Vision North Somerset recently held an Open Day at their newly extended and re-furbished premises in Neva Road, Weston- super- Mare.
Visitors were able to view the new Bradbury Community Room; a large, airy space with a high, pyramid-shaped ceiling, good artificial lighting and glazed patio doors across the entire back wall all making the room easy to use for Vision’s visually impaired visitors.
The day saw the launch of the Karten CTEC Centre where users will now be able to find out about free tuition for visually impaired people on computers, iPads, iPhones and tablets.
Members of staff were on hand throughout the day to demonstrate a range of electronic magnification aids and visitors were treated to a demonstration of the Woodspring Talking News service which uses MP3 players and USB memory sticks to provide a new way to listen to the local news.
In the Resource and Information Centre visitors could discover a wide range of aids, equipment and information all of which support visually impaired people.
About Vision North Somerset
Vision North Somerset is a registered charity supporting 1,600 blind and partially sighted people in the North Somerset area, helping them to remain independent by offering practical and emotional support. Vision also provides the Equipment Service for Deaf and Hard of Hearing People on behalf of North Somerset Council
The charity runs social clubs, provides a befriending service and helps people to claim the benefits to which they are entitled. They offer good quality volunteering opportunities and training to other organisations to help them to understand the needs of people with sensory loss.
Services include:
- Advisers who can explain how to register sight loss, assess needs and demonstrate equipment. They offer practical advice and provide information to help people remain independent
- Hospital Support and information about services for people with sight loss from a team of trained volunteers
- Some services for children with sight impairment and support for parents in accessing educational and other sources of help and support
- Rehabilitation support including mobility training, living skills and teaching of Braille and Moon: all with a view to helping service users remain independent
- Home Visits by volunteers providing companionship and support for isolated members
- Regular newsletters for all members
- A variety of clubs across North Somerset (please contact the office for full details of meeting days and times)