services including employment, welfare benefits, independent living, housing and to access technology.
Who to contact
Contact NameSharon Meadows
Contact PositionOperations Manager
Telephone01642 233439
Website
Redcar VIP - Visually Impaired Group
The last Friday of every month: 10.00am - 12.00pm
We are a social group who meet once a month to get together, exchange information, take part in activities and have guest speakers etc. The group is for anyone with a visual impairment and their families and carers.
Activities include:
Chair Exercise
Carpet Bowls
Indoor Golf
Curling
Laughter Yoga
Microwave Cooking Demonstrations
Guest Speakers
We also organise outings for meals etc.
Who to contact
Contact Name
Irene Poynter
Contact Position
Co-ordinator
Telephone
01642 470912
United Reformed Church
Address
Station Road
RedcarTS10 1RQ
Visual Impairment Service
This Education service provides support for all children with a visual impairment in the Tees Valley area covering the Boroughs of Middlesbrough, Hartlepool, Redcar & Cleveland and Stockton. This service is managed by Middlesbrough Council under a joint arrangement with the other boroughs.
The support and guidance is provided to the children and their families from diagnosis of the visual impairment and continues throughout the child's educational career.
Support may take different forms, ranging from a minimal support to enable a child to succeed in a neighbourhood school, to the support offered by resource facilities providing high levels of specialist staff and equipment.
At present the Service operates an open referral system to minimise the risk of a child being disadvantaged by their impairment.
Our range of help varies with individual need and can include:
Pre-school visiting at home
Parent and toddler group fortnightly
Support to children in mainstream schools
Support to children in specialist schools
Support to parents and teachers
Liaison with all professionals including medics, social workers, local and national support organisations
Mobility training
Touch typing skills
Awareness raising and training
Holiday opportunities for visually impaired children
Who to contact
Contact Name
Sharon Hull / Inga Raynor
Telephone
01642 354353
Where to go
Name
Visual Impairment Service
Address
Whinney Banks Primary School
Fakenham Avenue
Middlesbrough
Postcode
TS5 4QQ
Langbaurgh Talking Newspaper
The Langbaurgh Talking Newspaper, in partnership with Cleveland News and Views, is a charity staffed by volunteers. We produce a monthly CD of news, sports news, entertainment information, nature reports and short stories for circulation to blind and partially-sighted people in Redcar and Cleveland and surrounding areas. The service, including postage of CDs is free of charge.
Who to contact
Contact NameDavid Rae
Contact PositionSecretary
Telephone01642 472287
Teesside & District Society for the Blind
Aim: Promoting independence for people with a visual impairment.
Services we provide:
Social Centre
Home Visiting Service
Shopping Escort Scheme
Computer Training
My Guide
British Wireless for the Blind
Resource & Information Service
For full details ofthe aboveservicesplease see the individual listings in Related Services at the right of the page (bottom of page if using mobile)
Who to contact
Contact NameRona Aston
Contact PositionManager
Telephone01642 247518
Website
Where to go
Name
Teesside & District Society for the Blind
Address
Social Centre
Stockton Road
Middlesbrough
TS5 4AH
Blind Voice UK
BlindVoice UK was established in Middlesbrough in 1997. Our ambition is to create widespread and lasting change for blind and partially sighted people. We are committed to highlighting the severe impact of sight loss. Our Mission statement is: To enable people who are blind or partially sighted achieve equality and realise their full potential and integration into society.
Who to contact
Telephone01642 803 590
Where to go
Name
Blind Voice UK
Address
27
Yarm Lane
Middlesbrough
Postcode
TS18 3NJ
Action for Blind People Actionnaires - Multi sports for blind and partially sighted children
The second Saturday of every month
Actionnaires is the largest sports project for visually impaired children in the UK. We provide sporting opportunities for 8-16 year olds. Under 8's are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult.
10 reasons to bring your child and their siblings:
Children that attend, develop their self-confidence, social skills, sporting ability, health and fitness.
It is free.
All staff are suitably qualified and DBS checked.
All clubs are located ascentral to the area as possible
We have specially adapted equipment
We cater for levels of disability
We are the largest sports project for Visually Impaired children
We work with National Governing Bodies and community clubs, providing pathways for children to develop interests outside of the club
Your child will have the chance to take part in sports festivals and away days
They won’t be bored! There’s a huge range of sports and activities, including archery, athletics, basketball, cricket, football, goal ball and much much more!
We hold our scheduled sessions every second Saturday of the month with additional specialist sessions in-between.Check our website for more information or contact the Middlesbrough office to speak to the Emma.
Who to contact
Emma Dawson
Contact PositionChildren, Young People and Families Coordinator
Telephone07702 339111
Website
Where to go
Name
Garland House
Address
144-146
Borough Road
Middlesbrough
Postcode
TS1 2EP
Notes
This is the local office address however activities are held in community venues.
Royal National Institute for the Blind
Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) is the leading charity offering information, support and advice to almost two million people with sight loss. RNIB is a charity and we have three clear priorities: 1. Stopping people losing their sight unnecessarily 2. Supporting blind and partially sighted people to live independently 3.Creating an inclusive society.
Who to contact
Telephone0303 123 9999
Website
Technology Support Squad for Blind and Partially Sighted People
Technology can make life easier when you have sight or hearing problems, but knowing where to start isn't always easy.
RNIB's Technology Support Squad (TSS)is a free national service that can set up, fix issues with and help you use your device.
Get in touch for help with:
- Changing your watch battery
- Tuning in your digital radio
- Setting up audio description on your TV
- Setting up a new computer, laptop or printer
- Setting up your internet connection
- Installing software such as Microsoft Office or JAWS
We'll be helping people with sensory loss, gain and develop skills that allow them to use technology and the internet with confidence. So whether you need help with using your smartphone, setting up social media accounts, or simply browsing the internet – we're here to make sure you're getting the most out of it!
Who to contact
Contact NameRNIB Helpline
Contact PositionRNIB Helpline
Telephone0303 123 9999
Where to go
Notes
Volunteers will come out to your home.