BucksVision

This week we are proud supporters of Small Charity Week 2024. At BucksVision we work with Visually Impaired members throughout the year and each June we help to raise awareness of all the small charities in the UK & the amazing work we are all doing!



[image description: A multicoloured background of green, red, pink, purple and blue with text over which reads, we support small charity week, www.smallcharityweek.com]

This week is Deafblind Awareness Week. Did you know, there are over 450,000 deafblind people in the UK? Deafblindness affects individuals in unique and diverse ways and doesn’t always mean no sight or hearing. Communication methods can include tactile sign language, finger spelling and braille devices.

If you or someone you know is sight impaired, hearing impaired or deafblind, the Buckinghamshire Integrated Sensory Service (BISS) can provide a range of tailored specialist support following a sensory evaluation.

Contact us on 01296 479970 or [email protected] to find out more.

[Image description: White square with black text that reads ‘Deafblind Awareness Week, 24th – 30th June’. ‘Deafblind Awareness Week’ is against a yellow graphic background. The BucksVision logo is in the bottom left and there are three diagonal yellow, blue and green stripes in the top left and bottom right corners.]

A group of sight impaired people are breaking new ground in the heart of Milton Keynes’ art and culture scene.

MK Gallery has partnered with five local community groups to co-curate this year’s open call summer exhibition.

Over 120 established and emerging artists explore themes including identity, inclusivity, possible futures, heritage, and significant moments across five thematic gallery spaces.

The Visually Impaired People (VIP) Group have chosen the theme "Seeing Differently", with artwork spanning sculpture, pictures, audio visuals and kinetic installations. Visitors entering this gallery space are actively encouraged to look, listen, inhale, touch and feel the artwork. Think the unthinkable, and "Please Touch the Artwork" is the mantra.

Building on the foundations of MK Gallery's award winning "Inclusive Practice in the Arts" programme, the gallery is also working with a group of visually impaired children from a local school. The youngsters will produce their very own descriptive talks and deliver them to their peer group.

The exhibition includes artwork descriptions written by the Gallery's Associate Artist Lisa Tilley, a trained audio-describer. These will be available on the Gallery's website and for visitors to listen to on a Smartphone using the free Bloomberg Connects app.

Caroline, one of the severely sight impaired co-curators of "Seeing Differently" space, explains that we should be discovering new ways at looking at visual art, using many of our other senses - including touch, smell and sound.

The MK Calling 2024 exhibition opened on Saturday 22nd June and runs through until 29th September 2024.

Artist-led Audio-described Tours for blind and partially sighted visitors to the MK Calling exhibition are being held on 23rd July and 7th September 2024.

Our friends at Milton Keynes Theatre have a number of Accessible Performances coming up in 2024/25, with the recent additions of Chicago and 101 Dalmatians.

You can register with their free Access Membership Scheme to book accessible seats online. Contact the Access Champion for accessibility advice via our website www.atgtickets.com/access/contact-us or call the dedicated
Access Assistance line on 0333 009 5399.

For D/deaf and hard of hearing customers, the Type Talk number is 18001 0333 009 5399

Alternatively, you can go into the theatre to book over-the-counter at our Box Office which Is currently open 90 minutes before each Performance.

Full details of the Access services are available from
www.atgtickets.com/access along with accessibility information for the venue www.atgtickets.com/venues/milton-keynes-theatre/info/

📣 NEW ACCESS PERFORMANCES ADDED 📣

At Milton Keynes Theatre, we believe that everyone has the right to access quality entertainment. We're happy to announce additional captioned and audio-described performances have been added to 101 Dalmatians and Chicago The Musical!

101 Dalmatians 🐾
Wed 2nd Oct @ 7pm - Audio Described Performance (Touch Tour at 5:30pm)
Fri 4th Oct @ 7pm - Captioned Performance
🎟️ atgtix.co/3KJ5JqN

Chicago 🎙️
Thu 17th Oct @ 7:30pm - Captioned Performance
Sat 19th Oct @ 2:30pm - Audio Described Performance
🎟️ atgtix.co/3KK3yDq

For more information, visit the link below:
🔗 atgtix.co/3z2xs34

International Nystagmus Awareness Day was established by Nystagmus Network, a charity organization in the United Kingdom, to raise awareness about nystagmus around the world. The first International Nystagmus Awareness Day took place on June 20, 2020, and has recurred on the same date each year since.

