Vision Support Harrogate District

We are a local independent charity who has supported our local sight loss community for over 100 years.

Life can feel frightening and lonely if you are experiencing sight loss. There may be lots of questions you feel need answering and having to stop doing some of the things you once loved can be upsetting. Vision Support Harrogate District exists to support and advise people in our community who are or know someone who is experiencing sight loss.

Our charity has a drop-in centre where we offer a vast range of regular activities which encourage independent living and the learning of new skills, such as craft classes, social events, fitness and leisure activities.

Due to rural isolation or mobility issues, not everyone is able to access our drop-in centre. To help alleviate loneliness and social isolation, we are able to provide a helpline and telephone befriending service. These are an essential tool for encouraging participation, offering practical and emotional support, signposting to outside agencies and supporting independent living.

Our outreach in the community includes regular social meetings arranged in Ripon, Pateley Bridge and Wetherby. Day trips where a vision support advisor is on hand to talk too. We also organise day trips and countryside walks, evenings out and lunchtime meals are enjoyed on a regular basis.

Our Eye Clinic Liaison Officer offers practical and emotional support to those who are newly diagnosed with an eye condition and leads regular 'new to sight loss' sessions alongside the NYC Sensory Team.