Welcome to the Winter 2026 Newsletter and a Happy New Year to all our readers! We hope that you enjoy reading it and find the information to be useful.
A special welcome to all our new members.
News from the Chief Executive
The Society’s Christmas Lunch took place on Tuesday 2nd December at the Three Horseshoes pub at Leamside. It was very well attended with over 40 people joining the celebrations. The new venue proved to be extremely popular and the food was delicious! The venue made it easier for some of our Durham members to attend and many have asked us to book the same venue for the 2026 Christmas Lunch.
There are some changes to be made with the events the Society has been offering at Pallion.
Firstly, we must end the provision of Afternoon Teas. This is a great disappointment, but the decision has had to be made following advice from Public Health. The facilities we have at 53, St Luke’s Terrace do NOT meet the requirements for food preparation. If we continue with this monthly event we could be forced to shut down and nobody would want that to happen.
Secondly, the Exercise Classes held each Monday and Friday have been paused by the company that provides this service. The funding that they receive, which enables them to run the classes, has ended. They hope to apply for further funding and, if successful, the classes can recommence. We will keep everyone informed.
Finally, the Social Event held towards the end of each month have been cancelled. Numbers of attendees have been dwindling and the efforts required to ensure sufficient voluntary support is available is detrimental to the ongoing work of the Society.
New events and activities will be introduced in due course and details will, as usual, appear in the newsletter.
I would like to thank all of those people who so kindly and generously donated to our Christmas appeal. Several thousand pounds has been raised and donations are still arriving daily. Money is always needed to run the Society and competition from so many worthy causes reduces the likelihood of successful grant applications.
I would also like to thank everyone who donated prizes to our annual Christmas Raffle. Almost £500 was raised through the sale of raffle tickets. There was a wide variety of prizes available, and the Teddy Bears proved to be very popular!
There will once again be a series of Living With Sight loss courses held throughout 2026. Some will take place in County Durham and some in Sunderland. Details of the first course appears elsewhere in this newsletter.
The Annual General Meeting took place on 25th November 2025. A resume of the meeting appears elsewhere in this newsletter. Full Minutes are available by request.
Befriending
The Society is currently recruiting a team of volunteers who are interested in becoming Telephone Befrienders. Many people with sight loss, particularly older people, report feelings of loneliness and isolation. Some are housebound.
We have recently appointed two new Telephone Befrienders and they will be matched with anyone who feels they could benefit from regular telephone contact either weekly, fortnightly or monthly.
If anyone is interested in joining the team, please contact the office on 0191 5673939 to find out what it entails.
Likewise, if you are feeling lonely, anxious or isolated and feel you may benefit from regular contact with one of our Volunteers, please telephone us. Contact can be weekly, fortnightly or monthly.
Counselling Service
Demand for the Counselling Service continues to grow. It is provided free at the point of delivery by a fully qualified Counsellor and, occasionally, by a small team of Counselling Students. Every individual’s needs are different therefore the number of sessions will vary for each person.
The Counselling service is available both face to face and also over the telephone. It is totally confidential Examples of some of the themes emerging from sessions include
Clients discuss new capability challenges they present to themselves to self-assess
Clients express concerns with public transport, potentially, preventing their physical and social mobility progress
Clients continue to acknowledge the negative impact their sight loss is having upon family members
Clients discussing financial concerns
Clients of working age expressing concerns for their occupational future
Clients continue to acknowledge, many feelings are relating to the grieving process
Clients describe experiencing further growth in self-awareness
Clients of working age expressing concerns regarding job retention following deterioration of vision
Clients expressing frustration regarding reduced abilities to continue with hobbies and interests
Clients acknowledging development in self confidence
Clients continue to experience challenges that leave them feeling overwhelmed
Clients describe their feelings when attempting new tasks and activities
Clients continue to discuss and explore anticipated future challenges
Clients continue to explore new strategies to ensure retention of independence
Clients continue to focus upon the emotional impact of sight loss
Clients continue to discuss the negative impact of new health issues, that are contributing to the physical restraints of living with a sight loss condition
Clients continue to describe feeling overwhelmed and frustrated with the impact of poor health and visual impairment
Clients continue to work through their thoughts, feelings and emotions when reflecting upon the impact of sight loss
Clients continue to reflect upon the feelings of isolation
If you feel that counselling may help you with your sight loss journey, please do not hesitate to ask.
