North East Sight Matters

31/12/2024

They say out with the old and in with the new, but we have loved 2024 and can’t wait to get going with more in 2025.

To all our families and supporters have a safe and happy evening celebrating.

May 2025 bring even more opportunities, friendships, fun and memories. 💙

30/12/2024

Thank you to everyone for raising donations for North East Sight Matters with ! If you haven't signed up yet, it's easy and completely FREE. 8,100 brands will donate to us when you use easyfundraising to do your everyday online shopping - at no extra cost to you! Every donation you raise makes a difference to us so please sign up & share today.

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25/12/2024

A valid and important message….

Comedy icon, and Strictly Come Dancing 2024 winner, Chris McCausland addresses the nation in Channel 4's Alternative Christmas Message. Whilst trying to resi...

22/12/2024

We have arranged these touch tours and audio described events over the past couple of years. Great to hear feedback from one of our families. 💙

16/12/2024

Here is the interview 15 minutes into the show.

We are so grateful to people like Chris McCausland for showing the world what Blind people are capable of and, dispelling people’s preconceptions.

North East Sight Matters provides opportunities, supports sight impaired children, young people, and their families. We strive to make the their lives more fulfilling, build skills, knowledge and self confidence.

We offer Vision Impairment Awareness Training, have our first North East Eye Day Conference in 2025 and promote accessibility and inclusivity.

We need funds to do this valuable work, so if any businesses or philanthropic people can help, we would be very grateful.

Here is our latest funding link:

https://www.gofundme.com/f/north-east-sight-matters-eye-day-conference

Thank you

Scott brings you trusted news and sport, music and fun, and afternoon conversation.

16/12/2024

We could receive £1,000 in the Movement for Good draw.

16/12/2024

Listen to Penny on BBC radio Newcastle and Tees 2.15pm today talking to Scott Makin about the fabulous Chris McCausland, winner of Strictly Come Dancing.

“It just shows with opportunity and support and determination, anything can happen” Chris McCausland

We couldn’t have put it better ourselves!!

16/12/2024

We have now had our final event of 2024. What an incredible year NESM has had with families quite rightly saying our accessible activities and events are just getting bigger and better!

We would like to thank the NESM families that have embraced the ethos of what we set out to do. The funders, supporters, fundraisers, and of course the children and young people who make this organisation so special, and worthwhile.

We set off with the intention of creating something exceptional and it is certainly that. ‘A family’ where people care for one another and have established firm friendships.

We wish each and every one of you the merriest of Christmases and are looking forward to creating more opportunities, memories and catching up with you all in 2025.

From
Penny, Caroline and Charlotte.
Much love.

15/12/2024

The Final Curtain....

What a great ending to a fantastic year of accessible activities, events and workshops. This afternoon/evening our families were treated to our final event of 2024, a marvellous Pantomime 'Sleeping Beauty' not only that, beforehand they were given an exclusive touch tour back stage and met some of the cast and crew. Our sight impaired members could gain the whole experience as this pantomime was audio described, bringing what was visible on the stage to life.

There was singing, dancing, jokes, audience participation and some incredible costumes and great characters. North East Sight Matters even got a shout out - with the biggest cheer!!

Photographs were not permitted , but here are a few of some of our children getting into the spirit of the show.

15/12/2024

👏 👏 👏

13/12/2024

Where has this year gone?
It's nearly behind us!!

We are looking forward to our final event of the year, where we have an exclusive 'touch tour' followed by an audio described pantomime. All happening at Darlington this weekend. Oh yes it is....

Make SLEEPING BEAUTY the pantomime of your dreams!Tickets: https://www.darlingtonhippodrome.co.uk/whats-on/Sleeping-BeautyStarring singer, TV actor and music...

12/12/2024

Plans for our very first North East Sight Matters
Eye Day Conference are going well with a lot of interest and excitement being expressed.

We are now reaching out to Local Businesses to ask for sponsorship for this event.

If you can donate and/or share this fundraiser within your networks, we would be very grateful.

Thank You.

Picture: Amy who is registered Blind, with her mother. They are part of NESM.

North East Sight Matters is a not-for-profit organisation working with Vision I… Penny Dane needs your support for North East Sight Matters Eye Day Conference

11/12/2024

Our 2025 Family Weekends are live! 🎒

You can now apply for the two biggest VICTA activities of the year.

In 2025 we have:

🎪 Our Spring Weekend for 5 to 17yrs, 23-26 May https://www.victa.org.uk/victa-calendar/spring-family-weekend-2025/
⚽️ Our Sports Weekend for 7 to 17yrs, 25-28 July https://www.victa.org.uk/victa-calendar/sports-family-weekend-2025/?portfolioCats=39

To find out more and apply before Monday 3 February, click the links👆

10/12/2024

Best photo of the night by Jay, who is registered severely sight impaired 💙
Stacey Chappell

09/12/2024

Great news for VI CYP.

We're absolutely thrilled to announce that we're partnering with VICTA UK to make audio devices available to children and young people with sight loss.

We believe that every child deserves access to technology that can enhance their daily lives. Through our partnership we are committed to supporting families to learn, play and connect independently.

Read more:

https://blind.org.uk/news/partnership-unlocks-tech-for-young-people-with-sight-loss/

[Image description: A girl is sitting on a sofa with a Voxblock audio book player in her hands. She is wearing glasses and has a bow in her hair. Overlaid text reads: New partnership unlock tech for young people with sight loss.]

09/12/2024

What a magical time we have had this evening. The winter lights at the Alnwick Garden and Lilidorei were just spectacular. The trail included a marvellous sensory experience with lots of beautiful twinkling lights, decorative interactive features,
music, snow(at the press of a button) and we even spotted Santa and some reindeer.

The grown ups seemed just as thrilled as the children and young people. The food stalls wafted lovely smells, and offerings tasted rather delicious too!

07/12/2024

07/12/2024

Great to hear that our visit to Newcastle Northern Lights was such a success for our families. Good to hear Lorna explain why it is suitable for people with a sight impairment.

We have another visit to Alnwick Garden winter lights coming up next week 💙