Jump to main content

News Archive 2011

Dennis talks about being the first VI MSP

Dennis Robertson the current MSP for Aberdeenshire west recently granted Visibility an interview and told us about his experience of visual impairment and how it impacts on his life as a busy member of the Scottish Parliament.  Please follow the link to read Dennis’s full interview.

Visibility wins award for work in falls and visual impairment

photograph of Fiona and Ruth with the award

Visibility’s “Falls – Look Out” project recently won first place in a UK wide competition for innovation in service delivery, The award was made by Visionary – the nation wide umbrella group for local visual impairment organisations.  Fiona Sandford CEO of Visibility is seen here being presented with the prize from Ruth Badger, runner up in ‘The Apprentice’.

Visibility was delighted to receive the award for the project which was developed in partnership with NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Community Falls Prevention Program and Glasgow Caledonian University, responding to the fact that people over the age of 65 with a visual impairment are twice as likely to fall as their sighted counterparts. 

Visibility has produced a falls leaflet which encourages people to get regular eye tests, gives tips on making your home safer and gives advice on colour contrast and the importance of strength and balance exercises. Visibility is also talking with people about their experiences with falls and hopes to expand the programme to work with small groups to improve confidence and reduce fear of falling. 

Download the falls factsheet

For further information on Falls – Look Out, please contact Shelagh Palmer on 0141 332 4632.

Law firm donates profits from wills to charities

We were delighted to learn recently that Visibility has been chosen by Hann & Company, Solicitors in Annan, as one of their recommended charities.  Hann & Company support good causes by offering to write a basic Will for people in return for a donation to charity, they charge no fee at all themselves.  This is a wonderful way for legal firms to support charities and we are very grateful to Hann & Company for not only supporting us in this way, but also for displaying our Gift in Wills leaflets to encourage people to remember Visibility in their wills.  Legacies are vital to us, without them we would struggle to continue many of our services, so we say a huge thank you to all the solicitors, and particularly Hann & Company, who help raise awareness of our work.

Board of Directors – Can you help?

Visibility’s Board of Directors are responsible for governing the organisation,  ensuring the organisation is run efficiently and that funds are spent prudently making the very best of the resources available.  They all give up their own time to ensure that the organisation operates in accordance with our governance documents, legislation and the pursuance of worthwhile objectives. 

We are looking for new members to join our board and would particularly welcome interest from people who themselves have a visual impairment.  If you are interested then the first step is to request a recruitment pack.

For an informal chat about the role, please contact Fiona Sandford, Chief Executive on 0141 332 4632 or email fiona@visibility.org.uk.

Emergency Eye Care in Glasgow is changing

The eye casualty which previously acted as a walk in facility is no longer open and has been replaced by the Glasgow Ophthalmology Acute Referral Centre. Access to this is by referral only from an optician or doctor and not by self referral. It is now only open mon-sat and not on a sunday.

If you have a problem with your eyes visit your local Optometrist (Optician).

·         If your optician is closed please contact NHS 24 for advice (08454 24 24 24).

·         If you have an eye injury that requires immediate emergency treatment go to the nearest Accident and Emergency (A&E) Department.

·         If your eye problem requires treatment by an Eye Doctor (Ophthalmologist) your optometrist can refer you to your local hospital. Your GP and local A&E can also do this.

·         If this problem is urgent you may be referred to the new Glasgow Ophthalmology Acute Referral Centre (ARC) at Gartnavel General Hospital.

·         If you are already attending an eye clinic and have an issue regarding your condition, make your consultant’s secretary at the hospital your first call.

Children

Children with eye problems should attend their GP during working hours or contact NHS 24 if the GP surgery is closed.

Eye emergencies or injuries should attend their local A&E department or the Royal Hospital for Sick Children (Yorkhill).

For more information please visit www.nhsggc.org.uk/content/default.asp?page=s1630

Enhance the experience

Blind or partially sighted people can now experience everything that a Scottish Opera production has to offer thanks to their Audio Description service which provides live commentary designed to tell the listener what is happening on stage without compromising the music. 

Scottish Opera offers discounted tickets for Visually Impaired Patrons and their carers when they book for an Audio-

described performance at the Theatre Royal Glasgow, Festival Theatre Edinburgh, His Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen or Eden Court , Inverness.  They can also send out a useful CD of information prior to the show and offer a Touch Tour of the set, costumes and props before the performance.

If you or someone you know is interested in booking for an Audio-described performance, contact the Box Office at your chosen theatre. Please let them know if you would like a headset during the performance and whether you would like to attend the Touch Tour.

