Outlookers – Developing sight loss services across Kirklees
In Kirklees, people living with sight loss tell us that having access to support that is more joined up is critical.
Nationally recognised and proudly awarded with the prestigious King’s Award for Voluntary Service (KAVS), Outlookers currently deliver a range of services including peer support groups and assistive technology demonstrations, helping residents living with, or newly diagnosed with sight loss, to continue to live independent lives.
From 1st September, with the support of Kirklees Council, Outlookers, and their dedicated team of volunteers and staff, are delighted to be able to announce that they will be expanding their provision to include Eye Care Liaison services at Huddersfield and Dewsbury hospitals. In addition, Kirklees Council will be funding part of their peer support group network and assistive technology demonstrations. Outlookers will also continue to offer their highly regarded one to one technology tuition.
“We’re thrilled to have the opportunity to reach out to more local people by providing the Eye Care Liaison service in local hospitals,” said a spokesperson for Outlookers. “We’ll be taking over an established service, providing the same high quality advice, and also giving people the opportunity to become part of a sight loss community that is local to them. We’re also looking forward to working collaboratively across the community to build awareness around eye health and improve access to life-changing support.”
Tracy Bodle, lead for Kirklees ICB Age Friendly Communities said “We are thrilled to support such an important local charity. We are striving to reduce inequalities and local people have told us the services associated with Outlookers are a critical part of that.”
David Quarmby, Chair of Trustees at Outlookers said “This gives us a real opportunity to reach out to the vast number of visually impaired people in Kirklees who can benefit from what we have to offer to enable them to continue to do the things they want to be able to, despite their sight loss.”
Mark Owen, Chief Executive Officer at Outlookers said “It’s great to have the opportunity to offer our services to even more local people with sight loss. An eye clinic visit in the afternoon can now lead to the offer of local support, from people with lived experience, the very next morning.”
To find out more, call 01924 445222, email info@outlookers.org.uk or visit www.outlookers.org.uk .
About Outlookers
Outlookers is a West Yorkshire-based sight loss charity dedicated to helping blind and partially sighted individuals live fuller, more independent lives. Through peer-led support and technology training, the organisation empowers people with visual impairments to embrace life with confidence and dignity. Outlookers offer peer support groups in Batley, Cleckheaton, Denby Dale, Dewsbury, Holmfirth, Huddersfield and Mirfield.
Outlookers are local leaders in collaboration, partners include Kirklees Council and Kirklees ICB.