Walthew House - Stockport's Centre for the Deaf and Blind

03/11/2026

🍛 today’s social group tried something new for lunch

morning entertainment was from Stockport libraries where they shared a story and people were able to loan out books. Lunch was followed by some Indian cuisine and a walthew mess!

Nope, we didn’t make a mess! Our walthew mess dessert was a take on the traditional eaten mess, made with mango to complement the curry cuisine.

If you’d like to join our Tuesday Social group or to find out more information you can contact us on 

📞 (0161) 480 2612
📧 [email protected] 

03/11/2026

Celebrating National Befriending Week

As part of our membership with The Befriending Network, Walthew House staff, volunteers and service users are invited to two special free events taking place in Stoller Hall during Befriending Week.

These are:
Relaxed Lunchtime Concert
Wednesday 4 November, 13:30
Enjoy classical music performed by talented young musicians from Chetham’s School of Music, in a relaxed and friendly space with no dress code, easy access, and flexible seating. Enjoy good company, music for everyone, and a free brew and biscuit.

Free Friday Night Jazz
Friday 6 November, 17:00 - 19:00
Drop in and enjoy a relaxing drink in the Stoller Hall Atrium while listening to free live jazz music from talented students on the Chetham’s School of Music jazz course, as well as other local jazz music.

Both these event take place at:
Stoller Hall
Hunts Bank
Manchester
M3 1DA

For more information you can visit the befriending networks website at:
Befriending Week Events - Befriending Networks

If you decide to go you just have to let them know you are from Walthew house on arrival.

03/11/2026

🖌️🎇 Our Arts and Craft’s club went with a bang yesterday to capture the upcoming bonfire night celebrations

ome fabulous artwork created using tap tile materials. A huge thank Q to all the volunteers for helping the group to create these masterpieces.

If you want to join our group on a Monday morning or find out more about what we do. Get in touch on: 

📞 (0161) 480 2612
📧 [email protected]


03/11/2026

Could you help other blind and partially sighted students get more confident with technology?

We’re looking for blind and partially sighted students aged 18 to 23 to join our Tech Champions, a new UK-wide group of student volunteers.

You’ll have the opportunity to share your experiences of using technology in education, create content to help other students develop their tech skills and contribute to our education policy and campaigning work.

It’s also a chance to connect with like-minded students, build your communication and content creation skills and gain valuable experience for your future.

The role is remote, so you can get involved from anywhere in the UK and help shape an exciting new project.

Ready to get involved? Find out more and apply to become a Tech Champion: https://tinyurl.com/yaxhfwz6

Please share this opportunity with any blind or partially sighted students aged 18 to 23 who might be interested.



Image description: Title reads: “Ready to make a difference?” Smaller text below reads “Become a Tech Champion Volunteer!” “For blind and partially sighted students aged 18–23”. The Thomas Pocklington Trust logo is in the top left corner. On the right, a smiling young man with curly dark hair, glasses and a green shirt holds an open laptop. A dark navy button in the bottom left reads “Apply today!”

03/11/2026

🎅🏻🛢️Christmas with Walthew House Steele Band

Our Steele band are performing at Handforth Dean outside Marks and Spencers. So why not enjoy some Christmas music whilst doing a spot of Christmas shopping.

Our band have been practising hard for the annual Christmas performances. We appreciate any support you can show for the band and the organisation.

Where and when to catch the performance:
📌 Handforth Dean, Marks and Spencers entrance
📆 13th December, 10am -1pm

Let’s share some Christmas spirit!



Q

03/11/2026

If you have time why don't you pop into Walthew House this Saturday 7th Nov. Where you will find information of different things see the poster below.

03/11/2026

Celebrating our befriender partnerships!

Tom and Ian were one of our first befriending partnerships. Over 6 months they have regularly met up and enjoyed a walk or visit to Ian’s local café. Tom has read through the radio times and updated Ian on any new audio books available through the RNIB Library.

Ian says, “I really enjoy meeting Tom and walking to the café.”

Tom says, “It’s been really rewarding to share relaxed, meaningful time together and see how much Ian enjoys getting out and about. Especially as Ian lives in the same neighbourhood my grandmother lived in, where I spent so much time as a child. It has been great to see Ian’s confidence grow, in wanting to explore new areas and visit somewhere he hasn’t been for a while.”

03/11/2026

🟣 Today is Purple Tuesday, a day dedicated to improving the customer experience for disabled people and highlighting the importance of accessibility in retail.

For blind and partially sighted people, shopping can present a range of challenges, from navigating busy environments to accessing information and getting the right support from staff. Often, small changes can make a huge difference.

That's why Greater Manchester Sight Loss Council has been working with Manchester Arndale for several years, sharing lived experience and practical solutions to help make shopping more accessible.

Today, the SLC will meet with centre staff for 'Coffee and Chat', before taking part in guided visits around the Arndale. In the afternoon, volunteers, centre staff, and retailers will work together to explore the shopping experience from a sight loss perspective and identify opportunities to improve accessibility.

By listening to blind and partially sighted people and learning from their experiences, retailers can create more welcoming and inclusive environments for everyone.

Find our Top Tips for Retailers resource here: http://bit.ly/3ipqGfz



Image description: Anthony, GM SLC member, is shopping with a female staff member. He is looking at clothes on a clothes rail.

02/11/2026

🚉 Have Your Say on the Future of Stockport Railway Station!

Exciting plans have been unveiled for a once-in-a-generation transformation of Stockport Railway Station, creating a more accessible, better connected and welcoming gateway to our town.

Proposed improvements include:
new station buildings, improved access
better walking and cycling routes
enhanced public spaces, and stronger links between the town centre, Edgeley and the wider Bee Network.

As a community Now is your chance to help shape these plans!

As a blind, visually impaired, Deaf or hard of hearing person or anyone who has connections with the community, you can share your views to ensure that accessibility is at the for front of this process by:

✅ Completing the online feedback form at www.yourstockportstation.co.uk (available from 8 October and takes around 5-10 minutes to complete).

https://yourstockportstation.co.uk/

✅ Attending one of the public consultation drop-in events:

📍 15 October – Stockroom, 2.30pm to 6pm
📍 4 November – Stockport Exchange 2, 12.30pm to 4.30pm
📍 9 November – Our Lady's Primary School, Edgeley, 4pm to 8pm

At these events, you can view the proposals, speak directly with the project team and complete a paper feedback form. No booking is required.

✅ Email: [email protected]
✅ Call: 0161 474 2299

🗓️ The consultation closes at 11.59pm on Thursday 19 November 2026.

https://yourstockportstation.co.uk/

Find out more about the proposals here:
🔗 https://www.stockport.gov.uk/news/first-look-at-plans-for-once-in-a-generation-transformation-of-stockport-railway-station

Please take a few minutes to have your say and help shape the future of one of Stockport's most important transport hubs.

A consultation will take place over the next six weeks detailing the proposed plans for Stockport Railway Station

01/11/2026

🎉 Have You Ever Tried Showdown?Join us at Walthew House for a fun and interactive Showdown demonstration!

Showdown is an exciting table game designed for visually impaired (VI) people, this session is open to people living in the Stockport area . Whether you'd like to learn a new skill, meet new people, or simply have a go, we'd love to see you there.

📅 Wednesday 11th November
⏰ 11:00am
📍 Walthew House, 112 Shaw Heath Stockport SK2 6QS

✅ Fun
✅ Challenging
✅ Inclusive
💷 There is no charge to attend, although donations towards costs are gratefully received.

☕ Refreshments will be available.
Come along, give it a try, and discover why Showdown is enjoyed by so many!