News & Events
Our latest News & Events
The Society has taken a huge step in it's efforts to increase its effectiveness by recruiting a full time, paid Developmnet Officer. This is a historical move as it is the first time that the Society has ever had a paid employee to represent it and to promote its presence in the borough of Oldham.
Tony Walsh commenced his role on the 31st January 2011 and has been tasked with developing the Society further. Key roles are to broaden the appeal of the Society, increase the general awareness of the society and deliver more services that the visually impaired people of Oldham want.
Seeing it my Way
Seeing it my way is a universal quality and outcomes framework for blind and partially sighted people.
A consultation to ensure that every blind and partially sighted person, regardless of where they live in the UK, has access to the same range of information, advice and practical support.
During the last 12 months a group of organisations delivering services to blind and partially sighted people have joined together to try and find a way of ensuring that people with sight loss, their friends, family and carers have access to the same range of information, advice and practical support regardless of where they live in the UK.
The purpose of ‘Seeing it my way’ is to influence how services are delivered to ensure that blind and partially sighted people benefit from these outcomes. The initiative represents a significant commitment from organisations in the sight loss sector to work together with common purpose, regardless of whether those organisations are local, regional or national.
What do you need to do now?
We need to hear from you! To make ‘Seeing it my way’ a reality we need to make sure we have the right outcomes. Those presented for consultation have been developed from existing research and by talking to people with sight loss. However, for this framework to have real authority in the years to come we would like to have the endorsement of as many blind and partially sighted people as possible. We want blind and partially sighted people to be part of this initiative. This is your invitation to participate. It is your opportunity to make a concerted effort to improve services for people living with sight loss.
If you would like more information regarding this please contact Tony on 0161 - 770 - 1265 or visit the links below.
http://www.rnib.org.uk/aboutus/ukvisionstrategy/Pages/seeingitmyway.aspx
The truth and nothing but the whole Ruth...
Read all about our former Chairlady, Ruth Campbell, former Mayoress of Oldham & Community Champion who has played a massive part not just in the success of the Society but in many other facets of Oldham life & Community!!
Ruth was interviewed by Martyn Torr & you can read the whole article by following the link below:
Barclays to roll out Talking ATMs
On 22 November 2011 - Barclays announced it will commit to roll out talking ATMs towards the end of 2012.
Speech output will be deployed on Barclays ATMs through audio jacks so that blind and partially sighted people will be able to plug in their earphones to listen to the options being read out to enable them to carry out their transactions.
"Our announcement today will mean that blind and partially sighted people will have greater access and choice when using ATMs, providing increased independence and privacy. We will be speech enabling our cash machines towards the end of next year and see this as an important part of our financial inclusion commitments" Bob Bond, chief UK distribution officer at Barclays.
Boots Opticians launch ‘Great Big Eye Check’
With four in 10 Brits (39%) not having their eyes checked on a regular basis, Boots Opticians launched the ‘Great Big Eye Check’ on Thursday, 12 January. The initiative, to help raise awareness of eye health and encourage more people to have their eyes checked regularly, coincides with Boots Opticians changing the name of its comprehensive eye test to an ‘eye check’.
Check your eye health
This shift in language to eye check is designed to help people understand that the eye check is not just about how well you can see; it can also pick up early signs of other conditions such as diabetes and glaucoma. However six in 10 (57%) of the 2,000 UK adults surveyed did not know that an eye test could detect diabetes, and a quarter (25%) were unaware it could detect glaucoma, conditions which can cause vision loss.
Visit the Boots Optician Website http://www.boots.com for more information on the 'Great Big Eye Check'.
Technology for Life Event February 2012 Are you blind or partially sighted and living in the North West? Or do you know someone who is? Or are interested in finding out more about technology for blind and partially sighted people?
In February, Action for Blind People and RNIB will be running two free events across the North West focused on the latest technology designed to support those with sight loss.
Leading suppliers of specialist equipment and low visual aids will be on hand all day with advice and demonstrations of their latest equipment. Suppliers attending are: Enhanced Vision, Optelec, Humanware, Dolphin Supernova, Guide, Visualeyes, Forcetenco, Sight and Sound Technology, Pamtrad, Cobalt Systems Ltd & Optima Low Vision Services.
Both events are free and will take place:
Preston
When: Wednesday 22 February 2012
Where: GHS Centre, South Meadow Lane, Preston, PR1 8JN
Time: 10.00am to 4.00pm
Manchester
When: Thursday 23 February 2012
Where: GMCVO, St Thomas Centre,
Ardwick Green North, Manchester, M12 6FZ
Time: 10.00am to 4.00pm
Action for Blind People will also be holding a series of free workshops for service users focused on low priced and free solutions, these include: Windows, Mobile Phone accessibility, and Apple Mac accessibility options, as well as a session on the Humanware Trekker Breeze (GPS) and Zoomtext Version 10. Humanware will also be offering event attendees the opportunity to experience “Breeze” walks, first hand, throughout the day.