Jackie Kent MBACP
Email: jackie.counselling@sundrsb.org.uk
Office website: www.sundrsb.org.uk
Office telephone number: 0191 5673939
Mobile: 07766839901 (Jackie Kent)
IT and Assistive Technology
If you know someone with a visual impairment who could benefit from support with digital technology, please get in touch.
Call us on 0191 567 3939 or email office@sundrsb.org.uk and help us bring digital inclusion to everyone in our community and make technology accessible for everyone.
Donate Your Unused Assistive Technology – Make a Difference Today
Do you have magnifiers, low-vision aids, or other assistive technology items sitting unused at home? Your spare equipment could make a life-changing difference to someone living with sight loss.
Many individuals with visual impairment struggle to access essential assistive technology due to cost or availability. Simple items such as handheld magnifiers, lighting, large-button devices, talking clocks, or other vision-support equipment can dramatically improve independence, safety, and quality of life.
We are currently seeking free donations of assistive technology and low-vision equipment to pass directly on to people in our community who need them most. All donated items are carefully checked and matched to individuals with sight loss who will genuinely benefit from them.
To make donating as easy as possible, we are happy to arrange collection of items at a time that suits you. Whether you are downsizing, upgrading equipment, or clearing out storage, your unwanted items could be invaluable to someone else.
By donating, you are not just giving away equipment—you are giving someone greater confidence, independence, and connection to the world around them.
If you have items to donate or would like to find out more, please get in touch on 0191 5673939.
Together, we can ensure that no useful assistive technology goes to waste and that support reaches those who need it most.
John Walls
Services and events at Pallion, Sunderland
The Society is very welcoming and always has a tea or coffee available so why not pop in for a chat.
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY – 2026 SUNDERLAND
53 St Luke’s Terrace, Pallion. Sunderland SR4 6NF
Please contact Henry Hardy on 0191 5673939 for more information or turn up on the day
COFFEE MORNING – Every 2nd Wednesday of the month
10am – 12.00pm
WEDNESDAY 14TH JANUARY
WEDNESDAY 11TH FEBRUARY
WEDNESDAY 11TH MARCH
WEDNESDAY 8TH APRIL
WEDNESDAY 13TH MAY
WEDNESDAY 10TH JUNE
QUIZ 11am – 12.30pm
TUESDAY 6TH & 20TH JANUARY
TUESDAY 3RD & 17TH FEBRUARY
TUESDAY 3RD & 17TH MARCH
TUESDAY 7TH & 14TH APRIL
TUESDAY 5TH & 19TH MAY
TUESDAY 2ND & 16TH JUNE
MACULAR – Every 4th Wednesday of the month
1.30pm – 3.00pm
WEDNESDAY 28TH JANUARY
WEDNESDAY 25TH FEBRUARY
WEDNESDAY 25TH MARCH
WEDNESDAY 29TH APRIL
WEDNESDAY 27TH MAY
WEDNESDAY 24TH JUNE
Charles Bonnet Syndrome Support Group
To be held at Pallion commencing 1pm
16th February
16th March
20th April
18th May
15th June
20th July
17th August
21st September
19th October
16th November
14th December
BOWLING
Why not pop along and meet up with The Sunderland Visually Impaired 10 Pin Bowling Team the ‘Sunderland Spinners’. They meet up each Thursday morning at The Riverside Bowl, Unit G, Colima Avenue, Sunderland, SR5 3XD at 11am except school holidays. New members always welcome.
For more information on the bowling, you can email Darron McCaul at:- admin@ibtbl.com or ring the office on 0191 5673939.
Durham Dates
Durham Group North Road
9th Feb 2026,
9th March 2026,
13th April 2026,
11th May 2026,
8th June 2026,
13th July 2026,
10th Aug 2026,
14th Sept 2026,
12th Oct 2026,
9th Nov 2026,
14th Dec 2026
Stanley Group Masonic Hall
24th Feb 2026,
24th March 2026,
28th April 2026,
26th May 2026,
23rd June 2026,
28th July 2026,
22nd Sept 2026,
27th Oct 2027,
24th Nov 2026
We are hoping to open 2 new Groups in Spring 2026, one in Consett and one in Crook, details to follow
We are currently looking for more Volunteers to help with the Groups. If you are interested please contact the office on 0191 5673939
Joanne Peverley, our Community Sensory Support Officer can support with benefits advice, housing, social groups and blue badges.
