Innovate and Inspire Award 2024

Hartlepool Vision Support

Hartlepool Vision Support (HVS): Elevating VI Sports

HVS are honoured to be nominated for this prestigious award. This recognition underscores our commitment to creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for VI individuals through the power of sports.

Our journey began with a vision: to provide VI individuals in our community with opportunities to participate in sports, fostering physical health, social interaction, and self-confidence. Through our initial taster sessions we have seen remarkable growth and engagement. These activities, which range from baseball and judo to goalball, have not only improved the physical well-being of our participants but also enhanced their social lives and self-esteem.

We are particularly proud of our inclusive approach, which allows sighted individuals to participate alongside VI athletes. This integration has been vital in breaking down barriers, promoting mutual understanding, and building a cohesive community where everyone feels valued and included.

Support from local businesses, organisations, and volunteers has been instrumental in our success. Their contributions have enabled us to acquire specialised equipment and secure venues, ensuring our programs remain accessible and affordable.

Looking ahead, we are excited about expanding our reach and introducing new programs. Our aim is to continue leading the way in VI sports, setting a standard for inclusivity and innovation.

We invite the wider community to join us. Together, we can make a lasting impact, proving that with the right support, everyone can achieve their full potential. Thank you for believing in our vision and supporting HVS.

Henshaws

We are thrilled to be shortlisted for the award and need your support to secure votes for our Monthly Meet-Up initiative. At Henshaws Society for Blind People, we believe in the power of community and inclusivity, and this project exemplifies our commitment to enhancing the lives of individuals with sight loss.

Why Vote for Us?

Our initiative was born from extensive consultations with over 30 visually impaired individuals, revealing a clear need for more inclusive activities and informal social gatherings. The Monthly Meet-Up addresses this by providing a regular platform for social interaction, reducing isolation, and fostering a supportive community.

The Impact So Far:

• Inclusivity and Independence: Our meet-ups offer opportunities for participants to enjoy activities independently, boosting their confidence and sense of autonomy.
• Social Connections: With 17 participants aged 22 to 93 already signed up, the meet-ups bridge generational gaps and create valuable support networks.
• Community Building: These gatherings are a crucial step in combating loneliness and fostering a sense of belonging among those with sight loss.
• Our Vision: With your support, we aim to expand this initiative across Greater Manchester, replicating our success and reaching more individuals in need of social connection and support.

Help us make a difference by voting for Henshaws Society for Blind People. Your vote will empower individuals with sight loss to lead fuller, more connected lives.

Thank you for your support!

MyVision Oxfordshire

Following research carried out by Natural England, University of Oxford, and Oxfordshire County Council (OCC) into people with visual impairments accessing green and blue spaces (parks and lakes), a number of issues were raised as to why they weren’t being accessed. Some of these were.

• Lack of confidence
• Unfamiliar routes
• Poor walking surfaces
• Inaccessibility by public transport.

Following this report, MyVision Oxfordshire and OCC set up a pilot walking group in Didcot. The aim was to create a group that would meet every 2 weeks, go for a walk around a local green space, and then give their feedback. The group was designed to be peer-led. Other collaborations include the local Specsavers, with the focus on walking and eye health, and Reducing the Risk, with a focus on domestic abuse.

The group found the green walks and talks gave them:

• Increased confidence
• A sense of community as they help each other with things like navigation and getting to places.
• Increased health and mental wellbeing
• Increased friendships

One attendee told us the Green Walks helped her regain the confidence and independence that she lost after her diagnosis: “Being part of the Green Walks group has been very beneficial. I’ve gained confidence, and I now feel more comfortable leaving the house on my own.”

The groups are now rolling out across Oxfordshire. We aim to create a framework with more Green Walks to encourage better health and wellbeing, reduced isolation, and better community links.

Sight for Wight

Island Charity surrounded by water with one source of help for our members, us.

• INNOVATION Hello Everyone QR codes, these are scanned to give an audible guide to enter a building allowing members to gain unaided access. Offering a real chance to enter a building without, as one of our Trustees said, “bumbling around like a blind person”
• EDUCATION We visit every primary school on the Island and teach children in a fun activity based way the importance of eye health and how to help reduce the chance of age related sight loss such as cataracts and AMD.
• INSPIRATION When our current DeafBlind CEO took over in March 2020, we were a local charity with no direction, failing reserves and we saw the same 30 people every time. This had to change, we had to provide a real service to real people. In 2020, one-by-one we rang every member and asked them “what do you need from us.”

We now offer a staggering 19 activities PLUS services including our Alexa Skill, Accessible IT and the Island’s Dual Sense Rehabilitation; LOBBY success with Tesco, BERYL and Hampshire Police. This, with just 8 FTE staff.

In conclusion whilst we have not hit the headlines with the latest new thing, we DO interact with real people solving real problems:

March 2020 v March 2024

• 374 v 732 members
• 210 v 548 interactions pw
• Third year draw on reserves which stood at 6 months v Fourth year addition to reserves standing at 18 months