Places for the workshops are limited. For more information and to book a workshop place please contact Alison:
t: 01772 320550
e: actionnorthwest@actionforblindpeople.org.uk
RP RAG WEEKEND The RP RAG WEEKEND will be held in Blackpool from Friday 23rd until Sunday 25th MARCH 2012.
VENUE Carousel Hotel,
New South Promenade
Blackpool
Tel. 01253 402642
This is a comfortable hotel with lovely food, easy access, helpful staff and opposite the fromt entrance there is a walled area for guide dogs.
The weekend begins at 2pm on the Friday and finishes after lunch on the Sunday. The cost per person is £135 for a double or twin bedroom and £145 for a single room.
This price includes 2 nights bed,breakfast and evening meal, teas and coffees and Sunday lunch.
There is a small Exhibition on Friday from 12 to 5pm.
The keynote Speaker is Professor Graeme Black from the RP Clinic at Manchester Eye Hospital. Also Georgina Hall who is an expert in Genetics. The Programme is not finalised yet, but so far Kevin Nuttall from Action for Blind People is speaking about Welfare Benefits and other Sessions include a mix of useful information for people living with RP.
There is a Quiz on Friday evening and Entertainment and dancing on Saturday evening.
This weekend is an excellent opportunity to meet new friends and find support with all aspects of living with RP.
Please book direct with the Hotel. For any further details please ring Carole Holmes on 01253 404194.
There are a limited number of spaces for anyone wanting to come along for the day on the Saturday.
Inbetweeners (18 - 55)
Are you looking for some fun and excitement? Do you want to meet up with other people who have a visual impairment to share information, ideas & experiences?
Come and join us between 6pm & 8pm for an informal evening of fun, laughs, chat and a relaxed atmosphere. We are working very hard to support the group to do the thigs they want ot do. We are extending the availability of this group to encompass anybody with a visual impairment between the age of 18 - 55. We want people to play an active part in the group so why not come along and join in. The group gives people the opportunity to get together socially and enables people to take part in activities and events that they want to do.
The next meeting of the group will take place shortly, if you are interested or would like to attend please telephone on 0161 - 770 - 1265 or 07986 – 552083.
Blind Football
Training sessions for the over 18s Blind Football Team continue to run. Details of future times and venues will appear here once confirmed.
Follow the Blind Football Team on Facebook at:
http://www.facebook.com/#!/home.php?sk=group_210533295652688
Also follow them on Twitter at: http://www.twitter.com/@ASimcock/manchester-blind-fc
It is always a relaxed evening with the emphasis on having fun, sports gear need only consist of trainers and track suit pants or similar.
If you are interested in joining in please contact Ruth Walmsley by e-mailing ruth.walsmley@sky.com or telephoning Tony Walsh on 0161 - 770 - 1265.
Keep checking back here to see updates on future plans and events!!
Charlotte's Tandems Charlotte's Tandems have a number of tandems available for disabled or less able people and those with special or additional needs to borrow for free. Charlotte's Tandems are opening an outpost in North Cheshire soon, so are looking for potential borrowers. Applications are welcome from all ages. Tandems are a fun and safe way to get out and about as friends, a couple, family or group.
If you would like more information regarding this please contact Tony on 0161 - 770 - 1265.
Lancashire Lions VI Cricket
Lancashire Lions are looking for new players to play for the Visually Impaired (VI) cricket team. Training is provided to a high standard, all coaches hold Enhanced Disclosures, are First Aid Trained & have received training in Safeguarding Children & Vulnerable Adults.
The team caters for various ages starting from 11 years upwards, both male and female players are welcome.
The Lions will be entering a development league in April 2012 along with three other teams, Yorkshire, Notiinghamshire & Durham. Matches will consist of three games at the home venue and three games at an away venue.
This opportunity is open to all potential players and developing players.
Currently training sessions are being held at Abraham Moss Centre on a fortnightly basis commencing on the 30th October 2011. These sessions are on a Sunday between 14.00 - 16.00 (2PM-4PM). The venue is easily accessible via the Metrolink & other public transport.
If you have any questions or would like further information please do not heistate to contact Sheraz on 07581 351786 or e-mail - flexers@hotmail.co.uk
Are you attending an ophthalmology (eye) clinic appointment?
A joint project by both the Pennine Acute Hospitals NHS Trust and NHS Oldham
NHS Oldham and Pennine Acute Hospitals NHS Trust are now piloting a Talking Leaflet Service to provide you with clear, verbal information.
