THE ONLY charity that helps blind and partially sighted people in Barnsley is in danger of closing its doors.
The Barnsley Blind and Partially Sighted Association on Regent Street, Barnsley, has been open for 32 years and provides care and support to people with visual impairments from across the borough.
It is the only registered charity in Barnsley for people with visual impairments and sight loss and helps an estimated 8,000 people.
“We offer help and support for people such as reading letters or brailling birthday cards,” said chairman, Carol Green, 70.
“We can provide people with the help they need and can show them ways they can go about their every day lives.
“Every day we’ve got someone here in the centre who needs help, we deal with everything, it’s different every day.”
The centre has been struggling for funds which Carol believes is due to lack of exposure and raised rents.
“Whenever there is an event our name isn’t mentioned so people think we weren’t there.
“We even had a woman come in because she thought we were closed.
“We want people to know that we are still here.”
Fran Lusha, a volunteer with the centre, said: “My husband, Vic, was a long-distance lorry driver and he lost his sight about 25 years ago.
“Because he had to rely on his eyesight in his job he just couldn’t handle it and went into himself and would barely leave the house.
“I reached out and found out about Barnsley Blind and Partially Sighted Association and met with Carol and when we came in these doors for the first time, we had a weight on our shoulders, but after talking to Carol we left feeling as light as a feather.
“Carol helped Vic to get a cane and to start going out again and after seeing how much he came on I started to volunteer here so I could help more people. Vic runs the computer club as well so we are really grateful.”
Carol and the team from the association will be at an open meeting tomorrow which will help Barnsley to become a better place for people with visual impairments.
The meeting will take place from 1pm in the town hall. To book your place phone 0777667 4105.
Barnsley Blind and Partially Sighted Association is open every weekday from 10am - 2pm and offers a wide range of help and support for those dealing with sight loss or visual impairments.
To donate, or to find out more about the services the centre provides email bbpsa@btconnect.com, or phone, 07500 925 519.
