Sue’s Hello!

here for people with sight loss Re- gards

Insight Update

Issue 24

Hull and East Riding Institute for the Blind, Beech Holme, Beverley Road,

Hull, HU5 1NF Telephone: 01482 342297 Fax: 01482 443111 Registered Charity Number: 223668 Email: mail@herib.co.uk

www.herib.co.uk www.buy.at/herib

Spring/Summer 2011

Hello Once Again!!

This edition of Insight is full of news as we say “welcome” to new members of staff, volunteers and offer information on some of the latest equipment as well as updates on previous events.

Our Royal visit back in December is still fresh in our minds and was a fabulous day. HRH The Princess Royal was charming and showed great interest in what we do. It will remain one of the highlights of my time here at HERIB.

There are always challenges in life and I suppose the trick is to rise to the challenge and not let things get you down. This last few months have proved to be a testing time here at HERIB following cuts to funding, staff sickness and changes. On a positive note we are very fortunate to have welcomed several new Trustees to the Board of Management and this has given us a welcome boost of ideas and enthusiasm. My glass is always half full and I love a challenge which is just as well given recent events.

HERIB has helped people cope with sight loss since 1864 and there have been many challenges over the years but we have always overcome the negatives and built on the positives and can see a long and productive future for the charity.

On a personal level, I have just moved house, so my own challenge will be my ‘garden’ which currently is a blank canvas. I look forward to transforming it into a productive and pleasant space. On reflection the two are very similar! Take care Keep safe and I will see you again in December.

Sue Pallister—General Manager

News

One Big Leap!

Special thanks go to Aleksandra Majos and Monica Gierszewska from London who raised an fantastic £940 in March by undertaking a parachute jump in March.

Well done girls. We think you are amazingly brave!

Welcome

HERIB welcomed two new members of staff to the team this Spring. Angela Gregory (pictured above) joined us as our new Income Generation and Marketing Manager having previously worked with national charity Support Dogs. She lives in Sheffield travelling to Hull each day. She loves music and is a big rugby league fan having previously worked for Sheffield Ea-gles RLFC Gill Wright (pictured below) joins the team as our new General Administrator having previously worked with local company Chem Dry. Gill is a local girl from Beverley with three children who loves watching Hull City FC.

Congratulations!

Congratulations to HERIB trustees Carol Winter and Tim Shields who both completed this year’s Edinburgh Marathon in gale force winds on Sunday 22nd May to raise funds for us. We think you are both amazing!

BUPA Great North Run 2011

Official HERIB places are available for this year’s BUPA Great North Run on Sunday 18th September. To join our official team, simply call us on 01482 342297 to request a registration form and pledge to raise £200. Limited places available so call us today!

News

Charity Tandem Bike Ride By the time you read this six officers from Humberside Police will hopefully have completed a Coast-to-Coast tandem bike ride to raise money for HERIB and Help the Heroes. The officers from Cottingham, Hessle and Goole Incident Resolution Teams should have completed the gruelling 225 mile journey in just three days and are hoping to raise as much money as possible. The money donated to HERIB will be used to support the charity’s Beech Holme Tandem Club which provides local people with sight loss the opportunity to enjoy the sport of cycling by riding tandem with a sighted person. The Tandem Club was formed in 1952 and meets on a Wednesday evening. Anyone who is willing to help as a rider, or to provide support and back up is very welcome and should contact HERIB on 01482 342 297 for more information.

Thank You HERIB would like to thank the Hessle and Hull West Police Sports and Social Club for their kind donation of £335 in support of the Beech Holme Tandem Club.

The cheque was presented by the club’s Chairman Mr Philip Bell.

HERIB would like to thank all

our volunteers who give up

their time to help in our day

centres, carers who bring in

service users, those who have

held collections for their

birthdays and weddings, all our

supporters with home boxes,

the shops who have our

collection boxes, those who

have donated raffle and

tombola prizes and everyone

who has helps us continue to

provide our vital services over

the last six months.