If you would like to hear this information please ring one of the following telephone numbers:
Argon laser treatment: 0161 452 2918 Cataract: 0161 452 3824
Diabetic Retinopathy: 0161 452 3842 Glaucoma: 0161 452 3806
Macular Degeneration: 0161 452 2909
Macular Degeneration Patient Forum Group
There is a new support group starting in Oldham for people who have been diagnosed with any form of Macular condition which affects their vision. The group is supported by the AMD Clinic, Macular Disease Society & Oldham Society for Blind & Partially Sighted People.
The group will hold its first meeting on 23rd Novemebr 2011 at The Link Centre between 1 & 3pm. If you would like to join the group please contact one of the people listed below or join us on the day!! There will be light refreshments provided on the day.
You can read the recently published article in the Chronicle here:
Michelle Dutton - Macular Disease Society - 0161-423-2295 or
Tony Walsh - Oldham Society for Blind & Partially Sighted People - 0161-770-1265
What's on at the Theatre??
NORMA
Date: Sat 3 March 2012 Time: 7.00 pm
The Lowry | Salford
Love burns fiercer than fire.
One of the greatest of Italian operas, Norma marks the climax of the bel canto repertoire, and in 'Casta diva', contains one of the most prized of all soprano arias which made legend of both Maria Callas and Joan Sutherland. Bellini's long, sumptuous melodies, lush orchestration and Norma's story of fierce passion, battle and sacrifice will move you to tears.
TRAVELLING LIGHT
Date: Sat 17 March 2012 Time: 2.00 pm
The Lowry | Salford
Nicholas Wright’s new play is a funny and fascinating tribute to the Eastern European immigrants who became major players in Hollywood’s golden age. The award-winning Antony Sher plays Jacob.
For Sale to a Good Home!!
Pebble Portable Rechargable Hand-Held Video Magnifier - Brand New & Never Used!!
Product Features:
- Adjustable magnification of 2x to 10x
- Lightweight 7.7 ounce design
- 3.5" high resolution LCD display
- Easy to use tactile controls
- 6 viewing modes
Product Features:
The Pebble is the newest Portable Rechargable Video Magnifier. It has a clever folding design where the handle can fold flush with the item or unfold and even extend out about an inch longer (for larger hands). Magnification has 3 pre-set settings so you could adjust depending on the magnification needed to see. There are LED illuminated lights that light up the image you are viewing so if you are in a dark lighted restaurant then that is no problem for you and for the Pebble. The Pebble comes with a case so you could travel with it as easy as with a lighted magnifier. There are a few different colour modes, there is the regular full colour, then there is black/white, and reverse (white on black), and there is an Enhanced black/white, and there is a yellow on blue colour mode which is helpful for those who need the blue/yellow colours to read with. The Pebble uses 2 AA High-Capacity Rechargable batteries. An adaptar is included to plug the Pebble in to recharge. The battery life once charged varies depending on the use of the Pebble. The AA batteries do not need to be replaced once they die because you can recharge them, however even though they are rechargable, the batteries do lose their life after about a year. When that happens then you can find the High-Capacity Rechargable AA batteries at a local store (the batteries are not very hard to find and they are not made by the manufacturer only).
The price for this fantastic little gadget is £180.00 (it retails for anywhere from £400.00) and if you are interested in purchasing this then please contact Tony Walsh on 0161-770-1265 or e-mail Tony.Walsh@oldham.gov.uk
Think you’re a bit of a whiz when it comes to snazzy ditties?? Great at thinking up names for things?? Fed up of entering competitions and not winning??!!
New Name for the Society—can you help?
Well, we can’t guarantee you will win this competition but we can guarantee that you will play a massive part in how people identify with us as a Society!! How? We want you to suggest a name for the Society that is catchy and people can easily identify with. For example you may think that the Society should be called “Visibility” (no that isn’t a suggestion, just an example!!).
Name the Newsletter
We also want you to name our newsletter so that it too has it’s own identity, preferably consisting of just one word but possibly two words it needs to be something which conveys who the newsletter is aimed at and what people can expect to read inside it!! Tough challenge isn’t it!! Good Luck!
Tell us your ideas!
To enter you can e-mail your suggestion to Tony at Tony.Walsh@oldham.gov.uk, telephone 0161—770—1265 or just pop it in an envelope and leave it at reception in The Link Centre.
Please ensure that you include your name, address & telephone number and your suggestion on any paper or postcard you submit or in any telephone call.
Closing date for entries is 30th November 2011.
We are now on Twitter - you can follow us at: http://twitter.com/Oldham_VI
We are now on Facebook also - you can join us there at: http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Oldham-Society-for-Blind-Partially-Sighted-People/117736261635937
Oldham Chronicle
We were recently contacted by the Oldham Chronicle to take part in an interview for the Society. The Society was represented by Tony Walsh, Development Officer, & Michael Hindson, Chairman of the Society.
Follow the link below to read the full article: