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Coronavirus

Due to the rapidly changing COVID-19 situation, some of the organisations listed on here are still in the process of posting service updates. Many phone lines and websites are still available, but some contact details have changed. Try the organisation's own website if you're having difficulty getting through.

If you have any queries, please email us at dos@reading.gov.uk or fis@reading.gov.uk

Berkshire Vision - Covid 19 response

COVID-19 RESPONSE:

Still taking new referrals and providing support to clients/carers: referrals@berkshirevision.org.uk

Launched new Remote Activities programme - all activities accessible by phone and instructions can be found on the linked calendar of activities in Related content. Activities include social events and exercise sessions.

Last updated: 30/04/2020

Berkshire Vision

Berkshire Vision (formerly Berkshire County Blind Society) is a local independent registered charity with over 100 years of expertise and experience in the provision of services, advice and support to over 2000 visually impaired people residing in Berkshire.  Adults living in central Reading are supported by the Reading Association for the Blind (RAB).  However, children living in central Reading are welcome to join our Children’s Department which supports members aged from birth to 18 (or up to 25 if they have a learning disability). 

Advice and Support

Berkshire Vision produces a newsletter called Insight which contains information about our services and articles relating to visual impairment which can be sent out to members in large print and several other formats including braille. Information Desks in the eye clinics at larger hospitals are manned by our Eye Clinic Liaion Officer  to provide advice.  We also offer a home visiting service.

Social Activities

Berkshire Vision organises regular outings and activities throughout the year for all of our members.  These include theatre and concert trips, meals out, visits to garden centres and places of interest for example.  We are able to collect/drop off members using our mini-buses.

Handicraft classes are held across the county and act as a social occasion and therapeutic activity.

Eight social Clubs for our more senior members meet monthly across the borough, offering companionship as well as entertainment and some outings.

Our Children and Family Support Manager organises a comprehensive timetable of outings and activities for the 100 children registered with us and their immediate families. 

Our “Get Active Sports Club” organises regular sporting activities, including blind tennis, football, martial arts, athletics, bowls, goalball, riding, archery, sailing, tandem cycling, cricket, swimming lessons and belly dancing.

Tel: 0118 987 2803 Email: sports@berkshirevision.org.uk

 Children and Family Support

Our Children’s Department offers advice on benefits, products and services relating to visual impairment.  We also organise a comprehensive timetable of outings and activities which take place throughout the year for our young members and their immediate families.  Many are heavily subsidised or even free of charge.  These have included regular coach outings to see West End Shows with special pre-show touch-tours, group holidays, coach outings to places such as zoos, Harry Potter World, Cadbury World, theme parks and the seaside.  We also organise educational activities, animal encounters, workshops, craft classes, cookery opportunities and parties in the summer and at Christmas time.

Members age 6+ will also be invited to join our “Get Active Sports Club” which runs regular sporting sessions supported by specialist coaches and Berkshire Vision staff.  These include swimming, goalball, archery, horse riding, rock climbing, blind tennis, cricket and even skiing.

Berkshire Vision own two Deluxe Mobile Sensory Units.  One is on loan to members to use in their own home for up to six months at a time and the other is available for members to use at our offices in Reading.  Members can also borrow our children’s tandem bicycle and i.pad. 

Membership is £10 per year

Contact Amanda McDonnell 0118 987 2803 Email:Amanda.McDonnell@berkshirevision.org.uk  http://www.berkshirevision.org.uk

Berkshire Vision, Middleton House, Erleigh Road, Reading, RG1 5LR

 

Who to contact

Telephone
0118 987 2803
E-mail
info@berkshirevision.org.uk
Website
Berkshire Vision

Where to go

Address
Berkshire Vision
Middleton House, 5 Erleigh Road
Reading
Berkshire
Postcode
RG1 5LR

Other Details

Costs

Details
£10 subs annually
Wheelchair accessible?
Yes

Availability

Referral required
No

Local Offer

Contact Name
Amanda McDonnell
Contact Telephone
0118 987 2803
Contact Email
office@bcbs.org.uk
Links
Berkshire County Blind Society
SEN Provision Type
Universal

General Provider Response

Is your service accessible?
Referrals are through Berkshire Sensory Consortium. Wheelchair accessible
What are the eligibility criteria for your service?
Clients must have a Severe diagnosed eye condition
How are referrals/applications made to your service?
Self-referral, referral from school or Sensory Consortium Services
What is your service standard for responding to referrals/accessing services?
Immediate response. A letter and registration form is sent to the Client
Funding
Independent
Charges
Yes
Details of charges
£10 annual subs. Once paid clients are insured to go out on our mini bus. If subs aren't paid client is not insured therefore restricting accessing services.
Feedback and complaints procedure
Through children's department overseen by Chief Executive Annual report is sent to charities commission
How will I know my child will be safe using this service?
All child members have to be accompanied by a parent or carer who has responsibility for their child. All relevant BV staff have undertaken Safeguarding and First Aid training. Risk assessments are completed prior to each trip/activity. All staff and volunteers are DBS checked.

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This information has been collected from third party providers therefore the Reading Services Guide, Reading Borough Council (RBC) and Brighter Futures for Children (BFfC) cannot accept responsibility for the accuracy of this information and recommends that parents, carers, young people, residents and professionals check with providers regarding DBS (Disclosure & Barring Service) and OFSTED registrations and CQC registrations. Information collected by Reading Service Guide; is used solely to implement and supply the Family Information Service (FIS), Special Educational Needs & Disabilities - Reading's Local Offer, Adults & Carers Support Group and Reading Youth.

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