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A Brief Introduction
Support 4 Sight, originally named Saffron Sight, was established in 1994 to give support, help and advice to visually impaired people and their carers.
We changed our name in July 2007, when we expanded our geographical boundaries, allowing us to help an even larger number of blind and partially sighted people in West Essex and the surrounding areas.
From our centre in Saffron Walden, we provide information on equipment that can help visually impaired people maintain their independence. Visitors are always welcome at our centre in George Street in Saffron Walden, Mondays to Fridays (9:30am - 2:30pm), to browse the equipment and try for themselves.
New Patron for Support 4 Sight
We are delighted to announce that Lady Braybrooke has agreed to be our Patron.
News
If you would like to view events coming up in 2011,Please visit our Future Events Page.
Support4Sight (Essex) will be hosting its Community Fayre “Seeing Is Believing” on Saturday 15th October 2011 in the Saffron Walden Town Hall, 10:00 am – 3:00 pm.
Magicians say “Seeing is believing” and local charity Support 4 Sight will put this to the test, by kicking off its annual fayre with 3 free magic shows aimed at families in West Essex.
Highlighting the importance of vision, this Saffron Walden based charity is organizing a wonderful exhibition & fayre, which is free to all locals on Saturday 15th October.
If you would like to view our Press Release or posterCLICK HERE or HERE
Employment Help Scheme
Support 4 Sight has received a grant for a project that will enable us to help blind and partially sighted people get back into work. The project will help people to gain many lacking skills that are needed in the workplace, especially IT skills. When people lose their vision it can lead to them becoming depressed and also lose confidence, so many people believe they are unable to work due to their sight loss. We have a support worker who will support you through doing job searches, CV writing, interview techniques and writing applications for jobs. The support worker will also advise employers about any technology that would be needed to support you. To help with IT skills you would receive one-to-one computer training to enhance computer skills. If you would be interested in joining this scheme or would like to know more about it, then please contact the Centre or click on the link below.
Charity Choice Donate
Charity Choice provide links to thousands of UK charities and non-profit organisations who can provide information on all aspects of charity work, from charity formation, fund raising and events to voluntary work and numerous other issues and causes.
Charity Choice also enables people and organisations to make donations securely over the internet, to charities that have registered with the website. If you would like to donate to Support 4 Sight, please click on our logo below, this will take you to the donate page. We really appreciate any donation to help us to maintain our many services. Please take a look through our website to see what services we provide to visually impaired people, their carers and families
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Nene Valley Railway – 11th May
A group of 18 people had an enjoyable outing to the Nene Valley Railway. The group had a return trip on the steam train from Wansford to Peterborough and then enjoyed a delicious lunch at the restaurant. The group had a wonderful time although Christine and Pauline ended up slightly damp.
Cake Stall – 7th June
The cake stall held at the Centre on 7th June raised £179.89. A huge thank you to everyone who manned the stall and to all those fantastic cake makers.
Appreciation Awards Reception
On Monday 4th July we held our Friends event in the form of an Appreciation Awards Reception at St Marks College. Around 65 guests attended the evening and everyone commented how they had had an enjoyable evening. Some of the dignitaries who attended included: Rodney Bass (Chairman of Essex County Council), Lady Ruggles-Brise (High Sheriff of Essex), Cllr Cliff & Valerie Treadwell (Mayor & Mayoress of Saffron Walden).
7 of our volunteers won awards and the winners were: Ann Davies, John Martin, Christine Nicholson, Bron Side, Nicola Smith, Sally Southwick and Peter Whitehead. All the volunteers were nominated by other volunteers; a big congratulations to all those who received the award. There was also a raffle held on the night which raised £176. Thank you to Janice who organised the raffle and the prizes. Some of the prizes included: two £20 gift vouchers from the Bangkok Restaurant, Paintball ticket for 8 players, a bottle of wine and many others.
What a fantastic evening and our grateful thanks goes to everyone who helped to make the evening such a great success.
Council Sensory Conference,
The conference that was held at The Radisson Blu Hotel in Stansted on 17th June, was a huge success. We would like to say a big thank you to all the volunteers who helped with guiding on the day; you helped make that day a great success!
Friday 8th July Frinton-on-Sea trip.
On the 8th July, 33 members visited Frinton-on-Sea. The group enjoyed a lovely meal at Read House. Although the weather was wet on the journey there, the sun appeared and it turned into a beautiful day. Vanessa would like to say a huge thank you to all the volunteers who came and helped on the trip.
Strawberry & Cream Coffee Morning Tuesday 28th June 2011.
The sun shone for us on this day. Our grateful thanks goes to everyone who helped at the June Strawberry and Cream coffee morning. The event was a huge success with lots of our Members, Friends all enjoying the summer treat.
