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Issue:- 03 January 2013

Southport visually impaired resident becomes national charity calendar star

A visually impaired resident from Southport has become a national charity's calendar star. Stephen Ball, 23, appears in Action for Blind People's (Action) calendar, as one of 27,000 people with sight loss to have benefitted from the charity over its last 12 months' reporting period (2012/13).

The calendar is an adapted version of the charity's Annual Review, packed full of statistics about its services and successes.

Stephen features in the calendar alongside the theme of Action for Blind People's Transitions Service, designed to help young people with sight loss gain skills and confidence in early adulthood.

In the calendar, Stephen's transition adventure aboard the 'James Cook' yacht is profiled. This once in a lifetime experience involved him joining a crew of seven other visually impaired people, taking to the seas for the London to Dorset Small Yacht Race.

Despite the odd spot of choppy weather, the crew successfully navigated the North Sea, gaining invaluable team building experience; a real confidence boost for Stephen and his fellow crew.

Quoted in the calendar, talking about preparations before the adventure, Stephen said:- "This is a once in a lifetime opportunity. I'm really excited about the challenge, learning new skills and teaming up with the crew, hopefully sailing to a famous victory!"

Although the 'James Cook' didn't win the race, the experience was still a major triumph for its visually impaired crew.

Stephen has virtually no sight, being only able to see the outline of objects. Action for Blind People is also helping him to find the right assistive technology to allow him to live more independently.

Other statistics and success stories in Action for Blind People's Annual Review and calendar include:-

123 blind and partially sighted job seekers found employment, with help from the charity's coordinators. This dedicated team also supported a further 244 in keeping their jobs.

Some 425 social activities were organised for blind and partially sighted youngsters, aged 4 to 16, who are members of the charity's Actionnaires clubs. These clubs are designed to boost young people's confidence through a range of sporting and social activities, such as blind tennis, woodland survival skills, film making and horse riding.

Over 9,000 patients, newly diagnosed with sight loss, were given crucial advice by Action for Blind People's Eye Clinic Liaison Officers (ECLOs). Based in hospital eye clinics, they provide much needed emotional and practical support and are a valuable source of information and guidance.

The Annual Review details the introduction of Living with Sight Loss modular courses, designed to help in developing confidence and life skills amongst blind and partially sighted people.

To read Stephen's story and to find out more about Action for Blind People's services in its Annual Review visit:- actionforblindpeople.org.uk/annualreview2013.

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