Spring Issue 2O13

Manager and also heading up ourCommunity Support Workers teamand other outreach services.During the middle of last year Sue

and her husband Dave took thedecision to move to Brighton to benearer their family, particularly theirgrandchildren. Sue was snappedup by The East Sussex Association

Chief Executive’sColumnWelcome to this our first News andViews of 2013. I hope you all had agood Christmas. I’m never sure ofhow long after the start of a year itis still OK to say happy New Yearbut as I’ve never been big on con-vention, ‘A happy New Year to you’.You may already know that we

start this New Year without SueFever. Sue worked for us for manyyears in a variety of roles within thecharity, finally being our Luton

I N T H I S I S S U E :• Eye Health P3• Service User Event P4• Articles for the Blind. Why Me? P5• Disabled Face Care Cuts P5• SUPPORT – IT Clubs P6• Calibre Launch New Service P8• Thursday Club P9• Local Transport P10• New Products P11• Over to You Column P14• Eye Spy – for the Young P15• Volunteers Notice Board P18• What’s On and Diary P19• Useful Numbers Cut & Keep P21

Continued on page 2 >

Sight Concern Resource CentreT: 01234 311555 E: office@sightconcern.org.ukLuton Resource CentreT: 01582 655554 E: lutonservices@sightconcern.org.uk

News & Views

to support their development ofcommissioning eye care and sightloss services. More information onthis can be found at: www.commissioingforeyecare.org.ukThe Bedfordshire clinical

commissioning group were verykeen to have Sight Concern on thispilot and Sally and I have found thework to date very informative. Other members of this pilot have

visited us and were very impressedwith the work we are doing and inparticular our low vision service. Ifyou want information on the lowvision services we provide, theservices are free of charge andavailable in both Bedford andLuton. Referrals to the Bedford lowvision service are via GP, optician,ophthalmologist/consultant, socialservices or by self- referral.Access to the Luton LVS, which isheld in the Luton & Dunstable hospital, is via GP referral to thehospital or ophthalmologist. TheBedford LVS can be booked directwith Kath on 01234 264 022 or on01234 311 555.If you would like any further

information on the services or workwe are doing, give me a call orcontact me via one of ourResource and Information Centres. Thank you.

of Blind andPartiallySightedPeople(ESAB) tolook afterthe outreachwork of thecharity.During thelast half of2012 Sueworked parttime for usand part time for ESAB with theunderstanding that come 2013 shewould be full time at ESAB. I shall miss Sue. For pretty

much all of my time here at SCBSue has been a part of the management team and a friend.During the time I worked with Suemy respect for her and the workshe did for the charity deepened. I will miss the competent and professional way Sue ran the Luton operation. I’m happy that Sue willbe closer to her family and will stillbe working in a sight loss charity.We may not now work together butI’m sure I will bump into Sue atconferences and events and we willalways be friends.Sally, our Operations Manager,

and I have been involved in a UKVision Strategy pilot project. Theidea of this project is to work withour local clinical commissioninggroup over the next two years toanalyse local population needs and

2

Nick Gibson – Chief Executive, Sight Concern Bedfordshire

loss: a public health priority'explains more about how individualstakeholders such as optometrists,ophthalmologists, orthoptists as wellas voluntary sector professionalsworking in the sight loss/eye healthsector can raise awareness of thisnew indicator amongst key decisionmakers. She said: "By working together

the eye health sector has ensuredthat preventable sight loss hasbeen recognised by theGovernment as a public health priority for the first time. This majorachievement is one further crucialstep on our journey to improving theeye health of the nation. We mustcontinue to work together to ensureHealth and Wellbeing Boards,Public Health professionals, ClinicalCommissioning Groups and the newLocal Eye Health Networks reflectthis new Indicator in their JointHealth and Wellbeing Strategies,their Joint Strategic NeedsAssessments and commissioningand service development plans.”"This briefing will help everyone

involved with eye health to speakwith one voice to highlight why thisIndicator is so important".The briefing 'Preventing

avoidable sight loss: a public healthpriority' is available at:www.commissioningforeyecare.org.uk

The article above is reproduced bypermission of Visionary, theAssociation for local sight lossorganisations in the UK

3

Eye Health – A newPriority for GPsThe Royal College of GPs havedecided to make eye health – with afocus on ageing and sight loss, aclinical priority from April 2013 – 16

Eye Health Indicator Confirmed The sector has welcomed theannouncement of details of how thefirst ever Public Health Indicator forpreventable sight loss in Englandwill be measured. From April 2013this Indicator will be introduced aspart of the public Health OutcomesFramework and will monitor themajor causes of preventable sightloss in adults. Public Health England, the

organisation responsible for thisFramework, will assess how manypeople are certified as sightimpaired (partially sighted) orseverely sight impaired (blind) andhave lost their sight from one of thethree major causes of preventablesight loss: glaucoma, age-relatedmacular degeneration and diabeticretinopathy. Anita Lightstone, UK Vision

Strategy Programme Director andChief Operations Officer for VISION2020 UK, has welcomed the newsand has also revealed details of anew briefing available to everyonewith an interest in eye health. Thebriefing 'Preventing avoidable sight

News

We look forward to you joining us.Please telephone or email us to

book your place. Alternatively, (forthose reading this as a printedcopy or by email version), there isa booking form enclosed. You willhelp us by replying promptly so thatwe can make transport and catering arrangements. However,please book at the very latest by4th April to ensure your place. Welook forward to welcoming you!This year’s speakers will include: • Anita Lightstone(see Eye Health Indicator article)

The Benefits Of Keeping Fit!

