NSBP
We offer a range of services tailored to the needs of those with a visual impairment. These include:
The Macular Degeneration Group
Specialist information service
Bi-monthly Newsletter
Transcription service (braille and large print)
It is estimated that the number of people in the City who suffer from significant visual impairment could be as high as 8,000. Of these, approximately 1,800 are officially registered blind or partially sighted. Our own experience has shown that many of these would benefit from and value the services which we offer.
These services are run by a small but dedicated staff (4 full time and 2 part-time), assisted by a vitally important team of volunteers.
Resource Centre
The Resource Centre is at MEA House which is also where many of our activities and classes are held. We have a wide range of information and equipment to hand and can also make referrals to other specialist agencies if necessary.
Befriending Service
Newcastle Society for Blind People offers a Befriending Service for visually impaired people.
The service is run by the volunteer co-ordinator who ‘matches’ a suitable volunteer with a client.
Our volunteers visit clients who are mainly elderly and have little or no contact with the outside world. They may have mobility problems so don’t get out very often, or they may have no family or friends they can rely on for support.
Our volunteers are allocated one or two clients who they visit on a regular basis for a chat and a cup of tea, perhaps take them to shop for a specific item e.g. new shoes. They may read newspapers or mail for them, write out birthday or Christmas cards etc.
Volunteers are specially trained and receive ongoing support from the Volunteer
Co-ordinator. Many of our volunteers are themselves visually impaired.
How to Become a Volunteer
Contact Andrea Taylor on 0191 2327292
Vision Awareness Course
Courses run for eight weeks (attendance 2 hours per week). People who have been newly diagnosed with a visual impairment find the course very useful. It provides an opportunity to meet others who are in the same situation and to learn about services, opportunities, benefits, grants, low vision equipment and many other topics. Carers/partners are encouraged to attend.
Transport is provided free of charge for people attending this course.
Hobbies and activities
At present these include a Library Group and Yoga and Relaxation Classes
We are always seeking to develop further leisure groups as staff time and funds permit. These will be advertised in the Newsletter.
Daily Living Aids
The Society can obtain a variety of practical aids on a trial basis. Some of these aids are on display in the Resource Centre – others can be ordered and home delivery arranged if required.
The Macular Degeneration Group
The Macular Group is a self-help group which meets on the 3rd Wednesday of the month at 1.30pm in the Brunswick Hall, beside Fenwicks. Usually about 40 people attend, friends welcome. They have speakers on various subjects, 2 outings per year usually in May and September, and a Christmas party. There is no meeting in August.
There is no charge, but a collecting tin is sent around to help pay for the rent and tea/biscuits.
If you would like to come to any meeting, please just turn up, no booking necessary (except for outings/parties).
For further information please contact
Ann Banks 0191 232 7292.
Ring-Round Service
Newcastle Society for Blind People offers a telephone Ring-Round Service. This is run by a small band of volunteers, some of whom are themselves visually impaired.
Each of our volunteer callers have their own list of clients who they telephone each week for a friendly chat. Sometimes a volunteer may be asked about services the Society or other organisations provide.
Because of this service, the Society is able to keep in contact with over 100 clients each week who would otherwise have to wait for a visit from the outreach worker maybe once or twice per year.
Our volunteers are very valuable to the Society and are greatly appreciated by the clients and staff. They have built up telephone relationships with a number of their clients who look forward to receiving their weekly phone call.
How to Become a Ring-Round Volunteer
If you are interested in becoming a ring-round volunteer or would like to receive a weekly telephone call please contact Andrea Taylor on 0191 2327292
Newcastle Society for Blind People
England: North East
Caring for blind and visually impaired people of all ages since 1867.