Nottinghamshire Royal Society for the Blind

IMPACT - A Lasting Impression (the findings)

2008-06-11T16:30:00.009+01:00

WHAT WE DID

We wanted to know what services and support the visually impaired people of Nottinghamshire wanted from us. The best way to do this was to ask visually impaired people themselves.

We developed a number of methods to get people involved and encourage them to have their say:

We sent out over 6000 questionnaire cards to visually impaired people across the whole of the county. The cards asked people to tell us what themes were important or of particular interest to them.
140 people joined in with our Roadshow of enjoyable activities and discussions relevant to their interests
A user Involvement group was set up, who were vital to informing and developing the consultation project, including coming up with ideas for our services
We talked to a number of people over the telephone, asking them about their preferred social activities and what support they needed.
We also sought the opinion of children and parents regarding the services most relevant to them.
NRSB front line staff, who work daily with visually impaired people, were key in identifying common themes of need.
NRSB had key involvement in the Visual Impairment Network for Counselling and Emotional Support. The network was established to link professionals, counsellors, visually impaired people and local charities. The network works to share knowledge, best practice and develop and influence emotional support services.
We were made to feel very welcome when we visited Cardiff Institute for the Blind, South Lincolnshire Society, Surrey Association for the Blind to talk about what works best for them
Nottingham Blind Alliance, National Federation for the Blind and the Macular Disease Society kindly invited us to their meetings and gave their support to the IMPACT project.

WHAT YOU SAID

We asked you what themes or services were of interest to you. The figures below show the particular themes given and the number of people who chose each option (bear in mind that many people chose more than one option).

Responses from the IMPACT Questionnaire mail out were:
Social Activities 359
Sport 134
Education 104
Emotional Support 92
Transport 189
Computers 151
Other 42

HERE ARE THE VIEWS

The feedback from the user group, IMPACT roadshows and discussions with local organisations told us that many people wanted:

More opportunities to socialise
Opportunities to gain skills or follow a hobby
Emotional support, through professional counselling or by meeting with other visually impaired people.
Empowerment through opportunities to be involved in decision making
Information and guidance
More opportunities to access sport and improve health and fitness.

Quotes taken during the roadshows were:

"Its good to talk to people who know what i'm going through"

"It was good to give my opinion"

"The worst thing you can do is shut yourself away"

"You don't have to be sighted to do the things you enjoy"

WHAT WE ARE GOING TO DO NEXT

Now that we have fully considered the views and suggestions received from IMPACT, we are in a position to begin to move NRSB towards empowering visually impaired people and offering more services with an immediate launch of:

Social Activities
We are in the process of developing a calender of events to include day trips, evening socials and regular activity roadshows across Nottinghamshire.

Counselling and Peer Group Support
We will be launching a counselling/emotional support service along with the provision of self help groups.

'Of the Blind' Campaign
We are committed to becoming an organisation 'of the blind' rather than 'for the blind'. Therefore we will continue to build our service user involvement group and will be seeking to increase the number of visually impaired trustees on the NRSB committee.

We will also continue to consult and involve visually impaired people in decision making processes. The opinion and input of visually impaired people will be used to develop milestones needed for NRSB to meet before truly becoming an organisation 'of the blind.'

Later on this year we will also be launching:

Computer Technology support to include services within your own home with your own computer and software.

Sports and Health service which will offer a range of activities for all ages and abilities.

THANKS TO

We would like to give a huge thank you to everyone who took part in our events, answered our questionnaires or replies to the IMPACT card.

We would also like to thank the members of the IMPACT steering group, the NRSB user involvement group (past and present), City Arts, Thrive, British Blind Sports, EyeT4All, the artists and tutors involved in the roadshow events, the local forums and visually impaired self help groups.

Special thanks to Nottingham City TVI and Nottinghamshire County DVIT for distributing IMPACT information on our behalf.

IMPACT - A Lasting Impression

2008-05-15T11:24:00.004+01:00

Over the last 9 months NRSB have undertaken their largest ever user involvement project. Events have been held across the County, all with the aims of encouraging you to have your say.