A big thank you from all of us!

Services

Message from June—Support Worker

I am delighted to report that the Eye Clinic has finally moved into the “posh”, airy and bright new building at the Eye Hospital, Fountain Street. Although the Support Worker room has been located on the first floor, there is a lift and help available should you need assistance in finding me. Gone is the tiny “cupboard”. I now have a proper room with adequate space and even a window! Thanks to a generous donation from The Macular Society the room has also been nicely furnished.

Worried that I was now hidden away out of sight of the patients, I am pleased that in the first month al-most a hundred people have been referred to me with problems to sort out. Unfortunately, with Hull City Council cutbacks the Council have had to cease their contribution towards funding the position. HERIB are temporarily solely funding the post until a permanent option can be found. Fingers crossed it will all work out well in the end. Remember, this is your service so it is important you use it to prove it is necessary. So, to new beginnings. I look forward to seeing you all soon. Best Wishes June Crosby Eye Clinic Support Worker Please note my new telephone number: (01482) 605 333

Hello Everyone, Well, I certainly have a spring in my step, as

Pictured left; HERIB General Manager Sue Pallister in the new office at the Eye Clinic with Jim Innes (Consultant) and Clive Skinner (Chairman Macular Disease Society, Hull Branch)

Services

Digital Switchover Help Scheme

IT Skills Required Do you have IT skills? Could you spare a few hours during the week to help in our Resource Centre advising Visually Impaired people on how to improve their computer skills or help with internet shopping? If so contact HERIB for more information on 01482 342297

TV is going digital all over the UK next year and soon the traditional TV signal will be switched off in our area. If you don’t have digital TV by the time the switchover you will lose your TV services, but you don’t need to worry, the switchover help scheme is here to help. We help eligible people convert one of their TV sets to digital. If you’re eligible, we’ll explain digital TV to you clearly and simply. We tell you about all the options available to you. We can install what you need in your home and we will make sure you are happy with how it all works. The switchover help scheme is run by the BBC, under an agreement with the Government. We help older and disabled people who may find it difficult to switch to digital TV.

Are you eligible? We can help everyone who: Is aged 75 or over, or Has lived in a care home for six months or more or Receives or could receive: • Disablity Living Allowance or • Attendance or constant atten-

dance allowance or • Mobility supplement or • Is registered blind or partially

sighted. For more information, call us free on 0800 40 85 900 or visit helpscheme.co.uk. Lines are open 8sm to 9pm, 7 days a week . If you are using a mobile phone, call rates may vary.

Services

Ultrasonic Object Detection Finally an innovative mobility aid at an affordable price! AmbuTech and RNIB are proud to announce a new, affordable electronic travel aid solution for head and upper body protection. The iGlasses Ultrasonic Mobility Aid is a head-mounted device which enables more informed, confident and efficient pedestrian travel. Objects in your path are detected by the ultrasonic sensors and communicated via gentle vibrations. As obstacles get nearer, the frequency of the vibrations increases. The device is intended for use as a secondary mobility aid to complement the traditional long cane or guide dog. Features include: On/Off switch with audible battery level indication Adjustable vibration intensity Hands free operation Adjustable arms Soft protective pouch

Optelec ClearReader+ £2,000

Rediscover the joys of reading anytime, anywhere with Optelec ClearReader+ combining fast text recognition, a choice of high quality naturally sounding voices and all in an attractive portable design. Access to printed documents such as magazines, newspapers, books or a letter from a friend has never been so easy. Portable and battery powered, the Optelec ClearReader+ can be used in the home, at school or work making it ideal for reading a recipe in the kitchen, a book at home or reviewing bills. It is one of the most user friendly speech devices available. Simply switch on, release the camera arm, places the reading material under the camera, press the scan button and in seconds the Optelec ClearReader+ will read the desired text in high quality speech.