Our thanks go to the Work &Stretch Group who have kindlydonated £100 to Sight ConcernBedfordshire. The money will beused to purchase a demonstrationset of five eye shields in a range oftints. Our CSW’s will now be ableto offer service users the opportuni-ty to find out the best tint for themin the comfort of their own homes.Well done, to the Work & StretchGroup for enabling us to offer this!

Congratulations & WellDone!Jenny, whom many of you willknow as one of our CommunitySupport Workers, recently decided

Service User Event Once again it’s time for our AnnualService User Event. This year theevent will be held on Thursday 25thApril at Priory Church on NewnhamAvenue in Bedford.The Service User Event is a lovelyopportunity for us all to meet themany people we support through-out the year as well as a goodopportunity to gather your feedbackon current services, developmentsand changes. There is much taking place for all

of us share whether it be negotiat-ing cuts in funds or benefits orensuring sight loss and services tosupport them remain high on localand national agendas. We’d like toshare the successes and chal-lenges of the last year with you andfind out what you think and howthey impact on you. Of course we also know that it is

a good opportunity to catch up withfriends or to meet others facingsimilar challenges as well as achance to access information aboutproducts and services. We willtherefore have a small range ofsuppliers available to demonstratesome of their products and in addi-tion a range of items from our ownResource Centres together with asecond hand stall.As usual, sighted guides will be

on hand throughout the day to pro-vide any support needed and ahearing loop will be available.

4

£££ £ £££ £

5

to take part in the Bedford half-marathon in support of SightConcern Bedfordshire. To date she has raised in excess

of £140. (She refused any ‘inaction’ photos…)

Thank You To AsdaShoppers In Luton! Your support of our charity in Lutonat the end of 2012, helped to raisea very useful £50 for the charity.This has enabled us to purchase aset of counter display units to publicise our services more widely.Thank you!

‘Articles for the Blind’,Why Me?For many of our visually impairedreaders, the term ‘blind’ is not correct or appropriate. Indeedeven for those traditionallydescribed as ‘blind’ the term isoften now referred to as ‘severelysight impaired’. It is, nevertheless,the historic name of a free mailingservice provided by the Post Officeknown as ‘Articles for the Blind’(AftB).AftB, however, provides this

service for blind and visuallyimpaired people. As reproducingdocuments in an accessible formatrequires larger print and thereforelarger, heavier documents, or awkward cassettes or very largedocuments in Braille, these formats

all exceed the normal postage ratesand would make postage to blindand visually impaired people disproportionately costly to that ofsending the same information tosomeone where these formatswere not required. Hence, where Sight Concern

Bedfordshire is entitled to use theAftB service, (and there are also anumber of other criteria and conditions we have to adhere to),we endeavour to do so. With around three thousand

mailings for News & Views aloneeach quarter, AftB represents aconsiderable saving to SightConcern. You may also be interested to

know, that if you are blind andunable to get to a post box or aPost Office® branch, Royal Mailcan collect your item for free. Callthe Royal Mail Customer ServiceCentre on 08457 223 344* or textphone 08457 223 355 toarrange collection.

Disabled People FaceCare Cuts Independent Living Fund (ILF)clients will not have their carepackages protected when theagency is abolished and its budgettransferred to councils in 2015,despite strong support for thisapproach from service users.The Department for Work and

6

Pensions (DWP) said it wouldpress ahead with plans to scrap theILF - which provides £330m a yearin cash payments for personal careor domestic help to almost 20,000disabled people across the UK. The DWP rejected ring-fencing

the budget transferred to councilsin England, on the basis that thiswould prevent councils using theirresources flexibly to meet localneeds and ensuring all disabledservice users were supported consistently. Councils stronglyopposed ring-fencing in theirresponses to the consultation.Under the plans, the ILF's budgetin England will be transferred tocouncils, and its funding in the restof the UK will be delegated to thedevolved governments in Scotlandand Wales.

The article above is reproducedwith the permission of Visionary,the Association for local sight lossorganisations in the UK

Clocks ChangeA reminder that clocksneed changing onSunday 31st March. They need togo one hour forward. If changingthe time is a difficulty for you, SightConcern also stock a range ofclocks and watches that are radiocontrolled. This means that they will

automatically set to the correcttime, no matter what time of year.