To find out about the exciting developments resulting from the IMPACT project we are holding an event at the Nottingham Cricket Club, West Bridgford. Unfortunately, due to limited numbers this is an invite only event.

Alternatively you will receive your IMPACT information booklet/audio tape late June 2008.

Thank you for your ideas, suggestions, support, input and advice.

IMPACT comes to an end, for now......

2008-04-17T11:52:00.002+01:00

The IMPACT project has now officially come to an end. However, watch this space as we will soon be launching new services and activities.

Thanks to everyone who has taken part and fed into the IMPACT project. Without your help, we would not be in such a privileged position to provide fun, exiting, relevant and needed services.

More information coming soon......

One for the City - 26th Feb 2008

2008-03-17T09:43:00.004Z

We are now nearing the end of the IMPACT project. To round off the journey we held an event in Nottingham at the NRSB centre on Ortzen Street.

This particular IMPACT event was extremely well attended. We had three groups doing either Dancing, Drumming or Storytelling. The Drumming group gave an amazing performance, after only a 10 minute warm-up!

Jan Thorley gave a speech just before lunch about her achievements to date, including becoming Mayor or Eastwood and achieving the gold level for the Discovery Award (a Duke of Edinburgh equivalent for the over 50s).

In the afternoon the group took part in a discussion, where people were asked to think about certain priorities, including, being able to live independently at home, being able to get from one place to the next, making friends and developing hobbies. From this task we then asked them how NRSB can help in meeting some of these priorities and a whole host of idea were talked about. The group wanted lots of social opportunities including day trips and activities. They also talked about how important transport is to them.

Most importantly those who came on the day kept re-iterating how much they enjoyed coming. Comments were received to say how fun but informative the day had been and that they feel like NRSB are beginning to make some positive changes.

GOALBALL

2008-03-11T08:44:00.005Z

Mid February brought another IMPACT event to the visually impaired community, this time with an aim to focus on Sports.

A Goalball taster day was held at the Djanogly College for approximately 14 visually impaired people of all ages. They received Goalball training from the British Blind Sports Goalball Development Officer and later had the opportunity to tell us (NRSB) what kinds of sporting activities and/or other activities and services they would like from us in the future.

It was a great day and we received lots of ideas about future services. The Goalball Development Officer also saw a lot of potential in the group and wishes to help support them should anything continue in the future.

IMPACTing on IT

2008-02-14T08:46:00.009Z

On 5th February we held an IT taster day for 12 visually impaired people which was delivered by The British Computer Association for the Blind. The BCABs EyeT4All project was funded by the Big Lottery Fund and will be running for the next few years.

The day was very much enjoyed and appreciated. One attendee said, “it was a great opportunity to see what computer support is available for someone like me” others commented on how much they enjoyed learning something new and meeting other people like themselves.

This day was again part of the consultation process we are currently undertaking. We used the day to speak to people about the future of NRSBs computer training and support services and are already beginning to see a pathway forward.

We do plan to have the BCAB back again to deliver more IT training days, not only in Nottingham city but also across the County. Please contact Natalie if you are interested in taking part.

IMPACTing on Worksop and Newark

2008-01-31T08:50:00.000Z

Up to 25 people attended each of the IMPACT events recently held in Worksop and Newark.

Activities for the days included a Dance class, Storytelling group and a Pottery group, all of which were greatly enjoyed. A lady from the Pottery group commented that it was it was good to do something in which you didn't necessarily need to use your eyes.

As part of the IMPACT day we also held our discussion groups in the afternoon and through these we are beginning to build a picture of what services, support and activities are needed in the north of the County.

Worksop locals were also treated to a visit from Dave Stuttard, a St Dunstaner who has been busy in Ghana providing clean water to local villages. He talked to the group about how his sight impairment still enables him to remain independent and that it is important to not be inhibited by your disability.

Thanks to all of you who have joined in and given us your ideas and opinions.

Thanks also to Sandy Bywater who delivered the Pottery session, Pete Davis, the Storyteller from Nottingham Storytellers and Sheena from Everydance based in Sheffield.

