Charity launches community activity groups

Sight Scotland is“delighted”to announce the launch of new community activity groups in Lanarkshire.

The service will aim to reach and engage with more people affected by sight loss in the community, while providing a social platform to help combat isolation and loneliness.

The charity’s new community activity team is headed up by Michael Deadman in the west and Laura Steven in the east.

Colin Hilditch, head of community services at Sight Scotland, said:“We are delighted to launch our new activity groups service.

“These groups will provide a social platform where members can come along and hopefully enjoy themselves and meet new friends.

“People with visual impairment can lose their confidence, self-esteem and ability to do many day-to-day activities.

“This can often result in isolation and loneliness.

“The launch of this new service gives us another way to engage with, and help, more people. It has huge potential to make a big difference to people’s lives.”

Michael Deadman, activity co-ordinator for the Lanarkshire area, added:“Our new activity groups will provide activities for members to explore interests, develop new skills and meet new friends, in a safe and welcoming environment.

“We want the activity groups to build communities and boost confidence.

“We are hoping to put on a wide variety of groups this year including social groups, book groups and arts and crafts, amongst others.

“We see the activity groups as a great way of engaging with more people in the community in a positive and rewarding manner.”

The new activity groups will be part of Sight Scotland’s Family Wellbeing Service, which has a wealth of knowledge to help support and empower anyone affected by sight loss regain or maintain their independence.

The support on offer from the team can either be face-to-face, over the phone or online.

For more information about the activity groups, visit https://sightscotland.org.uk/ community-activity-team