Bedford Girls SchoolChristmas Party

Once again the girls hosted themuch anticipated and enjoyableChristmas Party for visuallyimpaired guests. Our thanks go to the girls and

staff for all the work that goes intothis very popular event.

IT Club Celebration!

Luton’s IT Club celebrates twoyears of running and in what betterway than with cake! Tony & Simon,two of the club’s IT support volunteers are shown here with thecake made by Tony’s niece,Mairead. Thank you to all volunteers and members for making this club such a success!

Below, three of the Club’s current members describe what theclub means to them;

Support

7

Other Newsfrom our ITClubs

HenlowThe one to one IT sessions based at TheGardens have been going very well& after Easter there will be spacefor two new people. There is thechoice of either a morning or afternoon session. If transport is preventing you

from attending it is worth exploringthe local community transport services or the Good Neighboursscheme in your village.

BedfordBedford IT club is now in its strideafter the change of venue toRaleigh House, Ampthill Road.There is still a waiting list, but theclub has started to offer people onthe waiting list a taster session tofind out whether the club will suittheir needs. The IT Support volunteers

continue to develop their expertisein speaking programmes.

Houghton RegisThis club has a couple of longstanding members who have developed their skills in touch typingand NVDA to the extent they can nowadvise the club volunteers!There is a steady stream of new

club members.

“Very, very important. I need tolearn how to use a computerbecause I want to get into thetwenty-first century.” Kay“I like coming because it is nice

to come somewhere where I fit in. Ihelped my little girl with the computer last week and I wasimpressed that I was able to. I cantouch type now.” Emma“Before this I didn’t know

anything about computers and nowI know a lot”. Saqia

Luton Friday Social ClubMembers of Luton’s Friday SocialClub beat the snow this year andmade a range of eye catching floraland chocolate wreaths; just one ofmany different and lively activitiesand events the Club members takepart in throughout the year. New members & volunteers

always welcomed.

Thank you to Hillyard Florist Supplies for their support of this.

8

IT Help At Home?Did you know that ‘IT can help’,(ITch), can also provide help withcomputer set up in your own home,support with trouble shooting andwith software and hardwareadvice? Their service is by appointment and free. SCB canrefer your details to the service.Please ask Sight Concern

Bedfordshire for more information.

Leighton BuzzardSocial ClubThe club meets every Friday from2-4pm in the sheltered housingscheme on Bedford Street inLeighton Buzzard. This is a small social club of

around ten people who meet for achat, a drink & biscuits together. The cost of the club is just 50p

and club members are asked totake a small raffle prize. The clubwould love to welcome some newmembers.The Buzzer bus serves this Club

and transport can be bookedthrough them if required. Contact John on 01525 750 559

for more information.

Calibre Launches NewStreaming ServiceCalibre’s Audio Library haslaunched its new streaming servicewith all 6,200 digital books

available online. Streaming is aservice where Calibre audio booksare delivered to you live as you listen using the internet, asopposed to downloads where thecomplete book is delivered beforeyou start listening. You can, ofcourse, still listen to books in internet enabled devices, whichincludes computers and of coursemobile phones. This is an exciting development;

instant access to all their digitalbooks, no waiting for the post andcomplete mobility to listen to thebook anywhere, any time, usingyour internet enabled smart mobilephones. As well as this new servicetheir new library catalogue nowincludes a sample audio clip for alldigital books. Anyone can listen to the audio

sample – you do not have to be aCalibre member. You can of coursestill listen to books in MP3, CD orUSB memory stick formats on awide variety of easily availableplayers. If you enjoy reading, but have

never tried audio books before,then they also offer a three monthfree trial period. You can borrow asingle book at a time and at the endof the twelve weeks you can jointheir library with the membershipoption that suits you.For more information call their

Membership Services Team on01296 432 339 or visit: www.calibre.org.uk

9

Thursday Club “For anyone betweenyoung & young at heart”This is Mark Chapman, (Luton’sCommunity Support Worker), andI’d like to talk about the ThursdayClub. We’ve been running a SightConcern Thursday Club for a littlewhile now. It’s quite hard todescribe to people what it’s like soI’ll get the basics out of the way first. It’s held at out Luton office,

(1 Union Street LU1 3AN), everyThursday between 10am and 1pm. Anyone is welcome but it might

be wise to ring before coming, justin case it’s a week where we havesomething planned and we aren’t inthe office. There is no hard and fastage range and as someone put itrecently; “It’s appropriate for any-one between young and young atheart”. At the moment we havepeople from 21 to late 50s. We mainly meet up to chat, drink

tea & coffee, laugh, share problems(and share solutions) and arrangeevents and things to do. So far wehave been out for meals, to pubquizzes, bowling, a live reptile‘touch tour’, blind shooting, trips outand in February we are going to anadult pantomime! It can be hard tosum up what a club is like so Iasked some members to write afew words; “Thursday Club is fun,laughs, chat, tea, coffee, biscuits,info, advice, help, loud, carrot cake,white sticks and hope.”