Goalball Sports Event

2008-01-18T08:30:00.000Z

Is it time to put those New Years Resolutions into action? Get fit, lose weight, try something new and meet new people? Nottinghamshire Royal Society for the Blind is offering you the chance to do all this by hosting a FREE one-day taster Goalball event on Saturday 16^th February 2008 at Djanlogy College, Nottingham.

Goalball is a three-a-side team game developed for visually impaired players. The game is played indoors with a ball which contains internal bells. All players wear eyeshades to ensure that everyone plays on an equal sight level.

This fun and exciting event is open to all visually impaired people from Nottinghamshire. The day will start with training from a qualified Goalball coach and development officer from British Blind Sport. All equipment will be provided and we can help with transport.

After a nice long lunch, involving a chance to discuss your ideas for the future of sports and activities at NRSB, you will then have a chance to put your newly learned skills to the test in a short Goalball tournament.

If you’re interested in coming along please contact Natalie on 0115 9706806 or email impact@nrsb.org.uk

EVENT DETAILS

2007-12-20T10:04:00.000Z

IMPACT EVENTS INFORMATION

(please call the NRSB office to register for all events as there are limited places)

All events are free of charge except where stated

Employment through Technology

This is an event held jointly with RNIB to help with the barriers to work through the development of individuals technology and job search skills.

Mixed Creative Activity Days

These events are an all day event starting from 9.30 until 3.00. There will be a choice of activities for you to have a go at, including a Drumming workshop, Storytelling, and a basic Dance session. The activities will differ from town to town.

We will also have a guest speaker, a lovely buffet lunch and an afternoon discussion group. We will also help with transport needs if required.

Working Age Social

This will be a Bowling and Pizza night, starting at AMF Bowling at 6pm, next to Nottingham Ice Arena and then onto Pizza Express on Goosegate. All we are asking for is a £10 contribution for this particular event which will cover 1 game of bowling, shoe hire and complimentary drink, meal and another drink at Pizza Express.

Again this will be your opportunity to tell us what kind of services or support you would like from NRSB.

Computer Training Day

This event will be all day, held jointly with British Computer Association for the Blind. The event will take place at NRSB’s centre on Ortzen Street, Nottingham. You will be shown basic computer skills including using email, shopping on-line, searching on the internet and writing letters.

A lovely buffet lunch will be provided and we can help with your transport needs.

Goalball Sports Event

Again, this event will be all day. The morning session will involve learning the basics to Goalball with a qualified Goalball coach. All equipment will be provided.

After a nice long lunch, involving a chance to discuss your ideas for future services and activities, you will then have a chance to put your newly learned skills to the test in a short Goalball tournament.

EVENTS FOR 2008

2007-12-19T14:43:00.000Z

During the beginning of 2008 we will be holding a number of events designed around the overwhelming responses received from the IMPACT mail out cards.

We will be holding a number of fun, exciting and interesting activity days all with an opportunity to give your opinion on what services and/or activities you would like from NRSB in the future.
If you are interested in coming along then please get in touch as soon as possible as we have limited places available.

Forthcoming events are:

JANUARY 2008

8th NOTTINGHAM – At NRSB – Getting into Employment event held jointly with RNIB

15th NEWARK – Bridge Community Centre – Mixed Creative Activity Day

20th NOTTINGHAM – City Centre - Working Age Group Evening Social

28th WORKSOP – The Crossing – Mixed Creative Activity Day

FEBRUARY 2008
5th NOTTINGHAM – NRSB – Computer Training Day

21st KIRKBY-IN-ASHFIELD – Ashwood Community Centre – Mixed Creative Activity Day

To be confirmed for February:
NOTTINGHAM – Mixed Creative Activity day
NOTTINGHAM – Goalball Sports event

For more information regarding a particular event please see the attached information or call us on 0115 9706806.

If you are interested in coming along to an event please call us to register.

Please note that we will be closed over the Christmas period, re-opening on Wednesday 2nd January 2008

Have a lovely Christmas and a Happy New Year. I look forward to hopefully meeting you in 2008.

COMING SOON........

2007-11-07T13:10:00.000Z

Future IMPACT events are planned to start at the end of November and will include a social evening for those working full time, a Sporting event and 4 events based around Arts and Crafts.

