We hope that you enjoy reading it and find the information to be useful. The full Newsletter is available free of charge to Society members in a variety of formats so why not sign up to become a member of the Society and experience the full benefit.
Welcome to the Autumn 2025 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
Members who have visited our office here in Sunderland may have noticed that a “For Sale” sign has been erected on the building. Our current Landlord has decided to sell the building. Our lease still has 8 years to run so we are hopeful a new buyer will allow us to continue here for the remainder of the lease. If, however, they want to buy the buildig with vacant possession, they will be required to pay the charity a substantial sum to leave. I will keep members informed as matters unfold.
The Society’s Christmas lunch will be held on Tuesday 2nd December 2025 at the Three Horseshoes Pub, Leamside. This venue will be convenient for some of our County Durham members as well as those in Sunderland. Further details appear later in this Newsletter.
The National Lottery Community Funding that we received for the three-year project entitled “One Vision” came to an end on 30th June 2025. It is incredible to think how quickly the three years have passed. The funding of £320,000 enabled us to appoint John Walls as our IT and Assistive Technology Officer, and what an amazing job he has done. Fortunately, we have received some additional funds to keep the IT project going. Demand for the service has been incredible, and John has worked so very hard to meet the needs of our members in Sunderland and throughout County Durham. The grant also supported the important work that our professional Counsellor, Jackie Kent, provides. Hundreds of individuals over the years have benefited from her services and we are delighted that we can continue to offer this support. Finally, the grant enabled us to employ Ken Slowther as our Safeguarding Officer. Ken has helped countless members who have had concerns and built up an excellent relationship with Sunderland City Council’s Safeguarding team.
Planning for the Society’s 150th Anniversary in 2027 has begun. There will be an Evensong Service of Thanksgiving at Durham Cathedral where we hope to invite our Patron.
The Sunderland Charles Bonnet Support Group is up and running and meets monthly here at Pallion. It is providing an excellent forum for anyone who suffers from hallucinations or has an interest in the condition.
During the year we have held several Living With Sight Loss courses both in Sunderland and in County Durham. Feedback from those attending has always been extremely positive. We shall be organising more throughout 2026 and further details will be included in the next newsletter.
During 2026 we hope to utilise the facilities at Houghton le Spring and District Centre for the Blind. The Houghton le Spring and District Group continue to meet each Tuesday and outside organisations make use of the building for a fee.
We have recently been approached by several people offering their servces as Volunteers. As soon as their DBS checks have been completed members will get the chance to meet them at various Society events and meetings.
As we approach the Christmas period, the Society is in need of raffle prizes. If anyone feels able to donate a prize, we will be delighted to hear from you. Raffle prizes can be dropped off with Henry at the Pallion office any weekday between 9:30am and 3pm.
A Magical Christmas
As we grow older Christmas seems to come around more quickly every year. The shops look bright and appealing with sparkling displays and Christmas music playing. The High Street shines with Christmas lights and shoppers develop that look of determination, and in some cases that look of desperation, as they search for the perfect gifts for family and friends. The weather turns colder and many of us anticipate the thought of a white Christmas.
The ever-increasing pressure on each and every one of us to spend more and more money at this time of year can be a huge strain on the family – have you ever wondered why men go bald! We do it in the hope of providing a magical Christmas for our loved ones.
For the thousands of people who suffer sight loss the thought of fighting their way through the crowds to complete their Christmas shopping must be a daunting prospect. Life can be so different if we are blind or partially sighted.
Here at Sunderland and County Durham Royal Society for the Blind we endeavour to provide a wide range of services for people with sight loss. Social activities, sporting opportunities, educational training, counselling and befriending support, advice and companionship are all on offer. We cater for over 3,000 people and more are coming to us to engage in our services.
The economic climate that the World has been coping with has understandably had a devastating effect on services and support provided by statutory agencies. Local Authority grants have been reduced or withdrawn all together. Voluntary donations have reduced as families struggle to make ends meet. Life has become that much more difficult.
