We are an independent, local charity
Established in 1921, Vision Support Harrogate District exists to support visually impaired people in Harrogate, Ripon and the surrounding district. We seek to enable visually impaired people to live independently and provide opportunities to meet and interact with other visually impaired people. We offer Information Technology training; provide advice on the help that is available; information on what being visually impaired means; opportunities to socialise, develop, or re-awaken craft skills. In addition to activities in the Centre, the Society undertakes home visits and runs a telephone befriending service to help tackle social isolation. We have regular contact with over 300 visually impaired people, as well as being a point of contact for 400 more. The Society is entirely funded by voluntary donations and our work is made possible by the contribution of many volunteers. If you would like to visit us, give to us, join us to use the service or to volunteer, this website will help you.
Vision Support
Local To You
We organise weekly and monthly meetings local to you. Offering a Vision Support Advice service and and social opportunities. Click on your area below to find out more.
OUR TEAM
We may be a small team, but boy we can get things done!
Tanya Stimpson
Director of Services
Tanya joined Vision Support as a member in1997 after being registered as severely sight impaired, she commencing her role as Director of Services in 2016.
Lizzie Donegan
Reception
Lizzie is usually the first person to greet you at the Vision Support Centre whether you phone in or visit us. Lizzie helps organise our trips and events keeping our Charity running smoothly.
Sue Campagna
Charity Administrator
Sue works hard behind the scenes ensuring that the rest of the team have the time and resources to deliver our support services and activities.
Vanessa Camp
ECLO
Vanessa is our Eye Clinic Liaison Officer and supporting & liaising for people who are newly diagnosed or are new to sight loss. Vanessa runs monthly new to sight loss courses in Ripon & Harrogate.
Sue Richards
Home Visitor
Sue visits members in their own homes, offering advice & support, signposting & referring where appropriate. Sue also leads the Pateley Bridge & Wetherby Support Groups.
Pauline, Helen, Linda & Ann
Telephone Befriending
Due to many factors some of our members are not able to get our and about, our volunteer befrienders offer friendship & support, sharing years of lived experience as if they would if they were able to visit us at our vision support centre.
Our volunteers
Everything
Our wonderful volunteers are the life blood of our charity and provide, not only the trustee leadership but all of the timetabled activities at the centre. Our volunteers roles are endless and include Vision Support Advisors, befrienders, teachers, fundraisers, event coordinators, cooks, class supervisors, whisperers, guides, handypersons, and satellite group leaders the list goes on.