Development Officer’s News
Help is available with the completion of PIP, Attendance Allowance and ESA forms also migration over to Universal Credit. Support with telephone assessments for benefit checks can also be arranged. I can assist with applying for a Blue Badge, Taxi Card and Bus passes, blind tax allowance and blind concessionary TV license.
Do you miss reading novels due to your sight loss? I can help with applying for audio books and the equipment to play them on, these are free of charge. All you have to do is tell me what kind of books you would like to listen to and your favorite authors and I will do the rest for you.
We would like to thank one of our Durham members, Valerie, who kindly held a coffee morning to raise funds for the Society. Valerie welcomed family and friends with refreshments and homemade cakes. With donations, raffle, tombola and name the teddy bear the event raised and amazing £320. A big thank you to Valerie, everyone who contributed prizes and those who donated.
In December members from both Sunderland and County Durham enjoyed a mouthwatering Christmas lunch at the Three Horse Shoes in Leamside. Over forty members, staff and volunteers enjoyed the festive gathering, “lovely venue, lovely food and lovely company” was a comment from a valued member and volunteer.
Good news for Sunderland AFC supporters who attend matches.
On the 17th of December 2025, the club partnered with Alan March Sport who provide audio descriptive commentary services. This is better than standard radio commentary. The service isn’t active yet, but they’ve put out a message to recruit volunteer commentators. Once the service is active, the club will be able to provide visually impaired supporters with a receiver which takes standard headphones. These usually need to be booked in advance of the match, but we won’t know until nearer the launch how it’ll be handled. Further details will be provided once we hear about them.
Julie Anderson
Sunderland Adult Services
Sunderland Sensory Support is now integrated into Adult Services at Sunderland City Council.
The Team can be contacted on 0191 5205555
County Durham Sensory Support Team
If you are a County Durham resident and need support from the Sensory Support Team please either telephone Social Care Direct on 03000 267979, Text message on 07786 027 280 or e-mail scd@durham.gov.uk They can assess your care and support needs and complete a referral for you.
Houghton le Spring and District Centre for the Blind
Houghton Blind Club meet every Tuesday from 1pm onwards at Houghton le Spring and District Centre for the Blind, Thornhill Street, Houghton le Spring. DH4 5BE. Further information is available from Elaine and George Davison on 07395482938
Short Report from the Annual General Meeting held on 25th November 2025
The Annual General Meeting was held at 53, St Luke’s Terrace, Pallion, Sunderland on Tuesday 25th November 2025.
20 people attended.
Richard Wood – Chief Executive Officer and Julie Anderson – Development Officer and Vision Rehabilitation Specialist were in attendance.
Chairman Mrs Lynda Scanlan welcomed everyone to the meeting. She thanked Allen Curtis for chairing the previous AGM which she had missed due to having a stroke.
Apologies for absence had been received from Sue Gregg, Shaun Duffy and Brenda Cunningham.
The Minutes from the 2024 AGM were read out. Marion Prior did not feel the Minutes were a true record as they did not include the request to hold an EGM to discuss the number of Trustees. Derek Ridley agreed and stated that he had requested that a proposal to increase the number of Trustees be put forward at an EGM.
Questions were also asked regarding an individual member. The Chairman stated that a discussion could not be held at this meeting and that it would be unfair to the person concerned.
Annual Report and Accounts
Richard Wood read out the Annual Report and this was approved by the meeting.
The Balance Sheet showed an income of £265,461 and an expenditure of £215,994.
Fixed Assets amounted to £227,939.
Grants from Sunderland City Council amounted to £21,556.
Income from the Rehabilitation Contract with Sunderland City Council amounted to £41,422
Income from the Contract with Durham County Council amounted to £49,495.
Election of Auditors for next financial year. It was agreed to re-elect UHY Torgersens.
Election of two new Trustees. – Mr Fred Raffle and Mr Mike Crozier were elected.
Date of the next AGM – 26th November 2026.
A copy of the full Minutes and Balance Sheet is available to any member who requires a copy. Please telephone the office on 0191 5673939
RNIB & Sunderland & County Durham Royal Society for the Blind – Accessible Voting Workshop
It has been more than 150 years since the right to vote in secret was established in the UK, yet this right is still not fully accessible to many blind and partially sighted people.
