WHO ARE YOU: Colne, Holme and Dearne Valley Society For The Blind

PROJECT: Help with summer outing or Christmas party

MANY blind and partially-sighted people can feel isolated and overwhelmed in their own homes.

But thanks to the Colne, Holme and Dearne Valley Society For The Blind they have a link with the outside world and the chance to meet other people in a situation similar to themselves.

Formed more than 70 years ago, the society has about 200 members from across Kirklees.

Many are elderly and have several other disabilities to cope with as well as their loss of sight.

Committee members from nearby villages make visits to their homes to help with a variety of concerns and issues from obtaining a talking book from the library service to helping to plan a holiday in a hotel which caters for visually-impaired people.

“Many of our members wouldn’t venture very far if they did not have the society events to rely on,” said society treasurer Wendy Redfearn.

“The members are spread over a wide area across Kirklees and so are unable to meet socially on a regular basis. Our twice-yearly events give people the chance to get together and speak to those who are in a similar position to themselves.”

The society holds a summer outing each year to Blackpool with lunch at the Winter Gardens.

This year about 100 people attended the event, enjoyed by the visually impaired people and their guides.

A Christmas meal is the second annual event which members could benefit from cash from the Community Chest.

More than 100 people are expected at this year’s event at Meltham Golf Club on December 7.

Miss Redfearn added: “The Society brings a little joy into the lives of many lonely and vulnerable people.

“We always make sure they get a Christmas card and a present and card on their birthdays.”