Children’s service and support groups launched by Blackpool-based sight loss charity

Blackpool’s N-Vision sight loss charity has announced a range of new services for Lancashire.

N-Vision - which has its headquarters in Bosworth Place, Blackpool - has been awarded a significant new contract from the NHS.

The charity is considered to be a centre of excellence for Low Vision Assessments, and has been commissioned to provide these valuable sessions for all under 18-year-olds from throughout Lancashire. Low Vision Assessments – provided free of charge – help adults and children with sight impairments to explore their daily tasks, hurdles, needs, aims and preferences.

They are then matched to free aids, advice and coping strategies that could make their daily life easier or grow their independence and confidence. The assessments are also used to recommend the best assistive technology for each individual and to signpost relevant additional support and services.

N-Vision Community Services Manager Brian Casey explained: “Nationally, Low Vision Assessments for under 18-year-olds are provided in hospitals and other clinical settings.

‘’It’s a great honour that our expertise in this field has resulted in us being possibly the only charity in the country to be authorised to deliver this service to children and young people.”

Steph Connor, N-Vision’s Low Vision Specialist for young people, added: “Instead of having these tests and discussions in a clinical setting, and potentially facing an appointment waiting list, it can be a great relief to come to us at N-Vision instead. We already have a warm, welcoming and well-equipped Low Vision Centre where adults can be assessed.

‘’Now, we’ve created a safe and friendly space for children and young people to come. Families with a sight impaired child – who may have additional needs too – will find our new facility relaxing, and we can support them with a wraparound service at N-Vision.”

In celebration of this major milestone in the charity’s 115-year history, local graffiti artist Karl Tsang of Graffitipro kindly donated his time to create a superb new mural in the room for younger charity service users.

Brian said: “Karl worked hard to create artwork that lifts and enhances the room, but also serves a practical purpose. We can ask young visitors to spot features as part of their assessment. We are extremely grateful for his creative input and the fabulous artwork.”

A competition is to be launched to name the new facility for children’s services at N-Vision. Apart from welcoming children and young people from throughout Lancashire, the new facility will also be used for two new support groups.

As a result of demand from clients and health professionals, the charity now offers the following:

LIVING CONFIDENTLY WITH NEUROLOGICAL SIGHT LOSS – for anyone experiencing sight impairment following a stroke or other type of brain trauma. This meets for the first time on Tuesday 14th Oct from 2pm to 4pm.

CONFIDENT CARING FOR SIGHT-IMPAIRED LOVED ONES – for family, friends and carers who want help supporting someone with a sight impairment. It meets for the first time on Tuesday 28th Oct from 2pm to 4pm.

Please contact N-Vision on 01253 362 696 or info@nvision-nw.co.uk to self-refer for a Low Vision Assessment, to get information about support groups, or to learn about all the other services offered to the growing number of people with vision issues.