Mobile Resource Service

June - Oct 2011 Bridlington Hospital (Mon) 11 - 3pm June 13th, July 4th, 11th, Aug 1st, 8th, Sept 5th, 12th, Oct 3rd, 10th Driffield (Tesco’s George St) 1pm—3pm June 28th, July 26th, Aug 30th, Sept 27th, Oct 25th Beverley (Morrisons, Victoria Rd) 1.30pm - 3.30pm June 7th, July 5th, Aug 2nd, Sept 6th, Oct 4th, Withernsea (Shores Centre) 1.30—3pm Nov 15th, March 21st Hornsea( Methodist Church) 1pm -3.30pm Sept 20th (no July visit due to Driffield Show) Shiptonthorpe (Langlands) 12-2pm July 27th Hedon (Holderness Grange) 1.30 -3.30pm Aug 11th, Oct 13th Pocklington (Sainsbury’s) 1 - 3pm Aug 22nd, Oct 24th Willerby (Waitrose ) 1pm - 3pm Aug 16th, Oct 18th

ASDA ( Mt Pleasant) 11am - 1pm June 16th, July 21st, Aug 18th, Sept 15th, Oct 20th B & Q (St Andrews Quay) June 15th, Aug 17th, Sept 21st, Oct 19th

Talking Newspapers Do you enjoy local news? Would you like to have it delivered to you at home for FREE? Call your local Talking Newspaper today: Hull & District 01482 585 822 Beverley & District 07845 047 044 Bridlington 01262 603 166 Goole & District Email: caldicod@aol.com

Services

The HERIB website is being updated. (www.herib.co.uk) When the new site is online it will be easier to find the computer pages with information for computer and Internet users. In the meantime here are some links you might find useful. AbilityNet at www.abilitynet.org.uk is a national charity which supports people to use computers and the internet. Their My Computer My Way pages at www.abilitynet.org.uk/myway look at assistive technologies and adaptations. AbilityNet also offer a range of Factsheets which give detailed in-formation on assistive technology, services and organisations that can help you get the most out of using a computer. www.abilitynet.org.uk/athome_resources I’ve visited and spoken to many of you who’ve had computer problems, in particular with access to the Internet.

This is because most websites are not designed for assistive technology like screen readers. Through my work I’m trying to raise awareness of how frustrating this can be. I’m going to be doing some interviews with people who have difficulty getting online and navigating around websites. If you’d like to talk to me about your own experiences, or know someone who might, please do get in touch for further information. In the meantime, if you have any queries about using a computer or accessing the Internet, you can contact me, Sue Watling, either directly by email swatling@lincoln.ac.uk or through HERIB. Sue Watling; Trustee

The Computer Room

HERIB is now on

Facebook & Twitter

HERIB needs you!

If you would like to help HERIB

with collections, driving,

helping in our Day Centres

serving cups of teas plus many

other opportunities. Ring

HERIB for a volunteer pack on

01482 342297.

We cannot provide our many

and varied services without

volunteers.

In the Hot Seat….. A chat with Ann Massam

I am sure if you have ever popped into HERIB you will have come across Ann. Ann Massam has worked at HERIB for 16 years. First as a home visitor and now as the Services Co-ordinator supervising the home visiting team, the mini bus drivers and the day centres to name a few. Q. What do you like best about your job? A. Every day is different. I like to think that with my work I can make a difference by talking and listening to service users. Q. What can’t you live without? A. My family and chocolate! Q. What is your favourite film or book? A. An Affair To Remember. I got a kindle for Christmas, books are so easy to read now. I am currently reading a Valerie Wood book called Homecoming Girls, its fab!

Q. What is your favourite Place? A. Hornsea Mere. It is exactly the same as it was when I was a child. I used to go there with my brother when visiting our grandparents. Nothing has changed it still has the huge pike in a cabinet on the wall in the café. Q. Who would you most like to meet for a cuppa? A. The Queen, I might get my wish as I have been invited to the Royal Garden Party in July. Thinking about it I better buy a new hat! Next Insight our Chairman Eric Harrod will be in the Hot Seat.

