Blind Life In Durham

A contribution from Karen

A year in the life of…

Hello, my name is Karen. When I was searching for a volunteer work through Vinvolved (run by BTCV) I was looking for something a bit different. Blind Life in Durham seemed then and now to fit the bill.

My initial role was administration support, particularly in voice recording for the monthly audio newsletter. After invaluable group training in sighted guiding at the Pioneering Centre, Newton Aycliffe, I then helped out when we held events by guiding blind members. I went on the 2010 short break to Windermere Manor Hotel as a guide for a blind member, very enjoyable.

In November 2010 I had a problem with my own vision that resulted in my registration as partially sighted. So I became a member of Blind Life. I continued my role of voice recording for the audio newsletters and added a few articles myself. I had also been able to do internet based family research for other members helping to raise some money through donations.

Blind Life in Durham has given me the opportunity to take on New Age Kurling as a sport - I have found I have a very competitive streak in me.

The social aspects of being a volunteer and a member have changed my life for the better. It seems that almost every week there is something interesting to do and people to meet. I go to regular Kurling practice at St Catherine's Hall, Crook and at Wolsingham Sports College as well as the monthly socials at the Abbey Day Centre at Pity Me.

The summer of 2011 has been pretty hectic with home-moving almost coinciding with the annual Blind Life break to Windermere Manor Hotel and a very enjoyable day trip to Wolds Way Lavender Farm and Whitby.

I look forward to next year's Blind Life activities with great anticipation!

A contribution from Tracy Kaya

I originally came from Aberdeen, I have had a sight problem all my life called Coates Disease. This is a rare eye disorder, causing full or partial blindness, characterized by abnormal development of blood vessels behind the retina.

I left Aberdeen when I was 18 and I moved to Hull and lived there for 22 years. I was married in Hull and I have two daughters and I have a grandson called Mensah he is twelve and lives in London. I worked in various jobs in Hull, but I mostly worked in the fish house, I had to leave my job in 1980 as my eyesight deteriorated.

This is when I was registered blind. After being registered I found work at the Institute for the Blind in Hull and I worked there as a knitting machine operator for 8 years, I also learnt Braille grade 1 & 2 at this time. I then had to retire in 1988 on medical grounds.

After I retired I went as a student to the Royal National College for the Blind at Hereford for 3 years and I did computer studies until 1992.Then I moved back to Scotland to Wishaw and I did a year at Motherwell College.

I then moved to County Durham to live, I now live at Bishop Auckland. I attend a day centre twice a week in Crook called Cheshire homes, which I enjoy attending.

With the help and advice of Blind Life I now have a computer in my own home and I am attending computer lessons through Bishop Auckland College at the outreach centre at the Royal Corner at Crook. I have recently passed a City & Guilds accredited course using a programme called Jaws.

I have Guide screenreader software installed on my computer at home and I am about to try a programme called Thunder, which I have been told is very good.

Being a member of Blind Life I a do not feel as isolated and I know if I have a problem with the computer I have someone I can contact for help.

I would like to say thank you to Blind Life for your help and support.

A contribution from Elizabeth

Elizabeth Newton
Achievements & Experiences

Since 2004 ,when I was nominated to be secretary for blind, which then meant Blind Light In Durham, I soon found out this role required a lot of skill and work, which at the time we were setting up the charity, so it needed great detail and documentation to build the foundations.

It took some time and effort to learn minute taken and organisation of which I have never done or thought I could do. I learnt to work as a team and be a part of what we as a committee have created and built up over the last 3 years. I now have loads of confidence to represent myself and Blind Life In Durham at exhibits, conferences where ever this role will take me.

I have also done a lot of fundraising by organising raffle prizes and doing 2 tombola stalls. I have also got a qualification in basic IT skills, door stop crime, and representation and experience in guiding visual impaired people. I recommend volunteering to anybody who is thinking of doing this because it gives you so much personal achievement and experience.

Secretary Elizabeth Newton.

A contribution from Jack

Hello Jack here,

After an accident at work about 13 years ago, I lost my sight completely.

I joined Blind Life just over a year ago and I would like to tell you how it has helped me. By going to the Abbey Day social meetings I have made many new friends and met some really nice people. As we all have some sort of sight problem we are on common ground. I enjoy our monthly meetings where we usually have a speaker, talking on a variety of topics.

I have also greatly enjoyed trips out that we have had together. This year we have been to Sunderland Glass Works and the Winter Gardens, Windermere Manor Hotel and Leeds Resource Centre for the Blind .We all have a good time and a good laugh.

I do not feel as isolated now, as I did in the past.

I am doing a computer course at present and B.L.IN.D has helped me with my computer for which I am very grateful, as I need all the help I can get. It has been a long time since I went to school.

I am looking forward to our Christmas meal at the Royal Oak, Cornsay Colliery and the Christmas Social at the Abbey Day Centre, PITY ME, Durham.

So if you are reading or listening to this, make that move and contact B.L.IN.D or come along to a social meeting at the Abbey Day Centre, and I am sure just like me, you will make new friends and will be made most welcome.