The Manx Blind Welfare Society
Services
Specialist Equipment
Specialist equipment can often help when conventional magnifiers are no longer strong enough. We have a range of equipment for you to try and staff to assist in finding out what may be right for you. We are not agents and do not sell any of the equipment, preferring to remain impartial, with a range of different models for comparison. When possible we purchase and provide equipment, which can cost up to £3,000, on free loan and currently have a huge range of specialist equipment out in the homes of people with sight loss. For further details contact Dave Wilson on 674727.
Basic Computer and keyboard training is available at Corrin Court utilising the latest specialist technology for blind and partially sighted people. No matter how severe your sight loss is it is still possible to access programmes, Internet and email. Support and instruction is given on a one to one basis to meet your own needs and at your own pace. Contact Dave Wilson on 674727.
Welfare VisitsWelfare visits are undertaken for people who are newly diagnosed to establish any problems that they may be encountering and to inform them of our services. We also undertake visits to hospitals, nursing homes and residential homes for people who are unable to access our Social Groups.
For further details contact Sally Quayle 674727.
Volunteer Buddies can help on a one to one basis with occasional tasks such as handling and reading mail or taking a visually impaired person to shop for a present or personal item. For further details contact us on 674727.
Social clubs are held four days per week. Home cooked lunches are provided on Tuesday and Wednesday and there are monthly afternoon teas. Guest speakers, quizzes, musical entertainment and various outings are arranged. For further information please call Sally Quayle 674727.
A tape library houses 3,000 books and there is a facility to access English newspapers or magazines in large print, on tape or CD. Information on holidays for people with visual impairment, support organisations for specific eye conditions, large print crosswords and word search books are to be found within the library. The library is regularly updated but as books can cost up to £50 any contributions towards the cost are very much appreciated. Call 674727 for further details.
A weekly news tape compiled from local newspapers by volunteer news readers, is sent out on request. As with the library service this is delivered and returned free by the IOM Post Office. Call 674727 for further details.
A quarterly newsletter, Optic Topics, is sent out free to all members and includes reports from the staff in each area, items of interest, updates on the latest technology and treatments and information regarding activities and events.
Sports activities include short mat bowling, while arrangements can be made for members to take part in sailing or the popular “walk and talk” sessions at the National Sports Centre.
Short mat bowling takes place on Wednesday afternoon between 2p.m.& 3p.m at the NSC. Sighted volunteer helpers and staff are on hand to assist and offer instruction. For further details contact Sally Quayle on 674727.
Sailing for the disabled have an adapted boat and welcome people for a sail or as a member of the crew. Assistance is provided to get you on and off the vessel and throughout the voyage. For further details contact Terry Hopkins on 629544.
Walk & Talk sessions take place at the NSC on Tuesday or Friday mornings at 10 a.m. The cost is £1-50, which includes refreshments afterwards. Further details from the NSC on 688588.
Tandem bikes and cycling volunteers are available, or if you have a family member or friend who can go with you then we can loan a bike. Contact us on 674727.
Walking volunteers are available for the more active and if there is a particular sport that you would like to take part in then we are happy to hear from you and will do our best to help. Call 674727 for further details.