Open Day with Humanware – 19th July.
On Tuesday 19th July Support4Sight held an open day with Humanware at the Centre. The event was hosted by Alan Davis from Humanware between 10am – 2.30pm. The latest equipment was viewed by many members and volunteers from Support4Sight. It was a busy day and we look forward to welcoming back Humanware to our Annual Exhibition on Saturday 15th October 2011, in the Saffron Walden Town Hall between 10 am – 3 pm.
If you would like to see more pictures from the day click HERE to visit our photo gallery.
If you would like to find out more about Humanware products please follow the link to their website. We already have a link to their website under Resource Centre on the website.
Sponsored Parachute Jump – 11th June 2011
Rachel and 14 friends will be taking part in a sponsored parachute jump on Saturday 11th June. It will take place at North London Sky Diving Centre, Block Fendrove, Wimblington, March PE15 0FB.
“The skydive will be an amazing experience for us all, even if we all are a little nervous. I have worked for the charity for the last 5 months, I feel I would like to help and give something back for the support they have all given me. I would be delighted if you would be able to sponsor us, it really is all for a good cause.”
‘Star award for Star charity’
Being told that you could lose your sight is frightening and would you know where to go for help and advice? If you have limited vision, it can prove to be very difficult to get information from posters or leaflets and the simplest of everyday tasks can be very frustrating, such as reading instructions or menus in a restaurant. However, local charity, Support 4 Sight, has recently scooped a prestigious award for improving services for people with poor vision throughout the county.
Said Madeleine Cassidy, Director of Support 4 Sight: “We are delighted that we have got this award, as it shows how hard we are working with our partners at Essex County Council, other sight loss charities in Essex Vision and our health partners, to help raise awareness for the sight loss charities in Essex. This work is of enormous benefit for people with sight loss and I feel that this is a big boost of recognition for Support 4 Sight and the work are undertaking with our partners throughout Essex.”
If you would like to view the full press release, please follow the link to the Award Press Release.
January 2011:
Saffron Walden Panto Trip A small group of members enjoyed a trip to see the Saffron Players in ‘Jack and the Beanstalk’ at the Town Hall on Saturday 15th January. The strong cast, the corny jokes and the reaction of the children in the audience made this a most enjoyable trip. Thank you to all the volunteers who helped.
Sainsbury’s collection on Friday 21st and Saturday 22nd January raised the excellent sum of £239.66 for Support 4 Sight. Thank you to everyone who helped with the collecting on such cold days.
February 2011:
Carers and Digital open day.On 22nd February, an Open Day aimed at Carers was held at the Centre. We were joined by Heather Eldred, manager of Crossroads Care Uttlesford, who was on hand to give information and advice to carers. The day also incorporated information about the Digital Switchover at the end of this month. Everyone who came said that the information given was very valuable. Thanks to everyone who helped get the Centre ready and who came to help.
March 2011:
Uttlesford Carers UK Open Day
Due to a recent successful funding application, Support4Sight held a second open day on 8th March with Carers UK Uttlesford. Marie Hinton provided information on their services and their many caring services.
Quiz Night
By popular demand, volunteers Nicola Smith, Jane McKie and Janice Arkinstall organised another Quiz Night which took place on Friday 11th March at Walden Place. A fantastic sum of £198.00 was raised on the night. Well done to Jane, Nicola and Janice for all their hard efforts organising this event.
Spring Dance
A fantastic time was had by everyone who attended the Spring Dance, on 19th March. 88 people attended the dance and a colossal £964.80 was raised for us. Everyone commented that they enjoyed the food, the music and the company. A huge thanks goes to Christine & Linda for organising the event.
Visit to Katherine Semar School
On Monday 28th March 2011, Paul and Nessie went to Katherine Semar Junior School to give a talk to the children. Paul talked about Support4Sight, what you should and shouldn’t do when you see a Guide Dog and to be careful when you see people with a white cane. During the talk, Paul demonstrated a variety of equipment, but the most popular piece of equipment was the Talking Colour Detector. One of the children came up to the front and used the detector to identify the colour of her jumper and shoes. It didn’t work to well on Nessie(Paul’s Guide Dog); it told Paul she was Brown with Black ears!! At the beginning of the talk, Paul was presented with a cheque for £217.00 which the children had raised by performing a play.
April 2011:
Shepreth Wildlife Park
On 7th April a small group of members and carers paid a visit to Shepreth Wildlife Park. It was a lovely day enjoyed by everyone, especially by Alan who was the only one brave enough to hold the snake, although it looks more as if the snake is holding him!
