Latest news with #SightMatters
BBC News
16-06-2025
- Health
- BBC News
Sight Matters: Charity to open special therapeutic space
A sight loss charity has been awarded a grant for a new therapeutic garden to help people move on from the challenges they project, called Life Grows On, will see six alotments and a water feature installed in a former dog pen at the Sight Matters headquarters in Corrin Court, Onchan. Created in partnership with the Manx Deaf Society, Cruse Bereavement and the Alzheimers' Society, the project was awarded a grant of £21,385 from Manx Lottery spokesman Peter Marshall said the garden was for people to meet others and "grow things which symbolises moving on from whatever challenges they face". The garden would include features such as raised planters, tactile signage, and guided gardening sessions to make the space accessible for all. 'Much-needed' The funding would allow the charities to "create a much-needed therapeutic space where members of our community can come together, reflect, and experience the healing power of nature", Mr Marshall said. "Gardening offers so many benefits, and we're excited to provide an inclusive, accessible environment where people can nurture both plants and their own emotional wellbeing," he executive Cathryn Bradley said the project would provide a space for the various charities to grow what they wanted in their for the project, which it is hoped will be completed by the end of summer, was being undertaken by prison work parties. Unlike Sight Matters' Freedom Field, which required a fob to access, the space would be openly available for members of the charities at all times. Read more stories from the Isle of Man on the BBC, watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer and follow BBC Isle of Man on Facebook and X.
BBC News
26-05-2025
- BBC News
Sight loss charity's plea to TT riders and visitors
A sight loss charity has called for TT riders and visitors to be aware of a "heightened risk" on the island's roads for people who have a visual Matters said the increased volume of traffic "brings challenges" and urged those at the event to be "conscious of vulnerable road-users". Chief Executive Cathryn Bradley said some of the charity's members enjoyed "the vibe and the buzz" on the island during the TT races, but others felt that the best thing they could do was to stay at home, which could make it a "long two weeks".She urged drivers to take care during the event. The event could change people's orientation, as changes to routes and bus services as well as having more pedestrians, Ms Bradley said it was a "busy period" and "for safety and practical reasons we don't run the full services that we do the remainder of the year". Peter Marshall from the charity added that many of the issues that people who were visually impaired faced, particularly around the roads, were often "amplified" during the TT period. Pavement parking would impact on people's routes, he urged those with sight loss to allow double time for their charity would still be available to provide visits to those outside of the course, he said, adding it would be contactable on the phone and provide remote services such as its audio news and audio library throughout the event. Read more stories from the Isle of Man on the BBC, watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer and follow BBC Isle of Man on Facebook and X.
