Schools and businesses invited to support campaign for visually impaired and disabled in lead up to World Sight Day.
Harrogate based Charity Henshaws Society for Blind People is calling on businesses, schools and communities to join its Bright For Sight Campaign next week (7-13 October 2013).
Hebden Bridge soap star Paula Lane, dancer Faye Huddleston and actor Tom Shaw are among those supporting ‘Bright For Sight’ – designed to raise awareness for and brighten up the lives of people with visual impairments and other disabilities across the north of England.
The campaign is the key focus of activity for the charity, which celebrated its 175th anniversary in 2012, making it one of the oldest in the UK. Activity will run from 7th to 13th October 2013 (in conjunction with World Sight Day on 10th October).
Paula Lane, who plays Kyle Platt in Coronation Street, said:
Henshaws is a fantastic cause which provides essential support to visually impaired and disabled people in the north of England. Their invaluable work has positively touched the lives of thousands in our region and Bright for Sight is a great, fun, way for people of all ages to get involved!
The campaign aims to raise tens of thousands of pounds for much-needed services and Henshaws is offering businesses, schools and members of the community guidance and fundraising packs in return for their commitment of support.
Henshaws Chief Executive, Nick Marr, said:
Bright For Sight is a very visual campaign providing the opportunity for people from across our community to support Henshaws. Almost two million people in the UK are living with sight loss. That’s approximately one person in 30. Every day 100 people in the UK start to lose their sight, with over 100,000 people a year in the North and 45,000 in the North West needing support.
Businesses and communities are being urged to get involved and the campaign, which has educational, inclusion and equality benefits. For schools Henshaws is able to offer tailor made tasks and assemblies – with a member of the team visiting those participating for a fun and entertaining session.
The Henshaws Arts & Crafts Centre in Knaresborough has a variety of confirmed activities during the week for schools and service users.
Those wishing to support Bright for Sight and seeking an information pack or further information – or those wishing to attend a local event – can visit www.brightforsight.org.uk or by calling 01423 886 451.
Henshaws Society for Blind People (registered charity no. 221888) is a specialist charity providing expert support, advice and training to anyone affected by sight loss. It also works with people with other disabilities and, because sight loss and disability affects family, friends and colleagues, supports them too.
The charity was founded in 1837 after Oldham businessman Thomas Henshaw left £20,000 in his will to the development of a ‘blind asylum.’ Now, Henshaws employs over 400 members of staff who have helped thousands of people and their families across the UK.
The charity works throughout the North of England, with centres and communities in Manchester, Merseyside, Harrogate, Knaresborough, and Newcastle.
Each centre offers different services and programmes whilst sharing a clear and common goal: To enable the people who use our services to live independent and fulfilling lives.
