Vision Norfolk

11/06/2026

Every penny counts ❤️

We’re raising £220,000 in our 220th anniversary year - and every single gift, however small, adds up to something life-changing for local people living with vision impairment.

£22 - could cover the cost of an outreach visit to help someone living with sight loss to access benefits, assistive equipment and health-related support so they can live independently at home.

£220 - could fund an exciting social activity for children and young people, like karate or tubing – an opportunity for them to get together, have fun and make friends in a supportive environment.

£2200 - could provide a full year’s funding for our regular craft or sport sessions, giving people with vision impairment the chance to socialise and learn new skills like weaving, archery and boccia.

Donate today to support people in your community: https://shorturl.at/4feVj

Or get involved by "taking on 220" for Vision Norfolk: https://www.visionnorfolk.org.uk/get-involved/fundraise-for-us/

Image 1: A graphic with white text on a pink background that reads "£220 could fund a confidence building activity for children and young people, like karate or tubing". On the right is a photo of a girl climbing up a colourful climbing wall. The Vision Norfolk 220th anniversary logo is on the bottom left.

Image 2: A graphic with white text on a blue background that reads "£2200 could fund a year of regular craft or sport sessions, giving people the chance to socialise and learn new skills". On the right is a photo of a man aiming a bow and arrow. The Vision Norfolk 220th anniversary logo is on the bottom left.

10/06/2026

Have you been out in the garden yet? 🌻

Gardening can be a great way of staying active, getting fresh air and improving wellbeing.

There is a vibrant community of gardeners with vision impairment in Norfolk and beyond who have developed ways of adapting their gardens to make them more accessible and easier to manage.

Popular adaptations include:

Leaving a radio on while you're working so you can always find your way back you where you were.

Creating landmarks to help navigate around the garden such as scented or tactile plants, items such as benches, and sounds like running water or wind chimes

Purchasing tools with bright handles or adapting tools you already own with bright tape.

Find out more: https://www.visionnorfolk.org.uk/tip-of-the-month-gardening-with-vision-impairment/

There is a vibrant community of gardeners with vision impairment in Norfolk and beyond who have developed ways of adapting their gardens to make them more accessible and easier to manage.

08/06/2026

Last week we were joined by Vision Norfolk volunteers from across the county for a special celebration at Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden. 🌳

The event was to recognise the contributions by made Vision Norfolk volunteers over the last year. Attendees were treated to an short talk and lunch, followed by the chance to explore the park.

Thank you to everyone who helped to make it a fantastic day despite the drizzle and thank you to all our wonderful volunteers.

We couldn't do it without you!

Find out more about volunteering on our website www.visionnorfolk.org.uk/get-involved/volunteer-for-us/ by emailing [email protected].

Image: A group of volunteers, staff and guide dogs standing outside at Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden.

Volunteers' Week

08/06/2026

Welcome to this week's Monday Mentions for our Children, Young People and Families Service.

If you would like a home visit or online meetings for support with EHCPs, grant applications, or general support, please let us know and we can book this in. We are now having to book into July due to June being very busy. Please be aware that when the summer holidays start, home visits will be very limited, so please book them in now.

Events with Spaces Remaining:

Tennis Session – Friday 12th June, 4:30pm–5:30pm
If you’ve ever fancied giving tennis a go, now is your chance! This inclusive session is run by Tennis Able Norwich and takes place at East Anglia Tennis & Squash Club (EATSC) on Lime Tree Road, Norwich. We would love to see more people there. This is for ages 6+. The cost is £3 per session (payable on the day).

Vision Norfolk’s Summer Party – Saturday 27th June, 10:30am–3pm
This is now full, but you can be put on my reserve list.

New – Alpaca Trekking – Monday 27th July, From 11am
Join us for a unique alpaca walking experience in Wells, where families can enjoy a relaxing countryside stroll alongside our friendly alpacas. Spaces are limited to 10 children per session, with one additional adult permitted per family, making it the perfect opportunity to create lasting memories together while meeting these gentle and fascinating animals. Book your place today for an unforgettable outdoor adventure. This will be a random draw event.

Hautbois Family Day – VICTA and Vision Norfolk - Saturday 13th September
VICTA UK and Vision Norfolk are hosting a family activity day at Hautbois Activity Centre. Activities include katakanu, orienteering and climbing. Families can find out more and book places using the following link: https://www.victa.org.uk/victa-calendar/super-me-young-achievers-day-norfolk/.

If you would like to book onto any events or have any questions, please email: [email protected]. There is no charge for any of our family events unless otherwise stated.

Image: Rainbow Vision Norfolk Children, Young People and Families logo with the text "Children, Young People, Families - Vision Norfolk - Monday Mentions, Weekly CYPF Newsletter".