Ahead of the next cycle of local elections taking place on 7th May, RNIB and Sunderland & County Durham Royal Society for the Blind are working in close collaboration with Sunderland City Council’s Electoral Team to improve the voting experience for blind and partially sighted residents.
We are pleased to offer local blind and partially sighted people the opportunity to attend an Accessible Voting Workshop on Thursday 5th March, 11:30am–2:30pm. Taking place at Sunderland and Durham Royal Society for the Blind, 53 St Luke’s Terrace, Pallion, SR4 6NF.
On the day, attendees will:
• Share their past voting experiences directly with the Council’s Electoral Team, highlighting what has worked well and what could be improved
• Learn about and try out the latest accessible voting equipment, including the McGonagle Reader and the Lonsdale Tactile Voting Device
We are looking for 10 blind or partially sighted residents of Sunderland to take part in this workshop and help influence meaningful changes across the city, ensuring that blind and partially sighted voters can vote independently and in secret at upcoming elections.
To confirm your interest, please email Lewis.Winton@rnib.org.uk or call 07732648879.
Walking Groups
Last year we put forward the idea of organising regular walks for members if there proved to be sufficient interest. At the time only a small number of people expressed interest.
We would like to resurrect the idea for 2026. One of our new Trustees, Mike Crozier, is very keen to organise the walks which will take place on a weekend. At this stage it is envisaged that a monthly walk will take place in the Sunderland area and, if sufficient interest, a monthly walk will take place in County Durham.
Further details will be included in the Spring newsletter, but we invite expressions of interest at this stage to measure the amount of interest.
If you are interested in joining a monthly walk, please telephone the office and register your interest with Henry (0191 5673939)
Fundraising Group
The Society raises most of its income through grants, donations and contracts. Occasionally we receive legacies which are a wonderful way of supporting the work of the Society.
Given the harsh new world of raising funds and the competition from so many other charities, it has been decided to expand other ways to raise funds. These might include bag packs at supermarkets, coffee mornings, tombola’s, raffle’s, fund raising dinners, etc.
We are very keen to establish a “Fundraising Group” to help plan and execute a full programme of fundraising throughout each year.
If you are interested in joining the Group, we will be delighted to hear from you. Please register your interest with Henry on 0191 5673939 and we will get in touch to organise the first meeting.
150th Anniversary Planning Committee
Next year will see the 150th Anniversary of the formation of the Society. A Service of Thanksgiving will be held in Durham Cathedral to mark the occasion.
In addition to the Service, we would like to commemorate the year with a series of special events and activities.
In order to help with the planning we are hoping to form a special Committee, and we are looking for people who feel they have something to offer to join the Committee. Ideas and suggestions will be most welcome. Past experience would be helpful but not essential. The most important factors being enthusiasm and imagination.
If you feel you have something to offer and would like to be part of the Committee, please speak to Richard Wood on 0191 5673939.
Sunderland Living With Sight Loss Course
The first of these events will be held at 53, St Luke’s Terrace, Pallion on Monday 23rd and Tuesday 24th March between 10am and 3pm.
There will be a series of presentations outlining the services available including outside agencies.
Booking is essential for this free event. Please telephone the office on 0191 5673939 to book your place.
Membership Renewals
Membership subscriptions for 2026 are now due and everyone should have received a letter inviting them to renew their subscription.
Thank you to everyone who has renewed their subscription so promptly. It does make life so much easier when we are able to record and bank subscriptions.
Thank you also to everyone who has so kindly given more than the £5 subscription rate. It really is appreciated.
Sadly, we are unable to accept payment by bank card. The cost of this service is prohibitive on a £5 subscription.
Cheques and cash are welcome and for those who would prefer to pay by Bank Transfer, we can provide details of the Society’s Bank Account.
Who’s Who in the Society
Chairman of the Trustees – Mrs Lynda Scanlan
Chief Executive Officer – Mr Richard Wood
Finance, Administration and Reception – Mr Henry Hardy
Development Officer and Sight Rehabilitation Specialist – Mrs Julie Anderson
Hearing Loss Rehab Officer – Mr Ken Slowther
Sight Loss Rehab Apprentice – Dale Burns-Maddison
Safeguarding Officer – Mr Ken Slowther
IT and Assistive Technology Officer – Mr John Walls
Employment Officer – Mr John Walls
Community Sensory Support Officer – Durham – Joanne Peverley
Counselling – Mrs Jackie Kent
