After the AGM a couple of weeks ago, Barry welcomed our guest speakers, Jackie Sopwith and Kate McCallum from Somerset Sight who gave an interesting and informative presentation.
Somerset Sight is a local charity that has been supporting blind and partially sighted people across Somerset for over a hundred years and in 2019 they won the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service.
The services they provide are very important and valuable, and enable blind and visually impaired people in Somerset to continue to live full and independent lives, the majority in their own homes.
These services are: Resource Centre, Mobile Advisory Service, Low Vision Clinic, Emotional Support, Technology Support, Social Groups and various activities, including an annual holiday and benefit so many people.
One of the main services they offer is the Volunteer Visiting Service, where volunteers are matched locally with a sight-impaired person for regular visits for company and support and to alleviate any feelings of loneliness and isolation.
Volunteer visitors help with a variety of tasks such as reading, correspondence, or making appointments, going out for a drive or just a cup of tea and a chat. Their volunteers get great satisfaction and enjoyment from their voluntary work, many friendships are formed and the people they support very much look forward to their visits, some telling us that it is the highlight of their week. Full training is provided and they cover all reasonable expenses.
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer visitor or driver and would like further information, please phone 01823 333818 or email admin@somersetsight.org.uk.
Dining in the Dark
A while ago, Somerset Sight organised the second of their “Dining in the Dark” fundraising events, a delicious three-course meal at the stunning North Cadbury Court, but there was a catch – no one could see what they were eating or drinking.
The unique experience where people eat whilst blindfolded, was organised to enable participants to experience for themselves what it’s like to live as a blind or partially sighted person.
Jackie Sopwith, CEO of Somerset Sight, said “Many people who come to us at Somerset Sight with a new or deteriorating sight loss often feel that nobody knows what they’re going through. Whilst the aim of the event is to raise awareness, it’s also an excellent way to show people how reliant they are on their sight for everyday tasks such as eating and drinking, and to give them an inkling of what it’s really like for somebody with no sight at all.”