MySight York

11/06/2026

A huge thank you to everyone who made York Pride 2026 so special. We spoke to almost 100 people about the work MySight York does, and every conversation reminded us why it matters.

Together, you raised almost £200 - enough to establish two new long-term befriending relationships for people living with vision impairment in York. Loneliness affects more than 75% of people with sight loss, so new social connections can be transformative.

The undisputed stars were our Knit and Natter Group, whose handcrafted clothes, animals, and blankets were a universal hit.

Drag superstar and RuPaul's Drag Race alum Michael Marouli walked away with our patchwork raffle jumper, and we were delighted to welcome The Lord Mayor, Councillor Margaret Wells, who modelled a stunning patchwork waistcoat.

Image 1: Drag superstar, Michael Marouli wearing the jumper she won on our stall, next to MySight York's banner.
Image 2: The Lord Mayor, Councillor Margaret Wells, wearing a patchwork waistcoat made by MySight York knitters, posing for a photo with Tanya our Volunteer Co-ordinator.

09/06/2026

Friday was the last of our Volunteers Week events and Tanya, our Volunteer Co-ordinator, organised a sensory walk for some of our volunteers as part of the week’s celebrations. We visited the Edible Wood Garden, tucked away behind York Art Gallery and lovingly managed by the gardening team at York Museums Trust.

Isabelle Hogan, Museum Gardens Duty Manager, gave our MySight York volunteers a fantastic in-depth tour. The garden is a beautiful space filled with plants that are not only attractive but also edible. It's a place designed for exploration, full of unexpected flavours and hidden corners.

We had such a wonderful time experiencing this unique and sensory environment together!

A huge thank you to everyone who helped make Volunteers’ Week so special, and to our volunteers for everything you do. We appreciate you today and every day!

Image description: MySight York volunteers are taking part in a guided sensory tour of the Edible Wood Garden, listening to Isabelle, the tour guide.

05/06/2026

Before Volunteers Week began, we brought some of our volunteers together for our monthly Volunteer Mingle. This is a relaxed space for volunteers to meet, chat, and share their journeys.

Now that Volunteers Week is coming to a close, we want to express our deepest gratitude. Thank you for everything you do, for the time you give, and for the impact you make every single day. We’ll continue celebrating you long after this week ends!

Image description: MySight York volunteers and staff are facing toward the camera for a group photo, during the most recent Volunteer Mingle.

04/06/2026

Today, in celebration of Volunteers Week, we'd like to take a moment to showcase our amazing Newsletter Mailing Volunteers!

Every quarter, a dedicated group of volunteers comes together to prepare and pack more than 1200 newsletters, making sure our members stay connected with everything happening at MySight York.

Janet, one of our long‑standing volunteers and a founding member, shared what the sessions mean to her:
“Four times a year we get together to carefully pack up all the members’ newsletters, well over a thousand of them. It is an important job and we do it well. It’s quite nice as I get to spend time with other members and chat over tea and biscuits.”

Their care, teamwork and good humour make this behind‑the‑scenes task something truly special, and we’re so grateful for the time they give.

Thank you to our wonderful volunteers, we truly appreciate your support.

Image description: Five of our Newsletter Mailing Volunteers are sat/stood around the table, as they are packing newsletters and inserts into envelopes.

03/06/2026

Volunteering is a wonderful way to gain new skills and experiences, while also boosting your confidence and self-esteem. Many of our volunteers have shared how giving back to the community has had a positive impact on their overall wellbeing.

There’s even science behind it - psychology experts tell us that acts of kindness can trigger the release of endorphins in the brain, creating what’s often called a “helper’s high”!

Bob is a dedicated volunteer and member who shared some feedback with us recently; "What difference has volunteering made to you?" Bob responded, "I like to think I am a better person. I enjoy helping people. I think it is important to help others in all walks of life."

There are many ways that you can get involved with Volunteering. Here are some ways that you can help people living with sight loss;
• Carry out regular home visits to help reduce loneliness and isolation.
• Raise vital funds by supporting events and fundraising in your local community.
• Support activities and groups, helping sessions run smoothly and inclusively.
• Share your digital skills to empower others to stay connected and confident.
• Become a trustee and help shape the charity's future!