Association of Speakers Club

Fancy a wee bit of Public Speaking? The Association of Speakers Clubs might just be for you. Their website www.the-asc.org.uk can help you locate your nearest club. One of our Volunteers is a member of the East Kilbride Branch, where he says there are two visually impaired participants who are current members, both of whom actively engage in all aspects of the club. The club nights are fun and a great way to improve personal confidence and meet new people. For more information  contact the Go Active Project on 0141 332 4632

Go Active Annual Summer Day Out

photo of day trippers photo of day trip

Day trip to Drumlanrig Castle and Country Estate, near Dumfries

Nine Go Active participants, supporting Visibility volunteers and staff all enjoyed a lovely summer day out at Drumlanrig Castle in the heartof Dumfries and Galloway on Saturday 13th August 2011.

Drumlanrig Castle is the ancient Douglas stronghold and Dumfriesshire home of the Duke and Duchess of Buccleuch and Queensberry. Set on the spectaculer 90,000 acrew Queensberry Estate, Drumlanrig Castle is brimming with centuries-old heritage and culture, period furnishings, fine art and antiques.

The morning held a tour of the Scottish Cycle Museum; (the inventor of the bicylce Macmillan Kirkpatrick hails from the area) followed by a castle tour and then lunch in quaint private room at the back of a restaurant which resembled an old fashioned parlour, in keepuing with the rest of the castle decor.

After lunch the group were treated to a ranger led walk around the castle gardens and grounds. They learnt all about the trees, plants and wildlife in the area and sat in the summer house for a rest at the end.

Graeme uses his experince of assistive technology to help others.

The RUVI (Resource Unit for Visually Impaired People) at the Mitchell Library in Glasgow has a variety of access technology products which can help blind and partially sighted people independently access printed and on-line information. The library is currently publisicing the unit in the hope that more visually impaired people are made aware of the services availiable.

Since June, Graeme Roach, on of Visibility's services users has been using his experince of assistive technology coupled with a recently achieved degree in computing to assist visually impaired libary resource unit users with any problems they encounter while using Zoomtext, Jaws or Kurzweil. Graeme has also given two information sessions to members of library staff to give them a greater understanding of what is availiable in the resource unit.

If you would like more information or would like to arrange a visit please contact:

Ann Hamilton, RUVI, The Mitchell, North Street, Glasgow G3 7DN

Phone 0141 287 2920 Fax: 0141 287 2815

Great Scottish Run 2011Photo of some of Team Visibility

Anne and Audrey in fancy dress

Thank you so much, to everyone who took part in the Great Scottish Run on behalf of Visibility.  This year we were delighted to have fourteen enthusiastic supporters.  Some ran, some walked, some sped round the course in under an hour and others took things at a more leisurely pace.  Whatever your time we hope you reached your personal goal.  Most importantly we hope you had a fun time helping to raise the profile of Visibility as well as much needed funds!

Well done to all and hope to see you next year.

Go Active Project News

The Go Active Team will soon be looking to develop a new programme of events for 2012, if you have any suggestions regarding walks, events or summer trip ideas; please do not hesitate to put forward your ideas.  The events

this year are:

15 October -  Castle Semple Loch-guided walk, 5 miles EASY/MODERATE

19 November - Glasgow City Centre and the Green, 3 miles EASY

The tandems continue to be available to anyone who has completed the induction training.  A new volunteer Gerry Cleary has signed up as a dedicated tandem pilot so if you wish to get out more often to build your fitness and skill, please give us a call on 0141 332 4632 and we’ll try to make it happen!

Woodlands Community Action Project

Are you worried about the high prices of gas and electricity? Then come along for some free help from Woodlands Community Climate Action Project who are a community led, not-for-profit organisation and will be here to help you stay warm, save money and save the planet.  Pop along for an informal chat, fill out a home energy check and find out what money you might save!

Wednesday 26th October 10:30 - 12:30

Nina Wesolowski - Energy Awareness Worker

Woodlands Community Garden and Energy Awareness Hub

www.woodlandscommunitygarden.org.uk

Out to Access Project

The Equality Network, in partnership with Inclusion Scotland and Glasgow Disability Alliance is working on the Out to Access project. The Out to Access project aims to improve service provision for disabled LGBT people. LGBT stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender. The project is funded by the Scottish Government.