I am writing to ask our readers if, this Christmas, they will add one more gift to their shopping list in the form of a donation to Sunderland and County Durham Royal Society for the Blind. Any amount will be most welcome, and all donations will be acknowledged with a thank you letter and an official receipt.
Please help us to continue our work on behalf of blind and partially sighted people and in return I am sure the warm feeling you will get because of your kindness will help ensure that everyone enjoys a magical Christmas.
Richard Wood
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.
It is hoped to form a team of Telephone Befrienders who are able to make weekly, fortnightly or monthly calls to people who have requested support. 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.
Exercise classes
We are continuing to offer Exercise classes to members. They are provided by Future Health Northeast and take place each Monday and Friday commencing at 11am here at Pallion. Everyone is welcome. Those who have already attended are reporting on how much they are enjoying the classes and how much benefit they are experiencing.
Counselling Service
I’m sure most of you will agree, the weather is slowly showing signs of the arrival of autumn. Mornings are darker and dusk arrives earlier. Although, we have experienced some welcome warm temperatures. The sun is very low in the sky this time of year, creating difficulties for those who struggle with photo-phobia (sensitivity to light) and dazzled by the brightness. This can be layered upon an existing eye condition and prove very challenging to manage. Many avoid venturing out when weather conditions appear to govern the ability to motivate. This restriction can lead to many people experiencing isolation, de-motivation and can lead to low mood and even depression. It can feel almost unfair, the weather is warm and welcoming but can cause another problem.
Counselling can provide a great opportunity to talk to someone about your challenges. Especially, during the long autumn and winter months, when socializing and activities can be reduced. The service offers confidential, non-judgmental, understanding support. Ensuring your anonymity and provide bespoke one-to-one-person centered support, either face to face at the Pallion office or by telephone if you are geographically unable to meet in person or have travel/mobility challenges.
You can choose either weekly or fortnightly contact, depending upon your preference. Each session lasts around one hour and operates upon a booking system that will aim to accommodate you and your availability.
Support is delivered by experienced counsellor’s, who are members of The BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy). Working in accordance to The BACP, Ethical Framework for Good Practice.
Referring into the service is easy. You can make the referral yourself. A friend or family member can make a referral, with your permission. A member of staff, a rehabilitation officer, ECLO or other, can make the referral.
If you would like more information about the service, or feel you may benefit from accessing support, please do not hesitate to contact the office on 0191 5673939. Alternatively, you can use one of the contact options listed below.
Please take care and thank you for reading this article.
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
Thanks to funding from the Sunderland Digital Inclusion fund and other partners, the Society can continue to deliver the Assistive Technology Project across County Durham and Sunderland.
The project aims to empower people with visual impairments by providing tailored equipment, practical advice, and ongoing support through home visits and group sessions and is helping individuals improve their daily lives, stay connected, and overcome the digital barriers their sight loss may create.
The demand for the project continues to grow, reflecting how vital this service is in supporting people with a wide range of eye conditions to use the latest technology confidently and independently.
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.
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.
Social Groups in County Durham
Charles Bonnet Syndrome support group is held at Cecil Court, Langley Moor, DH7 8EJ on the 2nd Tuesday of the month commencing at 11am. If you would like to attend but transport is an issue, please get in touch and we will try to help.
Chester-le-Street Group. This group has now closed for the winter season. Details for 2026 will be available in the next issue of the newsletter.
Durham City Group. This Group is held on the 2nd Tuesday of the month commencing at 10am at North Road Methodist Church, Durham, DH1 4SG
Stanley Group. This group is held on the 4th Tuesday of the month commencing at 1pm at Masonic Hall, Masonic Hall, Scott Street,
STANLEY, DH9 8AD
New Groups – in the Spring of 2026 we are setting up two new groups one in Crook and the other in Consett. Dates, times and venues will be available soon.
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.
CHRISTMAS LUNCH
Tuesday 2nd of December at the Three Horseshoes Leamside, Houghton-le-Spring.