Volunteering

Hands Up for HERIB

We would like to hear from people

who would be interested in becoming

a Fundraising Ambassadors for HERIB.

If you enjoy networking, having a

good time and organising, then we

want to hear from you!

By organising your own event such as

a dinner dance, party, fashion show,

coffee morning, race night, fete,

carnival etc , you can help us support

local visually impaired and blind

people.

HERIB will support you as a

volunteer by offering services that

you need to hold your event such as

printing, computer access,

stationery, office space and staffing

so please consider joining our

volunteer fundraising team and help

us to make a difference.

For further details please contact

Angela on 01482 342297

or e-mail:

angelag@herib.co.uk

“Volunteers make such a difference.

Working alongside our regular staff,

they can improve the lives of people

who are visually impaired in so many

ways.

The most important thing is to help

people live an independent life and

that is our aim: to provide practical

help which is positive and not

patronising”.

Sue Pallister

General Manager

HERIB

Volunteering with HERIB

Volunteers are also an essential

part of delivering our services.

From helping in our days centres

serving meals and refreshments to

driving and escorting our minibus,

we can always find use for an ex-

tra pair of hands.

We not only value our volunteers,

we also offer full induction, sup-

port and training including an

Open College Network accredited

course in Visually Impaired

Awareness.

Not to mention having fun!

Every Day Another 100 People Start to Lose Their Sight in the UK!

Become A Donor Today

OTHER WAYS TO HELP

Normal Vision

Macular Degeneration

Glaucoma

Diabetic Retinopathy

We desperately need your support. You can help with a small gift of just £5 a month. HERIB have supported local people with sight loss for over 140 years and with your help we can and will continue this sup-port. Your £5 a month can help HERIB run our 10 day centres and visit people with sight loss who are registered sight impaired plus the many others who seek help with the difficulties they face due to sight problems.

To Become A Donor Simply Contact HERIB On

01482 342297

Get a Home Box for all your loose

Ask your local shop if they would like a Shop Box.

Fundraising Update

HERIB pens are back in stock! Only £1 each. Available from reception.

Ladies Luncheon What an afternoon we had at the Tickton Grange in Tickton, Beverley. 80 ladies attended our recent Luncheon event to enjoy a two course meal and listen to the exciting life story of Jane Thornton(wife of playwright John Godber). She told us about her film career and the plays she has done along side her husband. She really was a most interesting speaker and a truly lovely lady. Valerie Wood signed copies of her latest book and Susan Cunliffe Lister, Lord and lady of Bur-ton Agnes Hall joined us and said the grace. A fantastic day was had by all involved.

Hull Rotary Club Entertains The Rotary Club of Hull’s annual “Entertainment Evening” took place at HERIB in early May.

The “Rotary Choir” accompanied by Mary Munro-Hill on the keyboard, sang a selection of popular songs including Beatles and Elton John classics which stimulated enthusiastic participation by the audience.

A “Name the TV commercial Jingle” Quiz was followed by a selection of folk songs sung by Gordon Norman accompanied by violinist Jill Fisher and several amusing poetry readings were given by Bill Deakin, Mary Monro-Hill and Geoff Chandler.

HERIB would like to thank all the Rotarians who made the night such fun and for their continued support.

HERIB Diary

FUNDRAISING DATES Little Weighton Steam Rally Saturday 25th & Sunday 26th June Musical Evening at Burton Agnes Hall Thursday 30th June Driffield Show Wednesday 20th July Sponsored Dog Walk Sunday 4th September Great North Run Sunday 18th September Christmas Craft Fayre Saturday 10th December Cottingham Civic Hall

What’s your Idea?

HERIB are constantly looking for ways to raise funds. Have you ever been involved with raising money? Do you have an idea that could raise a few pounds? For any of the events above or to share your ideas with us, please contact us on: 01482 342297 Thank You!