We would like to highlight this awareness day today to make people more knowledgeable about the eye condition.

Whilst there is currently no cure for nystagmus, some of the underlying conditions which cause nystagmus may be treatable. Having nystagmus can cause reduced vision but there are things which can help manage the condition and make the most of your sight.

If you're concerned about your sight you should visit your ophthalmic practitioner or optometrist as soon as possible.

[Image description: Black text on a blue circle background reads Did you know? Nystagmus is an uncontrolled movement of the eyes, usually from side to side, but sometimes the eyes can move up & down or in a circular movement. A person with nystagmus has involuntary movement of the eyes - leading to reduced vision and depth perception.]

Congratulations to our wonderful Home Services Coordinator, Lisa!

We are thrilled to announce that Lisa got married on Saturday! 💍❤️

Join us in sending your best wishes and congratulations to Lisa and her new husband as they embark on this exciting journey together. We are so happy for you, Lisa!



[Image Description: A photo of lisa walking down the aisle with her new husband! He is dressed in a very smart blue suit and Lisa is wearing a veil and beautiful floor length white wedding dress]

Our latest newsletter has been published. Read more to find out what we have been up to and other interesting information:
https://www.bucksvision.co.uk/clientarea/files/newsletter/bv%20spring%20newsletter%202024%20p5(1).pdf

[Image Description: Photo of BucksVision's drama workshop attendees which featured on the front cover of our Spring/Summer 2024 newsletter]

Our friends Vache Baroque will be hosting six unique multi-sensory experiences at The Vache in Chalfont St. Giles across the weekend of Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 June.

Experience Handel/Milton’s L’Allegro through all your senses other than sight. Enter into the historical hall of The Vache house to hear our singers and orchestra perform this beautiful piece, and allow expert multisensory guides to create a heightened world of smell, touch, taste, and movement.

Members of the public are invited to experience the concert blindfolded, so as to heighten their awareness and experience of the music. There will be multi-sensory with elements of touch, movement, smell and taste, delivered by expert dancer-guides from BitterSuite.

The experience has been devised in collaboration with two blind creatives - Victoria Oruwari and Kevin Carey - as well as Milton Cottage’s steering group. Guide Dogs will be joining throughout the weekend too.

Please see further info at this link: https://vachebaroque.com/product/visionaries24/

Vache Baroque have kindly reserved a limited allocation of free tickets for all six public events, plus a few spaces for the dress rehearsal (at 3.30-5pm on Friday 28 June) for local residents living with sight loss.

If anyone is interested in attending, please email the box office - [email protected] (Quoting: BucksVision for your free tickets).

[Image Description: A forward facing shot of a lady with shoulder length brown hair wearing a blind fold. A background of multi coloured lights, some of which are reflecting onto the lady face. Text reads Vache Baroque. "Ingenious stagecraft and expert musicianship" The Stage. Visionaries a multi-sensory experience. A surround-sound performance of Handel's L'Allegro (Part 1) inside The Vache Hall in collaboration with BitterSuite and Milton's Cottage. Sat 29 & Sun 30 June.]

Last Friday BucksVision members and volunteers went to the Whiteleaf Bowmen Archery archery field for an annual fun shoot. More arrows ended up on the grass rather than in the targets but fun, laughter and a lot of archery-themed jokes were shared by all.
Our Robin Hood (highest scoring BV member) this year was Len Greaves and the sighted volunteer with the most points was Peter Miles.
A big thank you from BucksVision to the Bowmen Archery for all their assistance and patience. We definitely hope to be back next year.

[Image Description: A photo of a member taking aim at a target with the help of a volunteer@

We would like to say a huge thank you to Fairhive Thriving Communities Fund for their grant towards our Befriending and Home Support service.

This project received funding from the Thriving Communities Fund, a grants scheme for community projects run by Fairhive. If you would like more information about the grants available, please call the Grants Officer, on 01296 732600 or email at [email protected].

Fairhive

Did you know diabetes is the leading cause of preventable sight loss in the UK?

This week, 10th until 16th June is Diabetes Week. Its a great opportunity to make some noise, raise awareness and shout about the things that matter to people with diabetes, shining a light on what it’s like to live with day in, day out.