Optelec Open Day
The Optelec open day held at the Centre on 22nd March was a great success. A whole variety of equipment was on show and to draw people in Alan, Graham and other people were on the tandem working up a sweat! We also had books and honey on sale. Lots of people came and advice and information were given throughout the day.here to see photos of the event
A look back at 2010
These are just a selection of events and activities arranged for the Visually Impaired People, their families, carers and children, to enjoy and gather information from Support4Sight, assisting approximately 3,000 people per year in Uttlesford and West Essex. With the help of Suppliers demonstrating with a hands on experience of the latest and most up-to-date equipment and technology to help Visually Impaired People to cope with every day living. These Open Days, Exhibition and Fund Raising activities were supported and attended by many people from Uttlesford, West Essex and surrounding areas.
If you would like to know more about what is happening and what events are arranged for 2011, please call the centre on 01799 523700 or why not take a look at our Future Events Page. On this page you will see such events as Focus Days with Crossroads Carers (Uttlesford, Carers UK, Support4Sight’s Dinner Dance on the 19th March at the Saffron Walden Golf Club, Outreach Dates and of course The Support4Sight Annual Exhibition on Saturday 15th October in the Saffron Walden Town Hall.
Please keep looking for more events and dates.
January 2010
A group of people visited the Town Hall in Saffron Walden on 23rd January to see Saffron Walden Players in the pantomime ‘Treasure Island’. Based, very loosely, on the story by R.L. Stevenson, which includes the usual mix of corny jokes, songs, topical references and mad characters.
February 2010
A Sight & Sound open day was held at the Centre on 2nd February. A whole range of equipment was available for people to try out as well as view all the equipment that is on display at the centre.
Family Fun Day was held at the centre on 19th of February. There were a whole range of activities that people who attended could do such as a drawing competition, playing computer games and the event was also attended by Mr Rainbow who did some magic tricks for the children.
Following the success of our recent initial visit to the Braintree Outreach, Paul made a second visit to the Braintree Library, with Carol Malcolm, on Friday 26th February. Information and advice was given to four professionals, six visually impaired people and one person requesting information about Support 4 Sight.
On 18th February, situated near Pampisford in a spacious building with bright displays, customers tested out the latest equipment such as mobility, household aids, walkers, controls, alarms, rise and reclining chairs, footwear, even beds, kitchens and bathrooms! Sales staff, and an Occupational Therapist, were on hand to offer professional advice in selecting the most suitable products from their wide range of items.
March 2010
A social event of ten pin bowling took place on the 16th March where two games of bowling took place followed by a meal which everybody thoroughly enjoyed.
On 20th March a trip to Thriplow was arranged for the annual Daffodil Weekend. This traditional village show had many attractions such as stalls selling plants, crafts, bric-a-brac and tombola’s, horse-drawn carriage rides, working sheep dogs, Morris Men, and much, much more.
Groups of children from R.A. Butler School visited the centre on 3rd, 4th and 5th March. Approximately 75 children spread across the 3 days visited the centre to get a better understanding of equipment and how it is used to assist visually impaired people with everyday living.
On 6th March the Spring Dance was held at The Saffron Walden Golf Club where about 62 people including volunteers, members and their friends came for the ‘do’ and were treated to an evening of good food and a great music from Five Star Disco. Everyone who attended had a great time and a massive £446 was raised for the charity even though fund raising was not the main objective.
April 2010
On Tuesday 20th April, Support 4 Sight held another very successful open day, with 41 visually impaired people, carers and professionals attending. Peter Skipper from Optelec gave expert advice and demonstrations on the latest equipment such as the HD Clearview Plus, The Compact Plus, Compact Mini and many other products.
On 21st April a group of members visited the Imperial War Museum at Duxford. The museum was much too big to manage all in one day, but the members visited the main Flight Hanger 1, where they saw Concorde and a wide range of old and modern planes. Having spent the morning admiring the planes, everyone met up in the Mess Restaurant where the food was found to be very good. In the afternoon there was time to visit Hanger 4, which featured the Battle of Britain exhibit – this was very interesting, as it was the “Ops Room”.
May 2010
Paul and Maddy took part in the local authority Braintree challenge where they were given use of a shop for a day on the 27th May. There were 6 potential volunteers that were recruited on the day and hopefully we can sign some of them up to deliver services in Braintree.
A group of volunteers helped with Saffron Walden Visually Handicapped Club collection on the 25th of May. The club has contributed £474.53 towards social activities for our visually impaired members.
June 2010
We were collecting in George’s Yard and on the High Street on Braintree market Day 11am until 2pm on 16th June. We had a tandem being ridden and try to attract new volunteers in the Bandstand in George’s Yard.
On 22nd June there was a Friends Concert held at St Marks College. The evening involved Ann Holloway and fellow musicians Quintus Benziger and Sue Shewan playing songs from the Victorian era. It also involved a magician, Steve Barsby who performed amazing magical illusions.
