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
Tanya joined Vision Support as a member in1997 after being registered as severely sight impaired and has been in the role as Director since 2016. Tanya is passionate about supporting peoples talents and encouraging them to be the best they can be.
Claire England
Reception
Claire is usually the first person to greet you at the Vision Support Centre whether you phone in or visit us. Claire helps organise our trips and events keeping our Charity running smoothly.
Sue Okopskyj
Charity Administrator
Sue works hard behind the scenes helping ensure that the charity meets it's obligations and makes sure the rest of the team have the time and resources to deliver our support services and activities.
Helen McGrath
ECLO
Helen is our qualified Eye Clinic Liaison Officer who offers emotional & practical support to people who are newly diagnosed with a serious eye condition, are experiencing changes in their vision or registration or are new to sight loss. Helen works both in the Eye Clinic & at the Vision Support Centre.
Sue Richards
Home Visitor
Sue has been visiting members in their own homes for the past 10 years, offering advice & support, signposting & referring where appropriate. Sue also leads the Pateley Bridge & Wetherby Support Groups, she is often found driving the minibus on our day trips.
Kyle Marshall
Vision Support & Tech Advisor
Kyle joined our team as our Vision Support & Tech Advisor, being the number 1 support for our existing members who pop in for advice on aids, equipment, also offering 1:1 and group tech and computer training sessions.
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.