Innovative Topsham based charity Devon in Sight (formerly known as Devon County Association for the Blind) is organising a series of unusual activities for visually impaired people. These will include computer training, an interesting and innovative photography group being established in August and a game of bowls at Topsham Bowling Club founded in 1928.
The first organised event is a guided walk with Topsham Society on Monday 8th August at 2 pm, culminating with tea and a talk at the Topsham Museum. The cost will be just £1 and walkers will meet at the Resource Centre recently opened by local celebrity Bill Pertwee MBE well known from the British comedy classic, Dad’s Army.
This will be quickly followed by the first of a series of computer training sessions from the 11th August. The charity is working with the British Computer Association for the Blind who are going to run a series of computer training sessions at Station House under the EyeT4All programme. The workshops are designed to help participants with writing letters and emails; shopping; reading; entertainment and using the web. The free workshops will run from 10 am – 3.30 pm with refreshments and lunch provided. The Charity is asking for a small £3 contribution towards the refreshment cost.
A photography course will commence in early September. The aim of the participatory photography workshops is to provide a means of empowerment and engagement to the service users of Devon in Sight by engaging them in creative photography workshops.
Clive Chilvers Photography says: “Participatory photography, also referred to as “photovoice,” are terms used to describe a form of photography whereby a group of individuals are provided with photographic equipment and through guided workshops offered the opportunity to document an issue or problem that affects themselves and or the people and the communities around them by the use of photographic imagery. The resulting images can form the basis for discussion that can lead to heightened awareness, advocacy and potential social change. This allows individuals to communicate their story or situation to a wider audience. It fits perfectly with the members of the charity.”
Director of Services Martin Pallett says: “With the recent opening of the new larger Resource Centre we are holding a variety of taster sessions to give visually impaired people an opportunity to try things out and help improve their quality of life. It is a very exciting development with a large number of activities including we hope some art classes. It also helps build links with the local community as well as providers of training and activities. Anyone can join us; they just need to have some level of sight difficulty to qualify and will need to pre-book as we are limited to numbers although we currently have availability. We are looking to run the majority of sessions free however we will ask for a nominal contribution where appropriate towards the cost of refreshments or material costs.”
To find out more about the activities or to book your place please telephone 01392 876666
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