“It seems the wrong way round,but I come to the Thursday Cluband am surrounded by other blindand partially sighted people and Ifeel so NORMAL – like I fit in andam treated like a normal everydayhuman being rather than someonestrange and unusual. That’s what’sgreat about it and why I comeevery week”“It’s a great opportunity to meet

people who are from differing backgrounds and tastes, but withone thing in common, we all have varying degrees of sight problems.Also the chance to chat about allsorts of things and even try out theoccasional VI related gadget or two.”“It’s nice to come and meet my

new friends but I also know thatevery week I can talk to Alan aboutthe talking newspaper, Tony abouttalking watches and aids and Markabout paperwork and I can getadvice about letters or benefits. It’snice to know they are there as theyare all so helpful.” If you think you’d have trouble

getting here then someone may beable to come out to you and helpyou set up Dial-A-Ride so you canget a lift. We currently have twomembers that come this way. Ifyou’d like to know more please callMark at our Luton office, 01582 655 554 or email markchapman@sightconcern.org.ukOR join our Facebook group atwww.facebook.com/groups/sight-concernbedfordshire.

10

Local CommunityTransportServices &ContactsManagement and drivers of these services are generally volunteerswho provide services to meet localneeds. A number of the vehiclesare adapted to make them moreaccessible to disabled travellers.Please contact individual

providers for full service details.

Bedford areaRoad Runner – It is intended toprovide a regular transport systemfor villages and hamlets that haveno, or little, commercial service.There are services to MiltonKeynes via Stewartby, to MiltonKeynes via Bromham, from AspleyGuise to Bedford and fromBromham to Sainsburys atKempston for example. There areother weekly runs from shelteredaccommodation to stores inBedford which run at other times.It is also possible that others canbe arranged. Tel: 01234 841 654

Door-to-Door – Operates ascheme for people unable to useconventional public transport in theBedford area. You need to registeras a member before you can usethis transport service. Tel: 01234 345 327

The Villager Minibus(Sharnbrook) Ltd – ProvidesCommunity Transport in the villages of North Bedfordshire. Itruns scheduled services toSainsburys, Olney Market, MiltonKeynes, Northampton,Peterborough, St. Ives andRushden. The scheduled servicesare available to the general publicnot just concessionary permit holders. Tel: 01234 781 920

Central BedsIvel Sprinter –Services were started to best meetlocal residents' needs for shopping,attending doctors’ surgeries andother such essentials. As time haspassed, the local services havegrown to encompass journeys toCambridge, St Neots and Bedfordon a weekly or monthly basis,whilst still satisfying more localneeds. Tel: 01767 640 873

Link-a-Ride –A door to door transport service for its members,they do not follow a set bus routeand do not pick up from bus stops.There is a small charge for eachjourney undertaken. Holders of aLink-a-Ride concessionary passpay £1.50 per single journey. Link-a-Ride concessionary passesare obtained from CentralBedfordshire Council. Tel: 01525 840 511

For travel anywhere withinLuton & South Beds

South Beds Dial-a-Ride –A door to door service for peoplewho are unable to use ordinarypublic transport, because of temporary or permanent disability.Drivers can escort to the door doorbut cannot transfer travellers fromtheir wheelchair. Guide dogs arecarried free of charge. You can useDial-A-Ride for all kinds of journeyseg. shopping, visiting friends or relatives. Before you use the service you must register withthem. Available to all ages. NoMembership fees and disabledaccess – Tel: 01525 222 331

NewProductsAvailable

Solar powered"Atomic" talkingwatch withleather strap –large

Also available with bracelet strap.This self charging solar powered

watch means you'll never run out oftime! It automatically sets the timeand date using atomic radio signalsfor split second accuracy. It alsochanges from British summer towinter time automatically and vice-versa when the battery

11

Flittabus Community Transport Ltd – Serving the Ampthill and Flitwickarea with routes to Milton Keynesand Bedford and providing scheduled local services in CentralBedfordshire five days a week.The bus routes are designed toprovide services to shops and towncentres from village locations notwell served by other bus companies. The service is aimed atall ages, but especially those whofind it difficult to walk from mainbus routes with heavy shopping.The drivers try to be flexible withpick-up and drop-off points. Tel: 01767 640 873

Buzzer Buses (Dial a Ride) Ltd –A door to door transport for peopletravelling within a six mile radius ofLeighton Buzzard. The service isavailable to people who cannotaccess a regular bus servicethrough reasons of disability, incapacity, old age or social exclusion and is pre-booked up toa week in advance. Bookings aretaken between 10.00am and4.00pm with medical bookings prioritised. Currently, registrationcosts £10.00 per person with a voluntary annual administration /renewal fee also of £10.00 per person. They can transport users toshops, social clubs, doctors, dentists, friends, etc, in fact anywhere within their operationalarea but, do not provide hospitaltransport. Tel: 01525 853 566

12

is activated.• Audible date announcement; the watch speaks the day, month,date and year – all in a natural male English voice

• Daily alarm and optional hourlytime announcement

• Also available with a silver metallic bracelet strap

• The battery charges on naturaland ambient light

• Automatically receives the timesignal at 3am every night to maintain accurate timing.