For further information about volunteering with MySight York, visit our website https://www.mysightyork.org/get-involved/vacancies, email [email protected] or call us on 01904 636269.

At MySight York, we can offer our staff and volunteers the opportunity to take part in vital and rewarding work that will greatly benefit our service users.

02/06/2026

Volunteers come from all walks of life, bringing with them a wide range of skills, experiences, and perspectives. Many people also choose to volunteer as a way to build their confidence and develop new skills along the way.

At MySight York, we’re proud to work in partnership with the Community Engaged Learning team at the University of York. Together, we create meaningful opportunities for students to grow their skillset while building valuable connections within the local community.

Megan, a student volunteer has recently taken on the role of Client Monitoring Volunteer. Megan shares “Hearing everyone’s stories and experiences is really nice to listen to and ensures that we are not only providing the right support but also identifying areas where we can grow and improve to better serve our community. It is incredibly rewarding to see what goes into the work here. I really enjoy talking to clients about their day and seeing how their befrienders and MySight York have helped them. It is the highlight of my week!”

If you interested in volunteering with us, please email us on [email protected] or call us on 01904 636269. We'd love to hear from you!

Image description: Tanya, our Volunteer Co-ordinator, and Megan, our Client Monitoring Volunteer are smiling outside MySight York holding a volunteering leaflet.

01/06/2026

We’re proud to be celebrating Volunteers’ Week 2026 this week!

For 47 years, MySight York has been here for people living with sight loss. We simply couldn’t have done it without our incredible volunteers. Their time, energy and kindness keep our community strong, and we’re so grateful for everything they do.

Thank you to every volunteer who has been part of our journey.
You make a real difference in York every single day.

[Hashtags]

Image description: A graphic with stars and shapes, with the text "It's time to celebrate!" and Volunteers Week.

29/05/2026

Tomorrow we're at York Pride 2026, and we’re coming dressed for the occasion!

Say hello to Tanya and Will, rocking one-of-a-kind garments created by our wonderful Knit and Natter Group. Colourful and unapologetically themselves, just like the community we're proud to celebrate today and every day.

We’ll be celebrating inclusion and raising awareness of sight loss, which affects an estimated 7,140 people right here in York. Every one of them deserves the support, connection, and independence that MySight York exists to provide.

On our stall you'll find handcrafted knits, a Teddy Tombola, and a raffle – with the very items Tanya and Will are wearing up for grabs. Every pound raised goes directly towards supporting local people living with vision impairment.

You'll find us on York Knavesmire at the far end of the Pink Section, near the Family Stage, and we'd love for you to come and say hello.

Find us. Support us. Celebrate with us!

Image description: Tanya and Will smiling wearing knit items made by our Knit and Natter group, holding a MySight York poster.

28/05/2026

We have limited spaces available to people with sight loss on our Coach Trip to QAC Sight Village Exhibition North East, Leeds.

Date: Tuesday 2nd June.
This is a full day excursion.

Admission to the exhibition is free. Discover the latest types of technology, equipment and support services available to people with sight loss.
A plus one may also be welcome, dependent upon numbers.

Booking is essential. Please contact Vicky by 2pm tomorrow (Friday 29th May) on 01904 636269.

26/05/2026

This week, we’re sharing a leadership update at MySight York as our Chief Executive, Scott, prepares to leave after six years with us.

During his time at MySight York, Scott has often highlighted the people who make up our charity. Our members, volunteers, staff, partners, supporters and trustees contribute to our work in many different ways. The conversations, teamwork and shared purpose across the charity have shaped his experience in the role.

As we move into this next chapter, the Trustees have already begun the recruitment process for a new permanent Chief Executive. To support continuity, Deputy Chief Executive Barbara Fairs will step into the role of Interim Chief Executive. Barbara’s knowledge of our members, services and partnerships is unparalleled, and we know she will continue to lead with care, professionalism and commitment.

We thank Scott for his contribution to MySight York and wish him well for the future.

Image description: Scott standing outside of MySight York offices holding a sign saying 'Thank You'.