Part of this project involves doing research on the needs of disabled LGBT people. In order to find out what these needs are we are doing research to produce a report. This research will be based on the findings from four focus groups. The focus groups will discuss people’s experiences of accessing services and their ideas for making services more inclusive. There will be a discussion of the intersection between gender identity and disability and another on sexual orientation and disability. Disabled LGBT people are welcome to participate in one or both discussions. All venues are fully accessible.

We want everyone to be able to fully participate in the event. If you have any access requirements, please feel free to discuss it with us, either on the phone or by e-mail, specially if we need to organise anything in advance (e.g. PA or interpretation). If the cost of travel is a barrier for you we can pay your travel costs.

Glasgow Focus Group:

Date: 15th October - Venue: Premier Inn

Dumfries Focus Group: date and venue to be confirmed.

All focus groups will run as follows:

11:00 – 13:00 Gender Identity/ Gender Reassignment and Disability

13:00 – 13:30 Lunch

13:30 – 15:30 Sexual Orientation and Disability

If you are a disabled LGBT person and would like to participate in any of the focus groups, please contact James Hiwatari at jamesh.volunteer@equality-network.org or call the Equality Network on 0131 467 6039 for a booking form. Your experience is extremely valuable. If you would like to give feedback but are unable to attend a focus group, you can do this by contacting James by e-mail or phone.

Volunteers win Evening Times Award

photo of awards ceremony

We are delighted to announce that Visibility’s volunteers won the Evening Times Team Award for Glasgow Community Champions (West Area).  9 volunteers attended the awards ceremony held on the 18th of August at Partick Borough Halls and had a tremendous time.  It was a tough category with the other three finalists all showing creativity, commitment and excellence so it is a real credit to the volunteers that they won.  The winners from each of the regions are put forward for the overall Glasgow Area award at a ceremony later on this year.

Visibility is incredibly fortunate to have such a fantastic group of volunteers. The award is a great acknowledgement that the wider community recognises and celebrates the wonderful support that they offer.

Visibility’s annual kids picnic Queens Park 2011

It was a lovely July day with the usual threat of rain, but the Visibility volunteers Maggie and Tom were ready for anything. We had the option of the using the park or the dry area inside the Queens Park Glasshouse, We opted for the Glasshouse marquee due to the weather and set up for the children’s arrival.

photographs of the picnic

Forty five children attended from Darnley and Hazelwood schools and they brought along friends, as well as teachers and support staff, who also enjoyed the day.

The children arrived in high spirits and causing a hullabaloo as they rolled into the Glasshouse.  Visibility had four activities booked, one of which was a creepy crawly touchy feely show with two of the Queens Park animal handlers.  They gave a short talk on the animals to a small crowd at a time, letting the children pet the spiders, snakes and lizards. There was also the popular posy making area, where two Queens Park florists were helping another group of children and teachers to make their very own posies.  These were very complex arrangements and everyone thought we had a few budding flower arrangers in the schools. Every child took home a posy for their parents and/or grannies.

Another big hit was the face painting by Laura from Sonsie Face whose skills as a make up artist in the theatre really helped with some complex requests. There was a few spider men, a cheetah, lots of bears and one boy nearly stumped us by requesting to be painted like a Canadian timber wolf.  Lastly, but just as enthusiastically received, was the balloon sculptor David, who demonstrated how to make giraffes, dogs etc out of balloons.

The activities were very popular, with the children going back for more painting touch-ups and balloon dogs all day, but they all managed to squeeze in time for a bite of lunch.  All in all a great day and with lots of smiles!  A big thanks to all who were involved and to the staff of the Queens Park Glasshouse, not forgetting the very important thanks to the children for making it so much fun.  Can’t wait to do it all again next year!

Marathon Oil supports Visibility with £3000 donation

photograph of Eddie presenting a cheque

We were very proud that Marathon Oil, thanks to our wonderful supporter Eddie Harkins, chose to support Visibility with such a generous donation. Eddie’s support for Visibility has been steadfast, he trekked the Fife Coastal Path as part of our Radar Fundraising Group last year, helping to raise over £4500 for our Go Active project!

Marathon Oil donate to charities nominated by staff members on a regular basis and thanks to Eddie, we were chosen to receive £3000 which is a huge amount of money particularly in these tough financial times.  The money will enable us to organise a programme of outings for blind and partially sighted people, bringing them together to enjoy lots of fresh air and the sounds, smells and sensations of our beautiful Scottish countryside.

Our grateful thanks go to both Marathon Oil and Eddie Harkins for this significant donation.

