Welcome to the Summer 2026 Newsletter. 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
Congratulations to Dale Burns-Maddison who has recently completed his Sight Loss Rehabilitation Apprenticeship and is now a fully qualified Sight Loss Rehabilitation Specialist, joining Julie Anderson on our team.
Mr David Hughes MBE, a member of the Society from Houghton le Spring was born in 1925 and will celebrate his 101st Birthday this year.
David has led a fascinating life including becoming an Author at the age of 75 years and has had several books published. We shall include much more information about David in a future edition.
David is also an Artist and has produced many wonderful paintings – even more remarkable when we learn that he has very little sight. He is a true inspiration.
Recently, David donated a large number of framed artwork to the Society to help raise funds. We are currently having them valued and will look towards holding an internet auction. This will tie in nicely with our 150th anniversary.
Work will soon begin installing the new kitchen here at 53, St Luke’s Terrace, Pallion. The kitchen was put on hold until we had a better idea of what is to happen to this building which is currently up for sale. All potential purchasers have indicated that they are happy for the Society to continue here.
The 150th Anniversary year is fast approaching and we are beginning to put together a programme of events. A 150th Anniversary Committee has been formed and will begin regular meetings soon.
A successful Living with Sight Loss event was held at Houghton le Spring and District Centre for the Blind earlier in the year. The venue provided very good facilities and we shall hold more events there in the future.
Elaine and George Davison have decided to retire after running Houghton le Spring Centre for many years. I would like to thank them both for their dedication and hard work over such a long period. The Society has taken over ownership of the Centre and is currently looking at ways to utilise the Centre more.
Befriending
The Society has recruited a small 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.
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.
Raffle Prizes
We rely greatly on donated items for our raffles and have been delighted with all of the contributions made. Our supply is becoming a little depleted so if you have any items you would like to donate, please feel free to do so. We shall be extremely grateful!
Counselling Service
Hello everyone,
It’s hard to believe we are over half way through 2026 already. For some, the warm summer days are very welcome. For many, bright sunlight can prove difficult to manage. Whether living with an existing condition or new changes in level of vision can prove challenging at the best of times. Layered with, intense light conditions, whether outside or indoors. Experiencing different levels of shade or darkness can impact upon general mobility and navigation or everyday tasks can prove overwhelming. This is just one general characteristic of the potential changes with a diagnosed sight condition.
Even if the changes experienced are subtle or very noticeable, the physical and emotional impact can be just as intense. Many choose to avoid leaving the safety of home, increasing the risk of isolation. This can also be likened to the impact of winter conditions too. Avoidance can feel like the best option. This can often result in an increased risk of becoming isolated and lonely, anxious or depressed.
If you can identify with this or have any other concerns or issues you would like to talk about, please take full advantage of the counselling service. It offers an opportunity to talk in confidence about your thoughts and feelings. Delivered by qualified counsellors with experience working with our visually impaired community, providing safe, non-judgemental, accepting and confidential conditions.
All counsellors are members of The British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). Working in accordance to their ethical framework for good practice.
Referral is easy. You can self-refer. With your consent, a family member or significant other can make the referral for you. A member of staff, rehabilitation/sensory team/ ECLO or other service provider can make a referral too.
You can call, text or email using the details shown at the end of this article. You can call the office on 0191 5673939 and speak to a member of staff. Your anonymity will be maintained at all times if you choose to make a self-referral.
Please take some time to think about your own wellbeing and if you feel you may benefit from using the counselling service, please, do not hesitate to make contact.
Many thanks for reading this article.
With warm wishes
Jackie Kent MBACP
Registered member of BACP
Mobile number: 07766839901
Email: jackie.counselling@sundrsb.org.uk
Office number: 0191 5673939
IT and Assistive Technology
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.
Assistive Technology Project
The Society is pleased to announce the ongoing delivery of our Assistive Technology Project across County Durham and Sunderland. The project empowers people with visual impairments through tailored equipment, specialist advice, and sustained support — delivered via both home visits and group sessions. It enables individuals to enhance their daily independence, maintain social connections, and address the digital exclusion often linked to sight loss.
Sustained and growing demand confirms the critical role this service plays in supporting people with a wide range of eye conditions to use assistive technology confidently and autonomously.
If you are aware of anyone with a visual impairment who would benefit from digital technology support, please encourage them to contact us:
Telephone: 0191 567 3939
Email: office@sundrsb.org.uk
We remain committed to advancing digital members of our community.
John Walls
Macular Degeneration News
Current developments in the treatment of wet macular degeneration.
Researchers at Queen’s University Belfast are launching a new trial to look at whether L-DOPA, a drug currently used to treat Parkinson’s disease, could help people living with wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
The LAMDARCT study, funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research and sponsored by Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, is the first trial in the UK of its kind exploring whether the drug could reduce the number of Anti-VEGF injections needed by patients with the condition.
Wet AMD currently requires regular eye injections from as often as every six weeks. The LAMDARCT trial will explore whether adding a low-dose of L-DOPA, an oral capsule taken twice daily, alongside regular anti-VEGF treatment, could reduce how many injections patients need, while maintaining their vision.