On Sunday 27th June 2010 at Wild Tracks in Newmarket, Paul took part in a 4 X 4 off road driving experience. He drove a Range Rover through mud and water, up hills and down into a crater. He was accompanied by a very brave instructor and is hoping to raise £1,500 for Support 4 Sight.
July 2010
On 2nd July we went to Frinton-on-Sea, for our annual trip to the seaside. We visited Read House for our fish and chip lunch, and also our afternoon cream tea. It was a glorious day, which tempted one of our volunteers to take a sponsored dip in the sea, raising £90.40 for Support 4 Sight.
Peter Whitehead led a group of volunteers and staff on a Sponsored walk around Wendens Ambo on 10th July. Although the heat was fantastic, it took its toll on poor Nessie, but it was a pleasant day for a walk in any case. We would like to thank Peter for organizing this event, as he raised £30.
A cake stall was held outside the centre on 13th July. The event was a huge success and raised a fantastic £206.22 During the glorious weather on the evening of Saturday 17th July, Sally & Pete Southwick offered the use of their house and garden for our volunteers’ BBQ. The food was cooked beautifully, the wine flowed freely and everyone had a wonderful time. A huge thank you goes out to Christine & Stuart Marshall for their tireless work, slaving over the BBQ, cooking the food to perfection.
On 29th July, Optima Low Vision ran an Open day at our Centre, to provide information to our members on low vision aids (magnifiers, filters, tints etc.). Their representative, Mark Sturgess, came down to demonstrate some of the low vision aids and it was very successful. We had 14 people come in to have a look at all the new technology being demonstrated.
August 2010
Fourteen members, volunteers and staff enjoyed an action-packed day at Audley End on 18th August. They enjoyed looking at the servants’ wing, where people had the option to handle the equipment that servants would have used in the 19th century. The new stable block horses were petted and the kitchen garden toured. The day finished with ice-creams for almost all. Many members have commented on how much fun they had.
19 volunteers and staff took part in the two day store collection on 20th and 21st August at Tesco’s in Radwinter Road, raising £753.44 in total. A fantastic result and thank you all those who gave up their time on those days.
September 2010
A group of volunteers had a collection day at Audley End Station on 8th September and raised £207.87
On 22nd September a group of members and volunteers went visited the Bardfield Vineyard. They were so lucky to have a perfect late summers day for this visit. Mr Jordan made them most welcome, giving them a very informative tour & the run of his beautiful house. Members and volunteers sampled the 4 different wines the vineyard produces and shared lunch, sitting round his huge dinning room table. Later there was the opportunity to purchase wine and have a look around the house and grounds.
October 2010
The annual Town Hall Exhibition was held on the 19th October. This proved to be a very successful event with a large number of visually impaired visitors and some very influential visitors coming to look round. Paul worked very hard to plan and execute such a comprehensive collection of stalls and traders and there were many positive comments made on the day. The tandem was in action outside the library to advertise the Exhibition. Their bucket collection raised over £82.00. Both the Chairman of Uttlesford, Sue Schneider and the Mayor of Saffron Walden, Bob Eastham opened the Exhibition, where there was a great deal to discover and enjoy, including a wonderful cake stall which raised £142.00 in total and raffle which raised £219.00.
Nicola Smith organised a very enjoyable quiz night on 29th October which was attended by 24 people and raised £180 for Support 4 Sight.
November 2010
A Tesco Collection held on 20th November raised £393.01 on the day
On 23rd November the Centre had an open day and the Action For Blind People Bus was parked up in the Market Square. The bus had about 41 visitors throughout the day from visually impaired people to people just wanting to know what they do. The bus had a variety of equipment similar to the equipment on show at the centre. As well as the Action for Blind Peoples Bus being in Saffron Walden, the centre was holding an open day and this was attended by those that had visited the bus and wanted to see all the equipment Support 4 Sight offers, as well as people who usually visit the centre.
December 2010
A Cheese and Wine Reception was held at the Centre on the 1st December for the volunteers that help at the centre throughout the year. 21 people attended the event to enjoy the festivities of the evening.
On 7th December a group of 17 members visited Scotsdales Garden Centre on a morning when all the countryside looked as if it had been liberally sprinkled with glitter. Members had a chance to do their Christmas Shopping and admired all the beautiful Christmas Decorations. Then members sat down for a very tasty Christmas lunch before returning home.
The Christmas Coffee morning held on 14th December at the Bowls club was a huge success with 75 people attending and raising £80 with the raffle that was held. A group of Primary School children from St Mary’s School came and sang Christmas Carols to everyone who was there, and a special visitor also arrived to give the children some Christmas presents. Everyone who was there commented saying how much they enjoyed themselves.
News Archive
News items from previous years.