Whisky group walkers Go Active for Visibility!

photograph of cheque presentation

Our GO Active project was delighted to receive a generous £1000 from The Edrington Group recently. 

As part of a family charity day to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the company’s charitable arm, The Robertson Trust, a group of 10 hardy walkers including Margaret Roache, mum of Graeme, one of our regular GO tandem cyclists, braved the steady drizzle falling on Mugdock Country Park to complete a fundraising walk.

photograph of Graeme and Stewart on tandem

The walk was organised by Stewart Tyler of the Edrington Group and Margaret very kindly nominated Visibility’s Go Active project as a worthwhile cause to receive the proceeds - thank you Margaret!

This surprise windfall is great news for the GO Active project which relies entirely on donations to carry on its work so we say a huge thank you to Margaret and Graeme Roache, Stewart Tyler and the Edrington Group.

Great Scottish Run 2011

You don’t have to be super fit to join Team Visibility you only need a purpose!  Come and join Team Visibility in the Great Scottish Run Glasgow - Sunday 4th September 2011

Open up a no-limits world for blind and partially sighted children and help fund our vital work with children and their families in the west of Scotland.

If you would like to help support visually impaired children in your local area you can register with Run Glasgow to receive your running chip, then simply go to Visibility events page and register to join team Visibility and we will send you a fabulously bright Visibility running vest!

Thank you for joining us in supporting visually impaired children.

Visibility Group Writers Selected For Scottish Book Trust Project.

Several members of Visibility’s creative writing group were recently luck to have their work featured by the Scottish Book Trust‘s Family Legends Project.  You can view their work using the links below.

Isobel Haddow – Ahead of His Time

Margaret Hutchison – A Piece at Any Door

Chris McCafferty - A Cameo

Ann Stewart - Hello-Goodbye

Volunteer Friendly Award

Visibility has been successful in gaining a nationally recognised volunteering award in recognition of the involvement and support given to volunteers across the organisation.

The Volunteer Friendly Award is a quality standard to support, recognise and reward groups who are good at involving volunteers. In order to achieve the award the organisation was required to present a portfolio of evidence demonstrating that we met all the key components of the following five  strands:-

1.    Commitment to Involving Volunteers

2.    Making Volunteering Happen

3.    Fair & Equal Volunteering

4.    Volunteering Tasks & Getting Them Done

5.    Celebrating Volunteers’ Contributions

We are delighted to receive this award, it is a great acknowledgment for the organisation that we truly value and strive to support all our volunteers.

Falls and vision

Sadly, it's true that falling is a natural part of ageing. Around 30 per cent of people over 65 and 50 per cent of over 80s will fall each year. It can happen as a result of many reasons and have devastating consequences.

What's not true, however, is the common belief that falls are just an inconvenience of getting older, to be endured. Likewise with poor vision although again poor vision increases with age as 80% of people with a visual impairment are over the age of 60.

Many factors contribute to the risk of having a fall, but it has been shown that vision problems are amongst the most important. In addition to obvious difficulties that come with having reduced vision such as seeing obstacles, identifying hazards and negotiating steps or uneven ground, poor vision can affect balance, coordination, mobility and accelerate a decline in muscle strength. All of which increase a person’s risk of falling. It is not only the fall itself which can have an impact but it is now recognised that fear of falling increases the risk of having a fall.

During Falls Awareness Week, 20th -24th June, Visibility is focussing on the link between vision and falls. The message is, that simple interventions can reduce the risk of falls.

For any more information download our information leaflet or contact Shelagh Palmer at Visibility.

One to One Service

The Go Project has recently launched a new pilot project for people who would you like to get out more, meet new people and try new activities. We are now taking referrals and can link you to a volunteer who can offer support to access activities of your choice.

This could be to go along to a local leisure class that you have always wanted to try, attend a part time or vocational course at college to learn new skills, an activity or the gym at your local sports centre, a local club, Ramblers or a walking group.  If you want to find out more please telephone Visibility on 0141 332 4632.

Titan Crane Abseil 

photograph of the group at base of crane

On Sunday the 15th of May 15 brave fundraisers, including Visibility’s very own Audrey Ward , faced a real adrenalin challenge in order to raise much needed funds for Visibility.

Thankfully the high winds died down a little as they made their way to the top of the 100 year old landmark structure, which sits on the north bank of the river Clyde.   After climbing over the side and manoeuvring around it’s edge to the abseil platform, a heart-stopping challenge in itself when you are 150ft above the ground, these fantastically valiant folk then heroically let go of the safety of the crane structure to freefall abseil their way to the waiting crowds of supporters on the ground below.