We are looking at developing the Arts and Craft days to include activities such as Dance, Drama, Painting and/or Music. These will be identified through contacting those who have responded to the IMPACT mail out.

Further information about the dates and venues for these events will be posted very soon.

I you have any ideas or wish to register your interest in an event please do get in touch.

ROALD DAHL MUSEUM VISIT

2007-11-06T09:38:00.000Z

On the 24th October 2007 we held another IMPACT event, this time for children. The event took 18 visually impaired children, their siblings and parents to the Roald Dahl Museums in Buckinghamshire.

The trip first took the children to the Roald Dahl Museum and Story centre and the group enjoyed dressing up like Willy Wonka, sitting in Roald's chair, listening to a story teller and exploring the chocolate smelling room. The trip then took the group to the Roald Dahl Children's Gallery where they explored inside a giant peach, played with Willy Wonkas inventions, rode in the glass elevator and captured their shadows in a dark room!

The day was inspired by the current NRSB youth service. We wanted to give the children a fun, exciting and interesting day away from their normal routine. We are looking to develop the youth service in the near future and this trip was the perfect way to encourage the children to talk about what they enjoy.

NRSB USER GROUP

2007-11-06T09:12:00.000Z

Through IMPACT NRSB has also developed and established its first user involvement group. This group meets regularly and its through their ideas, contributions and involvement that is helping to develop the IMPACT events.

User involvement has become a key strategy of NRSB and we will continue to develop user involvement throughout all aspects of our organisation.

If you wish to join the user group please do get in touch via email - impact@nrsb.org.uk or call Natalie on 0115 9706806. The group currently normally meets monthly during the daytime at the NRSB offices on Ortzen Street in Radford, Nottingham.

IMPACT Gardening Event

2007-10-19T10:59:00.000+01:00

NRSB MAKES FIRST IMPACT

The Nottinghamshire Royal Society For the Blind (NRSB) held its first IMPACT event at Rushcliffe Country Park. The gardening day was held jointly with ‘THRIVE’ and came from the ideas of the newly formed NRSB user group.

The day was well attended and was extremely well received “The worst thing that you can do is to shut yourself away, I’ve kept doing the same things as when I was younger” said 92 year old Silvia and Rob 41 echoed this by stating” Its good to know that I am not alone, I was one of the younger ones but I really enjoyed it.

Natalie Swiderska Impact Project Coordinator said,” We wanted to provide a day that was fun and exciting and let people have a go at learning new techniques, meet new people and build their confidence. It is the perfect way to encourage people to share their thoughts and feelings about what matters to them which will help us to meet their needs through new services”.

IMPACT is unique in that the User Group is developing the way forward through their ideas and by pulling on their own experiences. Over 6000 Blind and Vision Impaired people were invited to develop NRSB the way that THEY WANTED and they will be developing services for both young and old across Nottinghamshire. IMPACT is in the first stages of development to provide a voice for people and to develop new services that are the most appropriate.

The next Impact event, in October, will be a day trip for vision-impaired children to the Roald Dahl museum in Buckinghamshire. Also planned for the near future is a Computer Open day, a Sports event, an evening event for those working full time and a number of exciting arts & crafts activity days.

IMPACT Begins!

2007-10-19T09:25:00.000+01:00

Nottinghamshire Royal Society for the Blind http://www.nrsb.org.uk/homepage.php (Nottinghamshire’s oldest charity, established 1843) is about to undergo the largest service review in its 164-year history.

IMPACT is an interactive road show delivering a series of events designed to give the vision-impaired community of Nottinghamshire the opportunity to IMPACT on the future of NRSB.

We will be looking to develop ideas and strategies around themes such as:
· Arts & Crafts
· Sports
· Social groups / activities
· Computer training
· Transport
· Emotional support
· Long term service user input

A variety of inspirational guest speakers from the world of vision impairment will be attending several of the events to share their personal stories of battles and triumphs in modern society.
For more information or to get involved in IMPACT please call 0115 9706 806 or e-mail impact@nrsb.org.uk