Prices for blind & visuallyimpaired customers:With leather strap: £49.99 With bracelet strap: £54.99

Alto 2 talkingmobile phone Product Features:The Alto 2 mobilereads to you withits built-in talkingfeatures.

On-screen information is spokenand you'll also hear key presses.Scroll through your contact list andhear names read out, open a textmessage and Alto 2 will read it toyou. Writing text messages is just aseasy as each letter is read aloud. Hit the right button every time

with the well designed colour codedbuttons, large, well spaced numberkeypad and simple menus. Available in an easy to spot

bright orange, as well as blue anddark grey. For peace of mind, thephone enables you to programmeup to three emergency numbers. Simply press and hold the

emergency button & the phone willautomatically begin dialling eachnumber in turn until a call isanswered.

• Choose either male or femalevoice

• Incoming calls announce namesstored in the phonebook

• Adjust the speech speedbetween 85 and 120 per cent

• Compatible for use with hearingaids with a rating of m3/t3

• Supplied with desk stand for easy recharging

• Stores up to 200 contacts in thephonebook

• Built-in hands free speaker-phone • Alarm clock • Emergency call feature

Price: £119.49For further product information or toorder, contact a Sight ConcernResource Centre on either 01582 655 554 or 01234 311 555

Calendars & DiariesStill Available2013 Pocket Sized Large PrintDiaries £4.502013 Calendars – large A3 size£4.50Calendars are available either as

our “Talking newspapers” over theinternet, and we did it. How does itwork you may ask? Well, I will tellyou. First of all you will need twothings, an Email account and aninternet enabled device such as aPC or a SMART phone that you canaccess. An Email will arrive in your“inbox” at around 5pm on the daythe paper is published. Within the body of the Email you

will see a little introduction from usand then below this will be 2 links.(The links are underlined). The first link is for Part One of the

recording and the second link is forPart Two of the recording. Clickingon these will start them playing,using your devices media player.You then use your media player’scontrols to play, pause, fast forwardand rewind the recordings. OK, if that was all double Dutch

to you then it’s probably not theservice for you, but if all that madesense to you, then you can benefitfrom not having to wait for yourrecordings to come through thepost and not having to post themback to us. You can also continue to use the

accessible device you already ownand are familiar with. Talking Newspapers over the internet is a very versatile way oflistening to your TN. When we dida trial in the autumn we had a ladylistening in Scotland and a gentleman listening on holiday in

13

• black print on white backgroundor • black print on yellow background

Please specify which colour back-ground required when ordering. Contact us on either

01234 311 555 or 01582 655 554for further information or visit us atone of our Resource Centres.(See back page for opening times& further details).

Talking Newspapersvia Email?Now I know what you’re thinking,

that makes no sense, but trust in me,it will. We all know that every thingis now “Digital” this and “Smart”that, and it can all become a bitmuch. Who really needs their fridgeto talk to their phone and whatwould they talk about anyway?I have always believed that at its

core technology is here to help usand bring us together, and if wecan get past all the “specifications”jargon and the latest “must have”device nonsense we can use thesedevices for good. So with that inmind I tasked our boffins in therecording studio to see how we canuse well established digital servicesto offer you the choice of receiving

Blue Badge Holders– sale now on!£2.00 ONLY

Please contact us to let us knowso that we continue to provide theservice that you want. Thank you

TN on the Sonata?We are trying to establish howmany people have a Sonata internet radio locally and whetherthere is interest by these users inour TN service in this format?Please contact us if you would beinterested in this service.

Gardening TipWhen sowing your seeds, tappacket to knock tiny seeds to thebottom, then slit corner of packetcarefully & pour into a salt cellaralong with some silver sand. Youcan then shake/pour into yourplanting tray or directly into the garden and the silver sand willmake it easier to see where seedsare, as well as thinning out whensprinkling through the shaker. Remember to send us photos of

your blooms or vegetables! Thank you to Joyce for this tip &

for the one below.

Knitting TipWhen knitting, keeping track of rowscan be an issue, but one of ourreaders suggests using an abacus.Simply slide a bead over each timea row is counted. If you are inspiredto give it a go, we even have a

New Zealand. I listened to it on mySMART phone, in the sun, in mygarden. Not too shabby, if we dosay so ourselves...So if you would like to try this new

service or to find out more about theTN, please give us a call at SCB’sLuton office on 01582 655 554.(We will also be putting these ‘links’in the Email edition of this magazine so you can enjoy theaudio version of our News andviews magazine via Email.) Many thanks. Alan Chalkly, Studio Coordinator, Sight Concern Bedfordshire

Please note:For Luton, Dunstable & LeightonBuzzard TN: Contact SCB on01582 655 554

For Bedford TN: Contact BDAN on01234 301 074

For Biggleswade TN: ContactDavid Gentle on 01767 680 143 or

dave.gentle@tiscali.co.uk

Your Studio Needs You!We want to hear from listeners ofTalking Newspapers in Luton,Dunstable & Leighton Buzzard.What topics do you like to hear onyour Talking Newspaper?Do we get the right balance of

topics & depth of coverage for you? If we don’t, what else would youlike to hear more of, or what youwould like less of?