Over £2000 has been raised so far with sponsor money still coming in; this is a fantastic amount and will enable Visibility to continue to deliver life changing services.  

Visibility gains second success at Great Place To Work Awards.Great Place to Work logo

On the Evening of 25th May the UK wide Great Place to Work awards were held in London. Visibility was delighted to be ranked 5th best small workplace in the UKand also to win first place in another special category – The Disability Excellence Award which recognises organisations who actively promote disability equality.

14% of the workforce at Visibility have a disability (most are visually impaired) and one third of our trustees are also visually impaired.  The Great Place to work panel said   - “Visibility demonstrates a commitment to accessibility and best practice on disability in the workplace. The range of reasonable adjustments provided as standard goes beyond those for people with visual impairments. It also provides flexibility around work patterns and work stations. Visibility thinks about where it advertises and how it positions itself as attractive to disabled talent.”

This makes Visibility a positive role model for other organisations and a sector leader as recognised by our disability award.

Dumfries and Galloway

Visibility has spread its wings to encompass the Dumfries & Galloway region.  DGAB , the local organisation for visually impaired people, closed its doors on 31st March and Visibility took over responsibility for over 200 members of the organisation including 19 volunteers and 23 service users who receive a befriending and telefriends service.

Valerie Breck has met with many of the befriendees and volunteers and has found a warm and committed group of dedicated volunteers providing a great service to the people they support. 

We recently recruited two new members of staff who live in the Dumfries area.  Lindsay McDowall will take over as the Development Worker and Allison McCourt as Volunteer Support Worker.  This is an exciting time as we get to know the area, people and local services and they get to know Visibility!

Visibility wins Great Place to Work Award

Visibility recently won a top spot at Scotland ’s Best Workplaces Awards ceremony.  The ceremony, organised by the Herald and hosted by Shereen Nanjiani, the BBC Radio Scotland presenter, was held at the Radisson Blu on Thursday 31st  March.

photographs of Tom with the awardsAs well as coming in 5th in The Top 25 Workplaces in Scotland 2011, Visibility was the overall winner of the Diversity Excellence Award.   The Judges congratulated Visibility’s managers for creating a workplace culture built on dignity and respect for everyone.

This award recognises organisations that go beyond compliance to promote equal opportunities in the workplace and encourage.

Fiona Sandford , Chief Executive of Visibility said ‘we are delighted to be recognised as a Great Place to Work – Visibility has a fantastic team of staff and volunteers, all of whom are always willing go the extra mile to ensure that the people we work with receive a high level of service’.

Tom Kelly Visual Support Worker with the trophies.

Falls and Visual Impairment

Visual impairment is recognised as an important contributing factors in falls.  Research into this area highlights that visually impaired people are twice as likely to fall as their sighted counterparts and the falls are more likely to result in fractures.

Fear of falling is also frequently reported by older people and it has been found that people who are fearful have an increased risk of falling again

Visibility has begun a piece of work with  local authority sensory impairment teams.  The Community Falls Prevention Programme aims to develop a programme for visually impaired people aimed at reducing their risk of falls.

Visibility is looking for your help

·        Do you have limited vision?

·        Have you fallen more than once in the last year?

·        Does your fear of falling stop you from being more active?

We’re looking for visually impaired people to work with us on looking at the impact of vision loss on mobility.  We would like to hear your stories and work with you to develop appropriate advice and techniques to reduce the risk of falling.

We would also like to hear from you if you are a professional working with older people and would like to discuss supporting someone with a visual impairment to reduce the risk of falls.

If you would like more information, please call Shelagh or Jamie on:  0141 332 4632

Women’s 10K – Sunday 8th May

photograph of ladies 10K

Yes girls it’s that time again!   Why not look out your running shoes and join team Visibility in this year’s Ignis Asset Management Women's 10K?   On Sunday 8th May you could meet our regular runners and some of our Visibility staff who are always ready to have a friendly chat on route.

Whether you run, jog, or walk, you will have a great day and any money you manage to raise for Visibility will be much appreciated. 

For those of you who may be visually impaired our visually impaired staff member, who has run four times, is happy to pass on her tips on jogging with a guide.  This is a brilliant event, with lots of atmosphere, so girls lets get together, have fun while we run, and raise some much needed funds for Visibility's work.

For more details or to register to run for us please click here or call Susan on 0141 332 4632

Audio Description from Ada

Sight problems? No problem!