Why L-DOPA?
The study was prompted by previous research, including preclinical studies and observational studies, where Parkinson’s patients already taking L-DOPA appeared less likely to develop wet AMD, and those who did tended to require fewer injections. These findings are preliminary and have not yet been confirmed in randomised clinical trials.
At the Macular Society’s March My Macular and Me webinar, Dr Katie Curran, who is a co-investigator on the trial, said: “If this is effective, then the use of the L-DOPA could potentially transform AMD care. It would reduce the number of injections needed to treat AMD. It would potentially lower the costs for the healthcare service and also for you as patients and carers.”
Will patients be able to stop injections?
During the trial patients will continue to be on their regular treatment. The L-DOPA will be used in addition to the anti-VEGF injections.
Professor Tunde Peto, the trial’s chief investigator, said the main objective was to reduce the number of injections, rather than stop them overall: “We don’t really believe that this will completely negate the need for injections for the vast majority of people.”
She added: “But if you only need 1 or 2 or 3 injections less a year, it might be easier to pluck up the courage and go ahead with that, that would mean that you don’t have to come so many times and go through with the injections.”
Who is eligible to take part?
The trial aims to recruit 360 participants from up to 20 NHS sites across the UK. Participants in the trial must be newly diagnosed with wet AMD in the study eye and aged 55 or over. If you fit the eligibility criteria, Dr Curran advised to speak to your consultant to find out whether your hospital is one of the participating sites.
What about the side effects?
Dr Curran said: “We have recently conducted a scoping review examining the use of levodopa in retinal disease, and across observational and early-phase studies, the drug was generally well tolerated with few reported adverse effects.
“Although large Phase three trials have not yet been conducted in this setting, levodopa has a well-established safety profile in Parkinson’s disease, and participants in this study will be closely monitored throughout.
“And it’s been shown in previous research that this level of drug is sufficient to potentially reduce the number of injections needed and improve health at the back of the eye.”
Patient involvement
Alongside the trial the team is looking for people with lived experience of AMD to help shape how the research is conducted. If you do not fit the eligibility criteria, you could still be involved in this capacity.
The team is looking for participants from across the UK. To get involved contact Dr Curran at k.curran@qub.ac.uk or LAMDARCT@belfasttrust.hscni.net
Charles Bonnet Syndrome Support Group
The Charles Bonnet Support Group continues to go from strength to strength; however, we are always happy to see new faces. Our group is very informal and friendly and family and friends are always welcome too. We love to hear about other people’s experiences of Charles Bonnet Syndrome and share tips for coping with hallucinations and anxieties caused by the symptoms. The feedback we receive confirms that our group members love the peer support and the informality of the group and the tea and biscuits always go down well.
We continue to remain a safe space for chatting, unloading and sharing a good laugh as well as a reassuring hug if one is needed. We are open to the idea of outside speakers and guests coming to speak to the group so if you have any suggestions then please let us know. You don’t need to be a member of the Sunderland Royal Society for the Blind to join our group, all are welcome and that includes friends with four paws and a waggy tail. We look forward to seeing you at the next meeting and if you are interested just give us a call and we’ll let you know when the next meeting is.
Dale Burns-Maddison
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 9th SEPTEMBER
WEDNESDAY 14th OCTOBER
WEDNESDAY 11th NOVEMBER
QUIZ 11am – 12.30pm
TUESDAY 15th SEPTEMBER
TUESDAY 6th and 20th OCTOBER
TUESDAY 3rd and 17th NOVEMBER
MACULAR – Every 4th Wednesday of the month
1.30pm – 3.00pm
WEDNESDAY 23rd SEPTEMBER
WEDNESDAY 28th OCTOBER
WEDNESDAY 25th NOVEMBER
Charles Bonnet Syndrome Support Group
To be held at Pallion commencing 1pm
21st September
19th October
16th November
14th December
10-PIN 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 Washington Hollywood Bowling Alley except during 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
14th Sept 2026,
12th Oct 2026,
9th Nov 2026,
14th Dec 2026
Stanley Group Masonic Hall
Stanley Social Group will re-start meetings on Tuesday 22nd September between 1pm and 3pm at Stanley Masonic Hall, Scott Street, Stanley DH9 8AD.
This Group comes together every 4th Tuesday of each month. New members are always welcome.
For more details please contact Joanne Peverley on 07595 956 345.
22nd Sept 2026,
27th Oct 2026,
24th Nov 2026
Delves Lane Community Association Consett -1st Social Group Held at Delves
Our first group was held at Delves Lane Community Association in Consett on 20th April 2026 between 10am and 12pm. This group saw 12 attendees with Sight Loss come together for support, a cup of tea and a chat. The group included people of all ages from 25 years to 90 years.
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.
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.
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 Rehabilitation Specialist – Dale Burns-Maddison
Safeguarding Officer – Ken Slowther
IT and Assistive Technology Officer – John Walls
Employment Officer – John Walls
Community Sensory Support Officer – Durham – Joanne Peverley
Houghton le Spring Centre Manager – Emma Bontempi
Counselling – Mrs Jackie Kent