14

Over to You Column

15

Living LifeStudents who struggle with standard print materials to benefit from newonline resource.

An exciting new service could significantly improve the school experiencefor learners who can't read standard print and save time for the teachingstaff who support them. Load2Learn, an online resource delivered by Dyslexia Action and the

RNIB, will help schools to better support learners with dyslexia, who areblind or partially sighted, or who have a disability. Curriculum materials across all Key Stages - textbooks, test papers and

images - can be downloaded in a range of file formats and then adaptedto suit the personal reading needs of students. There are currently over 1,500 titles and 1,000 images to download and

documents can be customised to create different print orbraille versions. For more information, please visit:

www.load2learn.org.uk or call 0300 303 8313.

large print pattern for you too! (Seelast issue for details or request apattern from our Bedford office.)Don’t forget to keep sending in

your tips!

FarewellI am writing to say farewell, I amleaving Sight Concern to take up aposition with another charity inBedfordshire. During my time as a Community

Support Worker I have met someinteresting and inspiring people andfor the most it has been a privilegeto support clients through some ofthe most difficult times in their own

lives. I can honestly say that all ofmy clients have taught me muchabout life and I will take away manymemories of the work and thelaughter shared with my V.I.P’s. Iwould like to let you know that Ihave been training hard for theBrighton Marathon on 14th April2013. I am running to raise moneyfor Diabetes UK; if you would liketo make a donation please send itinto SCB or make an online donation at:www.justgiving.com/jenny-harris5 I would really appreciate your support. Best wishes for the future

Jenny Harris

Eye Spyfor younger readers and their families

16

Large PrintChildren’s BooksNews & Views reader, Eileen Finch, tellsof her achievement to develop a range ofaccessible children’s books.

‘I am a 58 year old mother of three children, and grandmother of five. At 30, I was diagnosed with Stargardts whichmeant my central vision progressively disappeared, along with my access tostandard print. As a mother, I experienced the special time with my children sharing

books together. It helped develop their confidence, social and educationalskills from a very early age.In order to give me and my grandchildren the same opportunity, I needed to

find books with a print size of 75 point. In my research, I found ClearVision who are providers of large print books to children. Now, I could read Thomas the Tank Engine in 75 point to Aidan and

Phoebe, two of my grandchildren. Although this delighted me enormously, I was beginning to learn the

challenges of 75 point on A4 sized paper. Some words spread over morethan one line, which meant reading was difficult. Also, 75 point printmeant illustrations did not appear on each ‘double page’, and the childrenlost interest when they only had text to look at. Although the booksoffered me access, I wanted to produce books of the same quality foundin retail shops, the type they would love and treasure for ever.It’s taken well over a year to reach publishing status. In brief, we have

researched current provision and the Copyright Act (VIP) 2002, obtaineda Copyright Licence and permission from the publishers for 30 popularbooks in the UK, painstakingly designed books to make them mostaccessible and sharable, worked our way through ISBN numbers, andnow we call the ‘not-for-profit’ project Access2books. The book format and design is: 12” x 11.5”, 75 point print with braille on

the left hand page and illustrations with braille description below on righthand page. The font is Tiresias bold black, the production is in full colour,the binding is saddle-stitched, and the cover is 330gsm card laminated inmatt finish. continued >

Eileen with her grandchildren

17

The text and illustrations are scanned in to desktop publishing softwareand where text is not clear we type it in. We maximise accessibility byimproving contrast and size of illustration and isolate the important pictorial content.The photo opposite shows an original

illustration in Gruffalo with a dark forest surrounding the mouse. In our giant printand braille version shown here, we pullout the important artwork and text leaving as much white space as possiblein the book.Although we have a set standard, the

books are individually made and are therefore customisable. One can choosethe font or size, the grade of braille, the weight and size of paper.’Eileen describes how there have been many trials, delays and learning

for her along the way. However, last year she won a place on the Lloydssponsored programme at the London School for Social Entrepreneurs. She explains: ‘I want to work directly with users, whether it is reading

groups, family groups or another forum. I am looking to get people whoneed this access to share the books and let me know the impact of hav-ing them. Also, the books might be used in schools or for learning braille– we want to hear from teachers, learning assistants, parents and children to find out if we need to adapt the books or what we can offer. So, please contact me if you are interested in working with me or know

someone who might be. My aim is all those who need this access hearabout Access2books publications and either ask their libraries to stockthem, or their school or families to buy them for disabled and non-disabled, adults and children to share. Eventually, I want the books sold through the usual retail outlets, and

then in different countries and languages.Finally, I think the more publicity these books get the more impact they

will have on educating people about access and improve attitudestowards, and inclusion of, disabled people.’To purchase a book, or to contact Eileen:

Tel: 01525 853 825 or 07976 666 958 Email: efinch@access2books.org or write to her at: Access2books, 7a Waterloo Road, Leighton Buzzard, Beds, LU7 2NRWebsite: www.access2books.org

18

Hello and welcome to the following new volunteers:

Home visitors Trevor, Sharon, MaureenListening PostIreneTalking Newspaper ReadersToby, Aimee, MaureenIT SupportDorothy and TonyTalking Newspaper recording engineerTony

Thank you and good luck toSunjeet in her new job and thankyou and best wishes to Beryl forher help at the Low Vision Servicein Luton and Khafsa and Tony forall their help with the Luton ITClub.

