Charity supporting blind people in Oxfordshire receives £1k boost
MyVision Oxfordshire, which supports around 3,000 people each year, has received the grant through Oxford United’s Dreaming Spires initiative.
Founded in 1877, the charity offers practical advice, social outlets, and one-to-one technology training sessions.
The £1,000 will help its Community Engagement Project, which provides social groups and befriending services, helping to connect people living with sight loss to activities and events they may not otherwise be able to experience.
Margaret Hart, fundraising officer at MyVision Oxfordshire, said: “Right now, there are 24,000 people living in Oxfordshire with full or partial sight loss.
“Many partially sighted people have lost part of their independence because of their condition.
“Sight loss can affect a person’s mobility, employment status, and opportunities to socialise which are critical to our physical and mental wellbeing.
“It’s our goal to address these concerns and ensure as many people as possible living in Oxfordshire with sight loss can be the best version of themselves.
“Behaviours most people take for granted in life such as sending a text message or preparing food can become incredibly challenging, which is where our team are able to help.
“We’re so grateful to Oxford United for choosing our cause as one of the club’s Dreaming Spires winners.
“These funds will have a direct impact on people living with sight loss across Oxfordshire and ensure our community engagement services can be tailored to suit a person’s individual requirements.”
Oxford United’s Dreaming Spires project was launched last year and forms part of the club’s community pledge linked to its plans for a new stadium.
Previous winners include Bicester Widows, Chalgrove Cavaliers, Emmaus Oxford, and Blackbird Leys Community Development Initiative.
Adam Benson, chief commercial and marketing officer at Oxford United, said: “The Dreaming Spires project was launched to specifically address genuine local needs and for the benefit of our community.
“As one of the region’s longest running charities, we’re delighted to be able to support MyVision Oxfordshire and the incredible work they do to enhance quality of life for people living with full or partial sight loss.”
Ten not-for-profit organisations in Oxfordshire that support the provision of sport and physical activity, as well as health and wellbeing programmes, have received £1,000 grants through the project.
The scheme also supports work experience, apprenticeships, and employment opportunities, as well as mental health support and mentoring programmes.
