Visible Communities
Visible Communities works within local
communities to improve attitudes and awareness of
visual impairment. The overarching aim of the five
year project is to encourage people affected by
visual impairment to play an active part within their
own communities. Visible Communities is
supported by the Big Lottery Fund.
- Visible Communities supports blind and partially sighted people to play a meaningful role within their own neighbourhoods and supports communities to make this involvement as smooth as possible.
- Visible Communities engages with communities to raise awareness of visual impairment through training, information sessions and media coverage.
- Visible Communities works with and supports visually impaired people and people who are in the process of losing their sight. We provide emotional support, advice and information and links into other agencies.
- Visible Communities actively demonstrates that in many cases lifestyle choices are still possible but a different approach is needed.
Information Sessions in your Community
The following information sessions are available to visually impaired people, friends and family, and anyone who would like to find out more about visual impairment and the range of support available locally. These are “drop in” session, usually over a 2 or 3 hour period and provide the opportunity to meet with other visually impaired people in the area and representatives from local support services. A range of equipment to support independent living is also on display for people to try. Family members and friends are also provided with the opportunity to try simulation glasses to help increase understanding of eye conditions.
The Community Support Team will be available throughout the sessions to provide information, demonstrate equipment and have a chat over tea, coffee and biscuits. If you would like to attend any of the Information Sessions detailed below, please phone the team to book a place on 0141 332 4642.
- Clarkston Halls, Clarkston Wednesday 12th May, 10am to 12 noon
- Milngavie Town Hall , Milngavie - Tuesday 25th May, 12.30pm to 2.30pm
- Wed 2nd June, Giffnock Library,
Visual Impairment Awareness Training
FREE training will be available to organisations, community representatives, volunteers and services, providing the opportunity to update your knowledge and share good practice with others. There will also be the oppurtunity to discuss the importance of good communication, receive advice on guiding, and try interactive activities using simulation glasses which simulate the most common eye conditions. For the current year, Visible Communities will be working within Inverclyde, East Renfrewshire and East Dunbartonshire and we would invite interested organisations from these areas to contact us.
- 9th June 2010 – Kirkintilloch
Peer Support Sessions
Regular Peer Support Sessions within East Dunbartonshire are held every 2 / 3 months in Kirkintilloch and Milngavie and group members attending share ideas, support each other and have the opportunity to enjoy a variety of information which is provided by guest speakers. If you live in East Dunbartonshire and would like to find out more about the Peer Support Sessions or would like to attend one of the sessions, please contact Anne Garry or Rae McDonald on 0141 332 4632.