05/06/2026

Local garden designer Rajul Shah Garden Design talking about Vision Norfolk's 'Vision in Bloom' garden which will be on display at the RHS - Royal Horticultural Society Sandringham Flower Show in July. 🌷

As well as being a sensory journey, the garden will explore individual perspective. 360 degree viewing and special viewfinders will encourage visitors to reflect on different ways of seeing.

The garden is one of a number of ‘Community Cubes’ – special spaces offered by the RHS at the Sandringham Flower Show for local community groups.

We look forward to releasing more details about the garden in the coming weeks as we prepare for the show, which will take place from Wednesday 22nd July to Sunday 26th July. Stay tuned!

https://www.visionnorfolk.org.uk/vision-norfolk-teams-up-with-leading-local-garden-designer/

[Video description and transcript:
Rajul siting in a sunny garden talking to the camera.
The garden is visible all the way round. It’s a cube garden, so it can be seen from all sides. And at each point, the frame around the garden and the eye sculptures will capture a little viewpoint and that will be personal to whoever’s looking at it.]

05/06/2026

Learn about eye health from an expert. 👁️

Mr Saad Mahnoud Khan, NNUH Eye Clinic Consultant, will be speaking at Vision Norfolk’s Norwich Hub on Friday 12th June from 12:30pm.

Mr Khan will be talking primarily about eye health but will also be covering Glaucoma and other eye conditions.

The talk is scheduled to coincide with our Glaucoma Support Group and Norwich Macular Society meeting, but anyone who’s interested is welcome to come along.

There’s no charge for entry. If you have any questions about the event, please call 01603 573000 Ext. 322 or email [email protected].

Vision Norfolk has been providing local support for people living with vision impairment for 220 years. You can find out more on our website: https://www.visionnorfolk.org.uk/.

Image: Stylised up close image of the pupil and iris of an eyeball. The iris is blue with areas of brown.

Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

04/06/2026

220 years ago, one man in Norfolk decided that sight loss shouldn't mean a life lived in the shadows. 👨‍🦯

After experiencing sight loss himself, Wymondham born Thomas Tawell dedicated his life to helping others. That legacy lives on today in the 4,000 people we support every year.

We’re marking our 220th anniversary with the 220 Appeal - raising £220,000 to ensure Vision Norfolk can keep changing lives for the next 220 years.

Every pound matters. Every share matters. Will you be part of our story?

https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/visionnorfolk220challenge

Image: One of our service users smiling at the camera. He is sitting at a table during a cooking class with a bag of flour, a red mat and a bowl in front of him. Other students sit around the table in the background. At the bottom is the Vision Norfolk 220 Years logo and the text "Will you be part of our story".

04/06/2026

First-year Pharmacy student Max joined Vision Norfolk as a technology volunteer in February 2026.

Having started his university studies, Max knew that he wanted to volunteer, but it was a family connection which brought him to Vision Norfolk. In 2025 his mum Karen sadly suddenly lost her sight, and turned to the Vision Norfolk for help and support.

"I didn’t really know what I could do, but I knew I wanted to give something back."

Now Max volunteers for one morning a week in the regular tech drop-in sessions at the Norwich Hub.

He works one-to-one with vision impaired people to help them make the most of their smartphones, as well as introducing them to specialist equipment such as Meta Glasses.

“It’s a great experience dealing with different age groups and different issues. I am learning a lot about communication and about teaching. Just like everybody when I finish university and start my career, I will be interacting with lots of people – so these skills are important.”

You can read Max's full story by following the link below:
www.visionnorfolk.org.uk/maxs-volunteering-story/

Image: Volunteer Max sitting in the Norwich Equipment Centre with pamphlets and low vision equipment behind him.

Volunteers' Week

03/06/2026

Come say hi and have a chat about volunteering! 👋

Our team will be at The Forum, Norwich tomorrow, from 10am until 4pm, for the Volunteer Extravaganza.

The Extravaganza will feature over 50 charities talking about their work and how you can get involved. It's run by Voluntary Norfolk, with the support of the Empowering Communities partnership, and is sponsored by Aviva, Castle Quarter and Osiris It.

Our volunteers are involved throughout Vision Norfolk, helping local people with vision impairment to access support and social, craft and sports activities. If you have any questions about volunteering please email [email protected].

Community Action Norfolk Norfolk Community Foundation

Image: A graphic advertising the event with a colourful explosion. The text reads "Come and find us at, Volunteer Extravaganza!, Thursday 4th June 2026". At the top are the logos for Get Involved Norfolk and Voluntary Norfolk and at the bottom is the text "Proudly supported by Aviva".

02/06/2026

Great Yarmouth Hub Closing Early - Wednesday 3rd June

Our community hub in Great Yarmouth will be closing early tomorrow, Wednesday 3rd of June and will remain closed until the afternoon on Thursday, 4th June. All activities are running as normal.

If you have any questions please call us on 01493 745973.

Sorry for any inconvenience.

Image: A sign with the text "Sorry we're closed" in a glass shop window.