Bucks Vision

BucksVision is a local charity supporting people living with sight loss across Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes. For more than 100 years, the charity has been helping blind and partially sighted people maintain their independence, build confidence, stay connected with their communities and enjoy a fulfilling life.

Sight loss can have a huge impact on everyday life. It can affect someone's ability to work, travel, shop, read, socialise or carry out tasks that many of us take for granted. It can also lead to loneliness, isolation and a loss of confidence. BucksVision is there to provide practical support, information, advice and opportunities for people to continue living their lives as independently as possible.

Supporting people with sight loss

BucksVision supports people across all stages and levels of sight loss. The charity recognises that losing your sight does not necessarily mean losing your independence, and that with the right support and encouragement, people can continue to enjoy many of the activities and experiences that matter to them.

Its services include practical advice and information, social and activity groups, support at home, equipment and technology advice, experience days and awareness-raising work.

Practical advice and support

BucksVision provides advice and information on a wide range of issues associated with sight loss. This includes helping people find ways to retain their independence and develop practical skills.

The charity also provides information about eye health and common eye conditions, as well as access to support programmes such as Living Well with Sight Loss, which provides people with the opportunity to learn, share experiences and receive peer support.

Equipment and technology

Technology and specialist equipment can make a significant difference to someone living with sight loss. BucksVision can provide advice and support to help people find equipment and technology that can make everyday activities easier and help them remain independent.

This might include finding practical solutions for reading, communication or other everyday tasks, helping people make the most of technology and demonstrating equipment that could benefit them.

Social and activity groups

Living with sight loss can sometimes be isolating, particularly when someone is no longer able to take part in activities or social situations in the way they previously did.

BucksVision's network of support groups provides an opportunity for people living with sight loss to meet others who understand their experiences, make new friends and enjoy a range of activities. Groups can include entertainment, informative talks, demonstrations and social activities.

There are groups across Buckinghamshire, including in areas such as Aylesbury, High Wycombe, Marlow, Princes Risborough, Chesham and the Chalfonts, as well as Partridge and Wolverton groups in Milton Keynes.

Where possible, BucksVision also endeavours to provide volunteer transport to help people get to and from support groups.

Support at home

For some people, having a little extra help at home can make a huge difference.

BucksVision provides a range of volunteer-led services, including befriending, reading and shopping support. Befriending provides companionship for people experiencing serious sight loss, while Reader volunteers can help with correspondence and reading. Shopper volunteers can provide assistance when people need help making purchases.

These services can help people remain independent while also providing valuable social contact.

Buckinghamshire Integrated Sensory Service

BucksVision is also involved in the Buckinghamshire Integrated Sensory Service (BISS), commissioned by Buckinghamshire Council.

BISS provides support to children and adults with sight loss, hearing loss and dual sensory loss. Its services include enablement and habilitation, equipment, information and advice, and registration of sensory loss.

Raising awareness

BucksVision also works with organisations, community groups and professionals to increase understanding of sight loss.

The charity offers awareness training covering different types of sight loss, equipment that can help people with visual impairment and how to guide someone with sight loss. Training can include practical exercises using simulation spectacles and opportunities to learn sighted-guiding techniques.

The charity can also provide talks to local groups and organisations, helping to explain the realities of sight loss and the support available.

Volunteers make a difference

Volunteers are an important part of BucksVision's work. The charity has a relatively small staff team supported by volunteers who help deliver its services and activities across Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes.

Volunteering opportunities can include befriending, providing practical support, helping at social and activity groups and supporting the charity's wider work.

How you can support BucksVision

BucksVision relies on donations and fundraising to continue providing its services. Donations, whether large or small, help the charity support more people living with sight loss to lead independent and fulfilling lives.

There are also opportunities to volunteer, fundraise for the charity or support its work in other ways.

BucksVision's vision is for a future where people with sensory loss have an equal voice, access and opportunity to thrive. Its work across Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes helps turn that vision into reality by providing practical support, advice, equipment and, perhaps just as importantly, opportunities for people to stay connected with others.

Find out more

If you or someone you know is living with sight loss and would like to find out more about the support available, BucksVision can be contacted on 01296 487556 or by email at reception@bucksvision.co.uk.

BucksVision
143 Meadowcroft
Aylesbury
Buckinghamshire
HP19 9HH (bucksvision.co.uk)

Visit the BucksVision website