Enjoy a visit to the theatre with Audio Description the art of painting pictures with words.

Using a discreet ear piece you can listen to the action being described with no intrusion on the actors’ dialogue

At a theatre near you. Go to www.adascotland.com and check on the calendar.

Listener’s comment: “Now I can laugh at the same time as everyone else.”

abseil Flyer

Step off for Sight Loss - Take on the Titan Crane

The famous Titan Crane has been standing proud on Clydeside for over 100 years and this is your chance to free-fall abseil down all 150 feet of it! On Sunday 15th of May. a group of people with nerves of steel will take on the Titan to raise money for Visibility, the west of Scotland ’s local sight loss charity.  Will you be one of them?

No previous experience is needed. Minimum sponsorship is only £95!  There will be a team of expert instructors on hand along with all the equipment you will need to make a safe descent. All you need is comfortable clothes, sensible shoes and a sense of adventure! If you are under 18 we need parent/guardian consent.

This is a very popular event so numbers are limited and places will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. Visibility relies on donations to keep our work alive.  The money raised by our abseilers will support our GO ACTIVE project which helps people with sight loss get out into their local communities, take on new challenges and try out new activities to improve their physical and mental wellbeing.

To book your place contact the events team on 0141 332 4632 or email susan.crombie@visibility.org.uk.

Thistle & Clover Bike Ride

A great way to work off those extra Christmas and New Year pounds is by taking part in the Thistle & Clover Bike Ride.  Setting off from Edinburgh and cycling to Dublin over 3 days, you will have a great time, in great company passing through great scenery.  You will then have an overnight stay in Dublin with lots of time for sightseeing and celebrating before being flown home.

The first Thistle & Clover Bike Ride last year was a huge success so 2 events have been planned for 2011.   So, if you want to get fit and challenge yourself while having fun why not build your own Celtic connections by taking up the Thistle & Clover Bike Ride challenge in 2011 -  you will be raising funds to keep our services alive.Edinburgh - Dublin flyer

Dates:

Registration fee: £99 - Minimum sponsorship: £1300

To find out more call us on 0141 332 4632

Go Active Project - New 1-1 Service Development

This new service is aimed at adults who wish to engage in social, sporting or leisure activities within their local community but who require some initial support. Volunteers will be available to provide the service for a limited period of time to assist with engagement, familiarisation of routes, venues, orientation, introductions and confidence building. The emphasis is on improving independence and natural networks.

Specific areas have been targeted to pilot the project and these include North & East Ayrshire, East & West Dunbartonshire and North Lanarkshire.

If you wish to find out more, please contact Rosemary Cameron Go Active Co-ordinator on 0141-332-4632.

Visibility and Dumfries and Galloway Association of the Blind to merge

As from April 2011 Dumfries and Galloway Association of the Blind (DGAB) will become part of Visibility.  For the last three years DGAB, Visibility and Dumfries and Galloway Council have been working together to develop community based services for visually impaired people.

Visibility has worked throughout the west of Scotland for over 150 years and is committed to delivering a locally based service to visually impaired people of Dumfries and Galloway.

Fiona Sandford, Chief Executive of Visibility said ‘we have been working with our partners in Dumfries and Galloway for some years and this merger is the natural conclusion of our work. We look forward to working with our local authority and health partners to benefit the people of Dumfries and Galloway.

Arlene Croall, retiring Chairperson of DGAB said ‘we invited Visibility to help us find a sustainable way of ensuring that DGAB service users would continue to benefit from the presence of a visual impairment charity. The merger is the best possible outcome and we can retire knowing that DGAB service users are in safe hands!’

RSAMD Carol Singers raise shoppers Christmas spirits and much needed funds

photograph of carol singers

Students from the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama performed at Silverburn  Shopping Centre on the 4th December and at Olympia shopping centre East Kilbride on the 11th December in support of Visibility and raised a fantastic £1509.

Their wonderful voices carried throughout the shopping malls and those listening passed some lovely comments, “I thought that was a CD playing”, said one delighted Christmas shopper.

North Lanarkshire Council and Visibility: New support for young people

Working with North Lanarkshire Council, Visibility is developing its Supporting People project to work with young people. This will involve supporting young people in the last year of school and those going to college or looking for work.

We have just starting working with three young people to provide support at college, attend new activities, meet new people and build up friendships. This is never an easy time of life for any young person and have a visual impairment can make this time more challenging. We are delighted to be part of this new development.

Top of page