New Places, New Experiences
Thanks to support from Big Lottery Fund Cymru, Sight Life has a new project. New Places, New Experiences will help thousands of blind and partially sighted people across South Wales to take part in sport, leisure and interest activities such as tennis, golf and art.
What does the Project do?
Sight Life is working with activity providers to make activities more accessible and welcoming. We are working with leisure centres, adult learning centres, theatres, sports clubs and community groups. In addition, we are encouraging blind and partially sighted people to take part in a wide variety of sport and leisure opportunities. We are helping them to do so by giving them the skills to organise activities both for themselves and for other people with sight loss.
Why is this project so important? Maybe this quote from Tafsila Khan, one of our service-users, will tell you:
“I really want to go to my local leisure centre and swim without support; I’m worried about going on my own since my sight has deteriorated. But this project will help me do this and a lot more by talking to organisations like leisure centres about the issues I face. Hopefully they will make some simple changes to make it easier and more enjoyable for me and others whose sight condition can make daily tasks really challenging.”
How does it work?
We have recruited staff to advise providers on making small changes to their services to make them more accessible. They will also arrange taster sessions, coaching and open days. The staff will recruit volunteers to take people to an organised activity for the first time. They will make initial introductions, help to plan and establish travel routes and instill confidence in undertaking new experiences. Read about how getting involved in sport changed Jane McCann’s life here and how import it is for people with sight loss to be able to take part in sport and leisure activities.
Individuals or organisations wanting to take part in the project can contact the member of staff working in their area. If you are interested in volunteering, we would love to hear from you!
Cardiff: For Cardiff, contact Valerie Baynton
Rhondda Cynon Taff: For Rhondda Cynon Taf, contact Carys Groves
Swansea and Neath Port Talbot: For Swansea and Neath Port Talbot, contact Anita Davies
Contact details for all staff can be found by clicking the link here.
Huge thanks must go to Big Lottery Fund Cymru for supporting this project between 2017 and 2021.