TRAINING DATES

Visually Impairment Awareness Training

Next Date: Wednesday 13th July

The course is 10 hours in length comprising of one 7 hour training day plus 3 hours of work based private study.

Cost £68 per person. For more information or to book a place, please call HERIB on 01482 342297 or email us at angelag@herib.co.uk

HOUSE TO HOUSE COLLECTIONS

In June & July the HERIB team will be collecting donations out and about across the East Riding. If you can lend a hand please let us know by contacting our fundraising dept. on 01482 342297.

Other News

A Message from Rev. John

The festival for Easter has come and gone. Now is the time when folks are making plans for their summer holidays Once again a good number of our day centre members are busy preparing themselves for the HERIB annual Scarborough holiday. There is nothing better than a holiday to help one relax and unwind and to get away from the common round. Whether by the coast or in the countryside, at home or abroad, the pleasures delights and benefits of holidaying are boundless. I am looking forward to my kippers for breakfast at the Delmont Hotel followed by a walk along the beach and a dipping of the toe in the icy cold dark waters of the North Sea. There is nothing more invigorating! Wherever you are going this summer have a restful time and come back safe and renewed. God Bless. Rev John Tasker

A Comfortable Word The dull dark days of winter and the heavy snows are long behind us.

The YOGA Club Fridays 2pm –3pm at HERIB What Yoga can do for me? Improve posture Breathe easier. Less room for injury and undue wear and tear on joints and mus-cles. Improve circulation Renewed energy Nourishing the nervous system. Unblocking tensions so unblocking energy. Stress reducing Aids relaxation Yoga helps develop positive self-esteem and body image helping to create physical, mental and emotional confidence and stability. Plus it is a fun way to improve your health and maintain it. There’s no need to book simply turn up on the day. For more information please call Louise Hebblewhite on 07969 333715.

Other News

There’s a new quick and easy way to support HERIB – all you need is a mobile phone. There are no forms to fill in and you don’t need to provide your credit or debit card details so making a donation couldn’t be easier. Just Text Giving allows you to give £1, £2, £3, £4, £5 or £10 in a single donation by simply sending a text to the number 70070, using the unique code EYES01, followed by the amount you wish to donate. For example, should you wish to donate £5, a donor would text ‘EYES01 £5′ and send it to 70070. You will then be given the opportunity to add Gift Aid, meaning HERIB will benefit from an extra 25% at no additional cost to you. The best bit is that HERIB doesn’t incur any running costs and no commission is taken from the donations, so every penny you donate actually goes to help HERIB provide vital support services to local .

FSI Small Charity Car Draw 2011 HERIB is delighted to announce it is taking part in this year’s FSI small charity car draw. The draw gives small charities the chance to sell tickets to raise their local profiles and funds. Tickets are just £2 each, and you can win a brand new Fiat 500 car. The eco-friendly, efficient Fiat 500, was kindly donated by Zurich. It’s the car that got Jeremy Clarkson from Top Gear raving “...my God, you come away from an experience behind the wheel absolutely loving it. It’s cheeky and non-threatening without being pathetic. It’s practical without being boring”. If you’d like to find out more information, buy tickets or are able to sell some tickets to your friends and family please contact us on 01482 342297 or by email at mail@herib.co.uk

Win a brand new Fiat 500 Car!

here for people with sight loss

Our purpose is to help and support the changing needs of people with sight loss in Hull and the East Riding

and to raise the necessary funds to ensure our services are developed and maintained

Compliments or Complaints

If you have any compliments or complaints please contact:

Sue Pallister General Manager 01482 342297

Email: suep@herib.co.uk

Next Insight No.25

Out Autumn/Winter 2011

Due to increasing costs and reducing income, HERIB will only be able to produce 2 Insights each year, one during Winter

and one in Summer.

If you have anything you would like us to include in the next issue please send it to HERIB by the end of October 2011

for inclusion in the Autumn/Winter 2011 edition.

Thank You