1. The vital role of emotional support in the lives of visually impaired people VINCE conference, October 2009 Cam Sight Registered Charity No: 201640

2. Our aim To restore hope for a positive future in visually impaired people in Cambridgeshire

3. Populations affected by eye health conditions within districts of Cambridgeshire Key Top figure - Total population affected by eye health conditions within district, comprising those with impaired vision; low vision and severe sight impairment Bottom figure – Percentage of population over 50 years of age affected by an eye health condition National Eye Health Epidemiological Model, 2008 2617 8.25% 1986 7.76% 2653 9.2% 3306 7.53% 3445 6.94%

4. Responding to the need for emotional support Existing research indicating the need for emotional support Responding to pressure experienced by the local ECLO Significance of VINCE in raising awareness

5. From vision to reality Project pilot launched with RNIB funding in April 2008 Using limited income and resources available to set up the project Groups complementing one-to-one support

6. The Groups Cam Sight – a safe place Building the trust of those taking part Supporting the participants of each Group in devising their own programme

7. Overcoming the challenges Transport for the Cambridgeshire participants Overcoming the fear of exposing vulnerability Funding future emotional peer support

8. Not alone Sharing feelings and experiences and realising you are not alone A progression to hope and belief in a more positive future Measuring the extent of coming to terms with sight loss

9. Final celebration All were empowered to mix with people they couldn’t see and people they didn’t know

10. Rita “After being devastated about my sight loss, coming to the group and meeting a variety of people and listening to their anxieties I realised there was hope. I also gained from being able to get the aids and being informed about what was available to me. The most helpful aspect of being part of the group though was being able to share concerns and anxieties with people that understood. I definitely feel emotionally stronger as a result of being part of the group - I’ve stopped crying”.

11. Achievements Participants said they had moved from an average of 4.6/10 at the first session to 9.2/10 after the final session, as a measurement of their ability to cope better with sight loss Cascade of self-help groups A foundation for research Hope for the future for emotional support

12. Thank you Cam Sight www.camsight.org.uk anne@camsight.org.uk