Volunteer Get TogethersIn November there were Luton andBedford meetings for home visitors. The theme of these gettogethers came out of a home visitor request to explore ideas foractivities and resources for theservice user during the home visitor for them outside their home. During the discussions in small

groups the volunteers learnt fromeach other about what was available for people in their local

VolunteersNotice Board

area. In Luton, two visuallyimpaired volunteer were able toinform the other volunteers aboutthe issues they contend with andthe solutions they used.

Christmas CelebrationsIn Bedford the volunteers joined upwith the Wednesday ClubChristmas party and met eachother, sometimes for the first timeand met many of the visuallyimpaired people from the Bedfordarea. In Luton, volunteers helped togive Sue Fever a grand send off, toher new job, at the Christmasgoodbye party there.

Volunteer TrainingThe new volunteer training including My Guide training continues to develop and we hopeto start My Guide partnershipssoon. Volunteers should look outfor details of forthcoming loneworking & SOVA training dates.

Always Calling for VolunteersWe are still urgently looking for volunteers in Luton for the socialclub, home visiting and IT Support. If you have any suggestions of

places for posters or suggestions oflocal newsletters who would acceptan article calling for volunteers,please get in touch with Joanna on01234 264 023.

19

What’s On Guide And Diary DatesWhilst all details given below are in good faith, we advise checking inadvance of any changes, particularly in poor weather.

MARCHFriday 15th March Blind in Business Event – Education TechnologyClinic with Sight and Sound Technology. 4:00 – 6:00pm, Blind in Businessoffice, London. To register attendance or for more information emailinfo@blindinbusiness.org.uk or call 0207 588 1885

Friday 15th March SCB Luton Friday Social Club 9:30 –11:30am StMary’s Church, Church St., Luton LU1 3JF. Jan Strapp and her Dulcimer.Come and listen to Jan playing the hammered Dulcimer and learn moreabout the history of this amazing instrument. £1 (normal subs) + raffle

Friday 22nd March SCB Luton Friday Social Club. (See above for further details) Easter celebrations! Currant buns, quiz, and “egg” raffle!

Friday 22nd March Blind In Business Law Day 12:00 – 4:00pm Blind InBusiness Office, London (Venue tbc). (See 15th March entry for contactdetails)

Tuesday 26th March Blind In Business Event – Speed Recruitment 11:00am – 4:00pm London (Venue tbc). (See 15th March entry for contactdetails)

Friday 29th March Luton Friday Social Club CLOSED (GOOD FRIDAY)

APRIL

Friday 5th April SCB Luton Friday Social Club CLOSED

Friday 12th April SCB Luton Friday Social Club CLOSED

Friday 19th April SCB Luton Friday Social Club 9:30 – 11:30am."Unwanted phone calls - a nuisance or malicious?" (Graham Perry)Come and hear from an ex-BT man regarding those calls that seem tocome through on a regular basis and what to do about them.

Continued on page 20 >

20

Thursday 25th April Sight Concern Bedfordshire’s Annual Service UserEvent. To be held at Priory Church, Newnham Avenue, Bedford MK419QJ. To book contact 01234 311 555 or 01582 655 554.

Friday 26th April SCB Luton Friday Social Club 9:30 – 11:30am.Paul Heley “Sally the Witch and other Dunstable spooks”. Dunstablereportedly has in excess of 30 ghosts. This talk highlights some of thebetter known ones.

MAY

Friday 3rd May SCB Luton Friday Social Club CLOSED FOR TRIP OUT

Friday 10th May SCB Luton Friday Social Club 9:30 – 11:30am.

Wednesday 15th May Employment Technology Clinic With Sight AndSound Technology 4:00 – 6:00pm Blind In Business Office, London

Friday 17th May SCB Luton Friday Social Club 9:30 – 11:30am.

Friday 24th May SCB Luton Friday Social Club 9:30 – 11:30am.

Friday 31st May SCB Luton Friday Social Club 9:30 – 11:30am.

JUNE

Friday 8th June SCB Luton Friday Social Club 9:30 – 11:30am.

Friday 15th June SCB Luton Friday Social Club 9:30 – 11:30am.

Friday 15th June SCB Luton Friday Social Club 9:30 – 11:30am.

DEADLINE FOR SUMMER NEWS & VIEWS

Please forward your articles, events and advertising for inclusion in our Summer edition by 19th April, 2013.

