Latest News

Offical Openning of Our Premises

The official opening event of our new office base ere at 53, St Luke’s Terrace, Pallion took place on Tuesday 18th September 2018. Over 120 people attended and enjoyed a very happy afternoon. The Mayor of Sunderland, Councillor Mrs Lynda Scanlan, performed the official opening and highlighted the wonderful opportunities that the new centre offers for the Society. Richard Wood, Chief Executive Officer, gave a speech looking back over the 141 year history of the Society, highlighting some of its many achievements and looking forward to the future. Three members of Hope Springs Choir sang “TheLion and the Lamb” to help celebrate the new beginning for the Society. There was then time for guided tours of the building and a light buffet before departing.

Several City Councillors attended along with the Director of Public Health and the Director of Peoples Services. There were representatives from Sunderland Eye Infirmary, Guide Dogs UK, RNIB, Visionary UK, The Thomas Pocklington Trust, The Macular Society and from every local Society for the Blind throughout the Northeast. The Macular Society and Orcam both provided information stands to display their services and products.

The general consensus was that the building will provide the opportunity to create a one stop shop for visually impaired people – a Sunderland Centre for Sight. The Centre is currently open each weekday between 9:30am and 3pm. Members and their families are very welcome to visit and meet up with friends to enjoy a cup of coffee and a chat.

Further information is available by telephoning 0191 567 3939

 

World Sight Day

World Sight Day is an annual event recognised around the world and its aim is to raise awareness of sight loss and the problems that this causes for the millions of people who are visually impaired.

This year the date is Thursday 11th October 2018 and the Society will use this event to launch its major appeal for funds towards the purchase of the new office base in Pallion.

The target is £327,000.

The Society has now sold the old office in Foyle Street and we have already received many donations from members and friends which will all go towards the appeal.

There is still a long way to go so, if you feel you are able to give a donation towards this appeal then we shall be delighted to hear from you.

 

CHRISTMAS PARTY AT THE LITTLE HAVEN HOTEL, SOUTH SHIELDS -  Thursday 6th December 2018

We are returning to The Little Haven Hotel again this year due to the popularity of the venue and the festive afternoon with The Typsy Kings, who were very entertaining last year. Total cost of the ticket is £25.00 per person and this includes a three course meal and transport to and from the venue from our base at Pallion.  I require a £5.00 non-refundable deposit as soon as possible with the full amount paid by 30th October.  Places are filling up fast so please give Julie Stormont a call or pop in to book your place.

 

HEALTHY EATING

We have 2 representatives from the Live Life Well Team, as part of the NHS initiative, booked in on Friday 26th October, to offer advice and to support and motivate people to follow a healthy lifestyle. This is a free service.  If you would be interested in attending a session, please give me a call on 0191 5673939 for more information. 

 

MINDFULNESS

The society are now running classes and names are being taken for future sessions. If this is something you would be interested in taking part in or would like further information on please contact Julie Stormont on 0191 567 3939.

 

My Guide ‘Friends & Family’ training in Sunderland

Would you like your friends and family to have a better understanding of your eye condition and have more confidence guiding you? If so, My Guide Friends & Family training can help you! 

We can provide free, bespoke training for friends and family members tailored specifically to your needs. The training is part of the My Guide service, provided by Guide Dogs in association with Sunderland & County Durham Royal Society for the Blind. It consists of a basic introduction to sight loss awareness and sighted guiding techniques. The session will make you more confident that your family understands your eye condition and how to guide you safely and correctly. As friends and family, you can be confident you’re providing the best support possible.  We are planning a number of training sessions in the new building, date to be announced shortly.

To book places on this training, please call Julie on 0191 567 3939 or email julie.stormont@sundrsb.org.uk

 

Durham Coffee Mornings

Durham Coffee Mornings are held each month at North Road Methodist Church commencing at 10am.

Future dates are as follows;

Tuesday 6th November 2018

Tuesday 4th December 2018

 

Sunderland Coffee Mornings 2018

Sunderland Coffee Mornings are held at our office at 53, St Luke’s Terrace, Pallion, Sunderland commencing at 10am on the second Wednesday of each month. Future dates are;

10th October

14th November

12th December