Innovate and Inspire! Local Sight Loss Charity, MyVision Oxfordshire, wins award for Green Walks project.

Visionary UK, a membership organisation for sight loss charities, hosted a conference on Wednesday 25th and Thursday 26th of September, where MyVision Oxfordshire was awarded the Innovation and Inspire award for their Green Walks project.

Visually impaired individuals face a unique set of challenges when navigating the world, particularly in natural environments. While access to cities and public spaces has improved over the years through infrastructure adaptations, the countryside and green spaces remain difficult to access for many. This issue not only impacts their mobility but also their physical and mental well-being.

In 2023, Natural England and its partners (Research Institute for Disabled Consumers, Oxfordshire County Council, University of Oxford, and MyVision Oxfordshire) published a report (JP050: Creating More Accessible Green & Blue Spaces) which highlights the barriers preventing people with visual impairments from equitably accessing and enjoying these natural spaces.

??????????? “When I was diagnosed with sight loss, I was determined to face the challenges positively and to live as normal a life as possible.? The biggest challenge has been negotiating the outside world, as it is full of obstacles and glare.”

Initially the project aimed to engage visually impaired individuals in Didcot by establishing a walking group to explore local parks and recreation areas. Participants helped design the group’s activities, ensuring the walks met their needs. The plan, if successful, was to expand with similar groups across Oxfordshire. Additionally, the group served as a forum to discuss broader support needs, including access to blue spaces and addressing safety concerns, in line with recommendations from the Natural England report.

??????????? “Taking part in the green walks has helped boost my confidence no end.? What better way to feel engaged in the world than walking and talking whilst enjoying being in the lovely company, surrounded by nature.”

??????????? “Since my sight has deteriorated, I have lost confidence and fallen over a couple of times, however due to the support from charities and being a member of the walking group, it has helped me to get back out there and realise I can travel independently, and I am even going on a solo holiday to another country.”

??????????? “For one of the walks, I brought my 8-year-old son along and he really enjoyed himself too.? He was upset that he would be at school the next time I went.”

“Before the walks, I had not used a bus for 15 years.? I realise that I had erected this barrier.? I have now booked myself holiday to Austria”.

The overwhelming support of the initial walking group?in Didcot was just the response MyVision were looking for. Since then, they have started walking groups in Abingdon and East Oxford, recently started one in Witney, and have a date set for the first walk in Banbury. These walks are hosted by the “innovative and inspiring” team at MyVision and supported by their volunteers who are always eager to help when they can.

All the information about the Green Walks projects, including dates, times and locations can be found on their website at https://www.myvision.org.uk or on their Facebook page, @MyVision Oxfordshire, where they post about past and future events. If you are visually impaired and in Oxfordshire and this is something you would like to join, you can contact them by email at: [email protected] or call them on: 01865 725595. The more, the merrier!

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MyVision Oxfordshire supports blind and visually impaired adults and children across Oxfordshire. MyVision are committed to promoting independence and opportunities for visually impaired people in the community by offering information, advice, and support. MyVision supports not only to the individual, but also families and carers too. They offer information and guidance as well as social groups, exercise groups, outings, and counselling. If you or someone you know would like more information, then please visit www.myvision.org.uk or get in touch at [email protected] ?

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