Please contact Sight Concern office: 01234 311 555or Email: sallymarlow@sightconcern.org.uk

21

Useful Contact Numbers:EmergenciesPolice: 999 for genuine emergency only (otherwise 101 for non emergencies)

Fire or Ambulance: 999

Emergency Electricity: 0800 783 8838

Emergency Gas: 0800 111 999

Emergency Water: 0845 714 5145

HealthNHS Direct: 0845 46 47For 24 hour expert help & advice on minor accidents, family illnessor medical.

Home SafetyBedfordshire & Luton Fire & Rescue Service: 0800 043 5042For free home fire risk assessments, installation of free smokedetectors and adapted smoke detectors for the deaf and hard ofhearing.

Bobby Scheme: 01234 842619For free advice, support and practical help in improving home security.

Community Transport Services:Contact individual suppliers for terms, conditions, costs, accessibility etc.

BEDFORD & BEDFORD AREA

Road Runner 01234 841654

Door-to-Door 01234 345327

The Villager Minibus (Sharnbrook) Ltd: 01234 781920continued overpage >

CUT OUT AND KEEP PAGE

$

22

CENTRAL BEDS

Ivel Sprinter: 01767 640873.Link-a-Ride: 01525 840511 Flittabus Community Transport Ltd: 01767 640873 Buzzer Bus: 01525 853 566

LUTON & SOUTH BEDS

South Beds Dial-a-Ride: 01525 222331

Other SupportAge Concern Bedford and Central Beds: 01234 360 510 Luton: 01582 456 812For information and advice, Link Service, Home Help Service,Accompanied Shopping Service, Gardening Service,Handyperson Service and Aid Call Service.

WRVS: 01234 262 429For Bedfordshire and Luton ‘Good Neighbours’ and ‘Home fromHospital’.

Citizens Advice Bureau: 0844 2451290

Visual Impairment TeamsBedford: 01234 718318, Central Beds: 01234 718 318, Luton: 01582 547 876

SOVA (Safeguarding Of Vulnerable Adults): Bedford: 01234 276 222 Central Beds: 0300 300 8122 Luton: 01582 547 730 or 547 563 For more info. or to report:

Crime Stoppers: 0800 555 111

Environmental issues:Bedford: 01234 267 422 , Central: 0300 300 8301, Luton: 01582 546 000To report anti-social behaviour, noise nuisance, street lights, graffiti,abandoned vehicles, fly tipping etc. to councils.

Sight ConcernBedfordshireSight Concern Bedfordshire is alocal service that aims to enhancethe independence and quality of lifeof sight impaired people living inBedfordshire and Luton.

How Can Sight ConcernBedfordshire Help YOU?Sight Concern BedfordshireServices:

• Accompanied Shopping - (Luton only)

• Annual Service User Event –meet friends, talk to us aboutyour needs, concerns & interests& find out what is going on thatmay impact on you and yoursight

• Audio Transcription & Braille –Costs on application

• British Wireless for the Blind –agents to provide loan of freeaudio equipment, (subject tomeeting criteria)

• Community Support Workers –One to one practical support,advice & information. Includingadvice on benefit entitlement &assisting with benefit claims

• Home Visiting –regular friendly social visits

• Hospital Information NoticeBoards

• IT Clubs & One to One ITSupport

• Listening Post – Telephone befriending

• Low Vision Services –Assistance with appropriatemagnifiers and advice on appropriate lighting. Training and guidance to make the most ofremaining sight and access to other services

• My Guide – Sighted Guiding Service

• Quarterly Newsletter –‘News & Views’ in a range of formats, keeping you informedabout local issues, support, services & what’s on

• Open Days – Special events to find out about local services, equipment or support

• Conference Calls – Getting friends together

• Resource Centres – Try out or purchase from a range of aids to make everyday life easier or pick up some furtherinformation or advice

• Information & Advice -for service users and their families

• Social Clubs – contact us for types and locations

• Talking Newspapers –in a variety of audio formats

23

Bedford Office &Resource Centre

Sight Concern BedfordshireKings House245 Ampthill RoadBedford MK42 9AZ

Telephone: 01234 311 555Email address: office@sightconcern.org.uk

Opening Times:

Monday & Tuesday – Drop in 9.30am-4pm

Wednesday & Thursday – By appointment only

Friday – Closed all day

Luton Office &Resource Centre

Sight Concern Bedfordshire1 Union StreetLutonLU1 3AN

Telephone: 01582 655 554Email address:lutonservices@sightconcern.org.uk

Opening Times:

Monday – By appointment only

Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday –Drop in 9am to 2pm

Friday – Closed all day

24

• Technology Support – information, advice and practicalsupport

• Vision Screening – Free screening and informationto help reduce avoidable sightloss

• We also offer visual awarenesstraining, training for families andfriends in sighted guiding, talksand presentations to groups,organisations and schools –contact us for further details on the numbers below.

Registered Charity No. 1117209