North East Sight Matters

25/09/2025

Parent and Carer Forum
Presentation by Guide Dogs and The Thomas Pocklington Trust

Our parent and carer forum had the benefit of attending an online insightful presentation this evening, led by Rebecca Wilkins and Andrea Davies from Guide Dogs and The Thomas Pocklington Trust, Specialist Education Teams. Their session was both informative and valuable, focusing on Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs).

Availability of Presentation Slides
If any of our members who were unable to attend would like a copy of the slides from this evening’s meeting, please feel free to email us at [email protected].

Check out our next in person meeting on 8th October. Available to book via our website www.northeastsightmattersltd.co.uk

Guide Dogs UK
Thomas Pocklington Trust

25/09/2025

When we are asked what we do.....

North East Sight Matters is dedicated to enriching the lives of sight impaired children and young people. Through a range of accessible activities and events tailored to their needs, we encourage inclusion and create meaningful opportunities for our members.

Comprehensive Advice, Support and Guidance
Our small team offers advice, support, and guidance from a professional standpoint, drawing upon experience, expertise and personal and lived experiences. This unique approach ensures that our members and their families receive well-rounded and empathetic support.

Hybrid Support for Parents and Carers
We provide hybrid support for parents and carers, making it easy to connect and find help. Support is available online, in person, and through a private WhatsApp group, accommodating a variety of preferences and circumstances.

Collaborative Partnerships
Collaboration is at the heart of what we do. We work closely with other organisations to expand opportunities and resources available to the sight impaired community, ensuring members have access to the best possible support.

Community Representation
North East Sight Matters actively represents the sight impaired community at networking events. By attending and participating in these events, we amplify the voices of our members and advocate for greater inclusion and understanding.

Professional Signposting
We signpost members to other professionals within the sight-impairment field and beyond, helping families and individuals access specialised services and resources as needed.

Vision Impairment Awareness Training
Our organisation offers Vision Impairment Awareness Training to individuals, organisations, and businesses. This training aims to raise awareness, promote inclusivity, and equip participants with the knowledge to support those with sight impairments effectively.

25/09/2025

Some online workshops that maybe of interest.

25/09/2025

Sign up to easyfundraising and every time you shop online with your favourite retailers, they’ll donate to us for free.

That's right, your shopping costs stay the same! The donation comes from the retailer - not you.

Help us when you shop with 7,000+ brands. Join now.

24/09/2025

Braille 200 event. 💙

23/09/2025

September is .

Did you know that cerebral visual impairment (CVI) is the most common cause of childhood vision impairment in the UK?

It’s a brain-based visual impairment caused by damage or interruption to the brain’s visual pathways. This affects how you see in many different ways, depending on which areas are affected.

At least 1 in 30 primary school children are thought to have CVI. That’s one in every classroom! It also affects adults either from birth or can be acquired later in life.

Unfortunately, many barriers still exist to accessing vital support, which is why we’re lending our voice to help raise awareness of this condition.

At Thomas Pocklington Trust, we believe the power of lived experience drives positive change. We’re proud to amplify the voices of our peers with CVI and say, “we see you.”

If you’ve been diagnosed with CVI, The Cerebral Visual Impairment Society can offer support and put you in touch with others who really understand the condition. Visit their page below to find out more and see how to get in touch:

https://f.mtr.cool/nqwhzekxiq



Image description: Heading reads: "September is cerebral visual impairment (CVI) month". Below reads: "CVI is a brain-based visual impairment caused by damage or interruption to the brain's visual pathways.". At the bottom is the worlds "more in caption" beside an arrow in a rounded box. To the left is an image of a women getting her eyes tested.

23/09/2025

For Newcastle based families.

We are creating a new SEND Local Offer website. Help us make it work for you!

Join our online consultation group. Share your thoughts about the pages and content we are creating.

We welcome feedback from:
• parents and carers
• young people with SEND
• professionals

The SEND Local Offer:
• helps children and young people (0 to 25) with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND)
• has information about support and services that can help
• supports parents, carers, families and professionals

Sign up via the link below 👇

23/09/2025

💙

22/09/2025

💙 Space Safari night!
Funfair rides, food and a mesmerising display of 600 drones lighting the night sky. With music and narration, our children, young people and their families were able to see the captivating images above.
BIG, BRIGHT & BOLD 💙

The National Lottery Community Fund

22/09/2025

A great addition the their fabulous work 🌈

22/09/2025

We have a Hole in the Wand session every Month at Dalton Park.
We need the following information
Child / Children names
Children ages
Postcode
Disability type
Date of activity
Number of adults taking part
Number of children taking part.

Email [email protected]