It’s important to arrange an appointment with your GP or call NHS 111 if you are experiencing the common symptoms of diabetes. These can include;

• Going to the toilet a lot, especially at night.
• Being really thirsty.
• Feeling more tired than usual.
• Losing weight without trying to.
• Ge***al itching or thrush.
• Cuts and wounds take longer to heal.
• Blurred eyesight
• Increased hunger.

These symptoms can affect anyone – adult or child.

[Image description: Black text 'Do you know the common symptoms of diabetes?' Buckvision logo in bottom left corner, next to this is the diabetes week logo with the dates 10-16 June 2024. Diagonal yellow, blue and green stripes in bottom right corner]

Celebrating Our Amazing Volunteers!

We hope you are having a lovely Volunteers Week!

Meet Jose, one of our dedicated volunteers who moved from Spain to South Bucks over 23 years ago. Living alone, Jose understands the vulnerability that can come with aging and was motivated to make a difference in his community. In 2018, he joined BucksVision and two other charities to offer his time, empathy, and driving skills.

Despite having no sight issues himself, Jose deeply empathises with those who do. His first experience involved assisting members with visual impairments, which left him feeling nervous but eager to help.

One memorable moment was taking a member named Chris to visit The Churchill War Rooms. This experience deepened his connection with the members he serves. Sadly, Chris passed away last year, but the time spent with him remains a cherished memory.

Jose is passionate about helping the elderly and vulnerable. He finds great satisfaction in seeing members happy and socialising, especially after periods of isolation. Volunteering has enriched his life with new friendships and personal growth.

His advice to potential volunteers? Dive in! Whether you’re seeking social interaction, looking to fill free time, or wanting to make a meaningful impact, there’s a role for everyone.

Thank you to Jose and all our incredible volunteers for your dedication and kindness. You truly make a difference! 💖



[image description: White square with half an orange and pink start encroaching from the corners. Black text reads, Get Involved. ]

Would any of our members like to apply for a free Alexa device?

Our friends at British Wireless for the Blind Fund have a new scheme offering free devices.

To receive a free device, you must meet the following criteria:
- Resident in the UK
- Living with sight loss
- Over the age of eight
- Receive Personal Independent (PIP) / Attendance Allowance (AA) or Adult Disability Payment (ADP) in Scotland or receive a means-tested benefit (or parent/guardian if under 18).

To learn more about the scheme and to apply, please follow the British Wireless for the Blind Fund link below.

Free Alexa scheme launches - British Wireless for the Blind Fund People with sight loss can apply for a free Alexa device, under a new scheme from sight loss charity British Wireless for the Blind Fund.

We want to say a HUGE thank you to for their generous donation of £2,000 towards our office refurbishment project.

We are so grateful for your support.

[Image Description - Mark Hirst and Ruth Proudfoot holding at cheque and John Lewis headquaters in Milton Keynes]

As it's Volunteers Week, we'd like to introduce you to some of our amazing volunteers! Today, we chatted with Kirsty, one of our longstanding volunteers. Read on to learn about her inspiring journey...

Why did you start volunteering?
My name is Kirsty, and I’m registered severely sight impaired. I live in Aylesbury and love helping others, so I approached BucksVision to become a volunteer.

First Experiences
What was your first volunteering experience like?
It was very rewarding. I helped our social media pages grow, and it felt great to give something back to the charity.

Moments That Make a Difference
Can you share a moment where your volunteering efforts made a difference?
Organising the Sunshine Club for visually impaired members stands out. I love seeing the group bond and enjoy themselves.

Passionate Causes
What causes are you most passionate about?
I'm passionate about IT and digital inclusion because I enjoy learning about various technologies.

Growth Through Volunteering
How has volunteering helped you grow?
Volunteering with BucksVision for over 10 years has significantly boosted my confidence.

Kirsty's story highlights the power of volunteering, not just for the community but for the volunteers themselves. Inspired by Kirsty's journey? Join our community of volunteers at BucksVision. Contact us today to start your own volunteering journey.

[Image Description: A photo of Kirsty sitting at a desk in BucksVision HQ, looking directly at the camera smiling. Kirsty is wearing headphones as she currently working on a project of calling on our volunteers to gather feedback on how we can support them more, in their roles]

We are delighted to announce the appointment of our brand new Chair of Trustees, Cristina Hadjez. Cristina is a global commercial leader with more than 20 years of experience working in multinational organisations providing services to both private and public sectors.

