SIGHT LOSS CHARITY LAUNCHES CHRISTMAS APPEAL TO HELP PROVIDE SUPPORT TO VISUALLY-IMPAIRED YOUNG PEOPLE AND THEIR FAMILIES

Norfolk’s sight loss charity has launched a Christmas appeal with the aim of helping visually-impaired children and young people, and their families, enjoy a range of activities designed to tackle the isolation which is a common issue for young people living with sight loss.

The appeal will raise funds to support a huge range of activities for young people run by the charity, from baby and toddler groups to music sessions, teenage bowling trips to sports including visually-impaired football and goalball.

The appeal will also support a programme of special Christmas events being run by the charity for young people, including a ‘Festive Express’ Christmas train trip, a Christmas pizza cooking experience, and the annual children’s Christmas Party.

Barbara Dunn, children, young people and families co-ordinator at Vison Norfolk, said, “It is very important for children to come here.  They meet children with similar eye conditions, children that understand them and understand their limitations.

“They tend to be isolated as they go through teenage-hood, they can’t do the same things that their friends do.  It’s difficult for them.

“Our ambition is to be able to provide support for the children and young people right through to adulthood, and for their families as well – not just providing activities and events, but supporting them emotionally and practically.”

Teresa, whose daughter Rhiannon has benefitted from many of the activities run by Vision Norfolk, said, “It’s been an absolute lifeline.  Without Vision Norfolk, it would be quite isolating to not know anyone who is going through the same things.  It’s empowering, I’ve been able to talk to other parents who kind of get the things which we are going through.

“The battles are different, the challenges are different, and it’s nice to be able to connect with somebody who really understands those challenges, and help us prepare for the future.”

Vision Norfolk has produced a video explaining in more detail the activities to support children, young people, and why it is so important for both the young people and their families.  It can be viewed at www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hx8UKpjpeEc.

Barbara Dunn said, “To continue to arrange events for the children, we desperately need funding to pay for the activities; without donations and sponsorship, we can’t continue to do that.”

Anyone wishing to contribute to the Vision Norfolk Christmas appeal for Children and Young People can do so by visiting www.justgiving.com/campaign/visionnorfolkCYPFappeal.