2 course £19.95 and 3 course £23.95
£5 deposit is required
Starters
Cream of winter vegetable soup with toasted chestnuts (v)
Festive prawn cocktail with Marie Rose dressing
Savoury ham hock & Cheddar cheese bread pudding with wholegrain mustard
Farmhouse pork pate with apple chutney and toast
Brie and wild mushroom spring roll with red onion chutney (v)
Mains
Roast breast of turkey with all the trimmings and Yorkshire pudding
Roast brisket of beef with all the trimmings and Yorkshire pudding and rich gravy
Game pie with red wine gravy
North coast seafood crepe with salmon, cod & prawns and a cheddar glaze
Butternut squash & goats cheese Wellington with tarragon cream sauce (v)
Desserts
Classic Christmas pudding with brandy sauce
White chocolate & raspberry trifle
Chocolate fudge cake
Sicilian lemon cheesecake
Sticky toffee pudding with butterscotch sauce and cream luxury mixed ice cream
Please ring the office on 0191 5673939 to book your place before 27.10.2025. We will be providing transport from our office in Pallion to the venue and back if you require a lift and also for anyone in County Durham.
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
Annual General Meeting
The Annual General Meeting this year will be held on Tuesday 25th November at Pallion commencing at 10:30am.
European Silver Medallists – an amazing week representing Great Britain!
Last week, I had the privilege of representing Great Britain at the European Blind Baseball Championships in Nettuno, Italy.
It was an incredible experience taking to the field alongside some of the most amazing and inspirational individuals you could ever hope to meet — supported by wonderful coaches and an army of dedicated supporters.
The team represented our nation with pride and passion, securing victories over Germany, the Czech Republic, and the Netherlands, and proudly taking home the silver medal after narrowly missing out to an excellent Italian team in the final.
On a personal note, coming from a proud sporting family, my childhood and teenage years were dominated by sport — it really was everything! With a degenerative sight loss diagnosis at the age of seven, becoming a professional athlete in the sighted sporting world was never going to be a reality, and as my vision deteriorated throughout my teenage years, that dream slowly faded.
But when adversity hits, we have two choices: face it head-on, or retreat and let it define us. For me, there was only one option. Discovering visually impaired sport has been a breath of fresh air — the buzz, the adrenaline, and the camaraderie of team sport are truly incredible.
Although not securing gold left a touch of disappointment for me and the team, the silver medal came with a beautiful moment I’ll cherish forever. With my wife and son supporting me throughout the tournament, I had the honour of receiving my medal with my little boy — and presenting him with Daddy’s silver medal. It was a truly emotional and unforgettable moment.
Overall, the team left Italy immensely proud — but mark my words, at next year’s World Cup, we’re coming for gold and determined to do the nation proud!
Lewis Winton
Area Campaigns Lead – North East, Cumbria & North Yorkshire RNIB
Safe Reporting Centre
For many years now, our office in Sunderland has been registered with Northumbria Police as a Safe Reporting Centre for Hate Crime.
A Hate Crime is any criminal offence, which is perceived by any person, as being motivated by hostility or prejudice based on a personal characteristic such as age, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, race and faith.
Hate Crimes can be physical or verbal such as:
Being called names
Hassled or threatened
Being beaten up, kicked or attacked
People swearing at you and making abusive remarks
People doing things to frighten, intimidate or scare you
Bullying at school, work or college
Damage to your property or having things stolen
Spitting or making insulting gestures.
If you feel you or someone you know has suffered a Hate Crime but feel you do not want to call the Police, you can visit the Society at 53, St Luke’s Terrace, Pallion, Sunderland. SR4 6NF and speak with Richard in strictest confidence. He will be very willing to help you and will report the crime to the Police on your behalf if you want him too.
Drop in for information or just a chat
Various support groups
Resource Centre
Loan of magnifying equipment
Braille mentoring
IT and Technology Support
Counselling
Benefits/Advocacy
Access to work/Job Club
British Wireless for the Blind Audio Equipment
Warm Spaces Venue
If you require any further information on any of the above services please call Henry on 0191 5673939 and hewill be happy to help.
Our office opening hours are Monday to Friday 9.30am – 3pm and you are more than welcome to call into the office at Pallion for a cuppa and a chat.
We look forward to hearing from you soon.