For more information on the BucksVision board of Trustees please visit: https://www.bucksvision.co.uk/about/our-board-of-trustees

[Image Description: photo of Cristina smiling. Cristin is wearing glasses and a grey blazer]

Happy Volunteers Week!

Today marks the beginning of Volunteers Week, and we want to extend our heartfelt thanks to all the incredible volunteers who dedicate their time and energy to BucksVision. Your commitment and compassion make a world of difference to the visually impaired community we serve.

From organising events and running support groups to providing one-on-one assistance and spreading awareness, each of you plays a vital role in our mission. Your contributions helps create an inclusive and supportive environment for everyone.

To every volunteer, past and present, we celebrate you and your invaluable work. Thank you for your dedication, kindness, and support. Together, we continue to make a positive impact in the lives of those who need it most.

Join us in celebrating our amazing volunteers by sharing your stories and appreciation in the comments below. Let's make this week a true celebration of the power of community volunteering!

[Image Description: On a white background there are 3 outlines of half stars coloured, pink, green and orange. In the middle in bold black writing, text reads Thank You, Volunteers. Underneath that there's a black strip with white text which reads underneath that is the volunteers week logo, a black outline of a star with the bottom limb turning into the V of Volunteers' Week.]

New climbing sessions for anyone with autism or visual impairment:

Climb Quest MK have launched their summer term schedule, which includes autism-friendly and SEND sessions. Both sessions are open to climbers of all ages from 4 years plus, as well as their siblings.
• Visually-impaired climber session timings
The following sessions are at 6pm:
o Wednesday 5th June
o Wednesday 3rd July
• Autism-friendly and SEND session timings
o Saturdays at 9am and Sundays at 10am

Additional school holiday session on Wednesdays at either 9am or 10am. Find out more here: https://clipnclimb.booknow.software/book/s/?site=a0I4L000000LdoiUAC&Grouptype=autism-friendlyandSEND&utm_source=Ebulletin%20subscribers%20110523&utm_campaign=b97fae4af7-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2018_03_09_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_81aee7992e-b97fae4af7-577706296
[Image description: Lady on a climbing wall with the title: New climbing sessions for anyone with autism or visual impairment]

BucksVision were delighted to host 6 drama workshops from their office. Everyone enjoyed the performance at the end of the sessions!

[image description: photos taken of all performers in various scenes during the performance from BucksVision office]

Congratulations Sarah! Good luck at Wimbledon 🎾

April Achievers Announced;
Sarah from BucksVisionhas been participating in regional tournaments to reach qualification to play at the Wimbledon Visually impaired Tournament in August 2024 .
Loughborough Regional tournament April ; singles runner up , and won the women's doubles tournament.

In April Paul Sutherland (Pictured )from Loughton, a member of MMKAC Road Runners& the 100 Marathon Club (UK) returned back to his Merseyside roots to run the Marine FC marathon. This marathon was Paul’s 400th race of 26.2 miles or longer. Aside from running Paul also organised the race raising over £2500 for Charities including the Jamie Carragher Fund on Merseyside & Little angels autistic charity here in Milton Keynes.
If you have amazing members in your club tell us about them and we can celebrate with you.

Do you have 2 minutes to spare?

With recent changes to the bus time table, the vital 280 / X7 bus route to access Aylesbury and Oxford is going to be withdrawn. Many of our members rely on this bus route, please support this petition:

https://chng.it/s8scm4Tx2B

Have you considered creating a Facebook fundraiser for your next Birthday? It's a great way to celebrate your Birthday and raise funds for a charity you care about.

BucksVision is the local charity supporting blind and visually impaired people in Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes. Our Mission is to make a positive difference to their lives by providing support, advice, social activities and the skills to enable them to reach their full potential and lead independent lives.

Your financial assistance is vital to allow us to continue this support. Every gift really does make a difference.

Just £5...
Can help pay for our resource centre which offers one to one advice on gadgets and aids to help a blind person with everyday tasks sighted people take for granted.

Just £10...
Contributes towards our home support service providing a range of services to help the visually impaired in their homes, with befriending, reading and shopping.

Just £20...
Will help pay for an eye clinic liaison officer in your local Hospital who supports newly diagnosed patients with sight loss both on a practical and emotional level.



