Galloway’s is a sight loss charity, home to one of the largest communities of blind and partially sighted people across Lancashire and Sefton. 
Losing your sight can be frightening, but Galloway’s has worked for more than 150 years to help take that fear away. We make sure that nobody has to face their sight loss journey alone.
Our support ranges from advice about equipment and technology to running social and activity groups.
We work to promote positive change in society for the benefit of the 52,000 blind and partially sighted people in our community. We want blind and partially sighted people to feel empowered so they can make a difference to their own lives.
One way we have helped people realise their capabilities is through our Tech Ability project, where we have loaned out data-enabled tablets and provided one-to-one online remote support to 13 blind and partially sighted
people who are not confident in using technology. This was delivered by two people who fully understand the needs of visually impaired people and the challenges they face. The two trainers, Andrew and Graham, are both registered blind and work in the assistive technology sector, so carry a wealth of knowledge and personal experience. This enabled the participants to relate really well with their trainer, with one expressing how inspired they were by Andrew and Graham’s knowledge and ability.
Those who have taken part have said the training has increased their independence and allowed them access to useful information and given more opportunities for social interaction, with one person noting: ‘It has given me my life back.’
The project has been made possible thanks to a grant from Catalyst and The National Lottery Community Fund COVID-19 Digital Response Fund. Galloway’s is also being supported by digital charity CAST and Graham Longly from Aspire Assistive CIC Ltd to deliver the scheme.