[Image description: Image shows a Birthday cake on a cake stand with rainbow coloured candles and decorative icing. There is a glass jar containing some coins with a BucksVision logo. Above the jar neon blue and pink text reads 'Happy Birthday']

Remembering a charity in your Will is one of the most profound ways you can help a charity continue their vital work.

These gifts make all the more difference to small charities such as BucksVision. We rely on local people to support and remember us.

Whether you have already made a Will or are thinking about making one you can still include a gift to BucksVision if you wish.

Your gift might be in the form of a fixed sum of money, a percentage of your estate or even a property or other asset. The choice is yours and you can leave as large or small a gift as you prefer.

Should you require further information, please do not hesitate to comment below, contact us on 01296 487 556 or email [email protected]

[Image description: Two hands reaching out holding a small cream coloured gift box tied with a pink ribbon. Text reads 'Gift in Wills Remembering a charity in your Will is one of the most profound ways you can help a charity continue their vital work.' BucksVision logo in bottom left, three diagonal yellow, blue and green stripes in bottom right corner]

Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD) is an awareness day focusing on digital access and inclusion for the more than one billion people alive today who live with disabilities or impairments. It is marked annually on the third Thursday of May.

We are taking this opportunity today to highlight some of the things we consider when posting content online.

✅ Use descriptive text to make images accessible for visually impaired users
✅ Improve readability by using appropriate text sizing, colouring and style
✅ Add transcripts for videos to make them accessible for users with hearing loss

Please let us know in the comments below if you have any tips for making content accessible.

[Image description: Helpful tips text graphic in top right corner. Text as per post above. Bucksvision logo in bottom left corner, three yellow, blue and green stripes on bottom right corner.]

Our friends at the Royal Collection Trust are holding a descriptive event for blind and partially-sighted people. Taking place on Tuesday 21st May from 10am at the Kings Gallery, Buckingham Palace. The Gallery will be closed to the general public so there will be the space and quiet to explore and enjoy the exhibition more easily.

Click the link for more details and booking...

Royal Portraits: A Century of Photography - Descriptive event A descriptive event for blind and partially-sighted people.

BucksVision Chief Executive, Steve Naylor doesn't shy away from DIY!

Here he is putting up photos in the office to brighten it up - we think they look great.

[Image description: Steve is sticking box canvas photos on the corridor wall. Photos are of various BucksVision experience days and service delivery photos).

Our Friends at the Parks Trust are organising a Descriptive Guided Walk:
Gyosei Art Trail
Thursday 16th May 6-7.30pm

Join them for a Descriptive Guided Walk of the Gyosei Art Trail along the Grand Union Canal on Thursday 16th May at 6pm. We are the proud custodians of this public art trail which has been created for residents to enjoy. Each of the eight pieces relates to themes of Japanese connections, canal history and local history.

This event is accessible for people who are blind or partially sighted. We will offer a clear description of each art piece and guidance to follow the trail safely. You may wish to bring a companion as the trail takes place alongside the Grand Union Canal.
All ages are welcome but the event is designed for adults.

The event will last approximately 90 minutes and the route we follow is approximately 4km in length. We will use surfaced footpaths. Please wear suitable footwear.

Descriptive Guided Walk: Gyosei Art Trail 2024-05-16 Join us for a Descriptive Guided Walk of the Gyosei Art Trail along the Grand Union Canal on Thursday 16th May at 6pm. We are the proud custodians of this public art tra

Our wonderful volunteer Ciara has embarked on a new chapter of her life and started a job in the heritage sector in London. She has written a fantastic blog about navigating London with a visual impairment. Click the link to read this insightful piece.....

Navigating London with Visual Impairment Our wonderful volunteer Ciara has embarked on a new chapter of her life and started a job in the heritage sector in London. She has written a fantastic blog about navigating London with a visual impairement., ,

We are absolutely delighted to announce that BucksVision has been chosen as Argosy Cable's charity!

We are really looking forward to working together.

Click the link below to read all about our new partnership.

https://www.argosycable.com/blog/were-proud-to-partner-with-bucksvision-as-our-chosen-charity/

www.argosycable.com BucksVision is a remarkable local charity nestled right here in Buckinghamshire. Their dedicated efforts extend a helping hand to individuals grappling with sight loss and impairment, offering invaluable support to navigate through the challenges of this life-altering condition.