SUTTON ASSOCIATION FOR THE BLIND

WELCOME TO SAB

Sutton Association for the Blind

First Floor

3 Robin Hood Lane

Sutton

Surrey SM1 2SW

Telephone: 0 2 0 8 4 0 9 7 1 6 6 Email: contact form

Last Updated: 07/01/10

About Us

SAB is an independent charity, established in 1965, to support and assist blind and partially sighted people, aged 16 years and over, who are resident in the London Borough of Sutton.We are an equal opportunities organisation.

In 2000 we opened a Resource Centre for all sight impaired people resident in the London Borough of Sutton.It provides services that can promote independence, build confidence and give appropriate support, information and advice to achieve this.

(Carers are very welcome)

Who’s Who!

Board of Trustees

(All our Trustees are volunteers)

Mr Eric Kennedy - Chair

Mr Mike Petitt - Company Secretary

Mr Campbell McPhee – Trustee/Volunteer

Mr Roger Johnson - Trustee

Mrs Joan Giddings - Minute Secretary/Volunteer

Mr John Dawson - Trustee

Mr Frank Smith – Trustee/Volunteer

Mrs Janice O’Donnell – Trustee/Fundraiser

Auditor

Mr Richard Burgess

Staff

Mr Derek Forbes; Chief Officer

Mrs Rebekah Kelly; Outreach Worker

and Volunteer Co-ordinator

Mrs Anne Jameson; Outreach Worker

and Eye Clinic Liaison Officer

Mrs Vanessa Valentine; Low Vision and Resources Co-ordinator

Mrs Andrea Dix; Outings Co-ordinator

Volunteers

Frank - Trustee who also volunteers with telephone contact, home visiting, men’s group, social eyes and outings.

Sylvia - Reminiscence, Outings and Social Eyes.

Jan - Social Eyes, Outings, Hospital Appointments and Home Visiting.

Pam – Resource Centre, Reminiscence, Social Eyes and Outings.

Roger - Social Eyes, Low Vision Clinic, Outings and tapes for CONTACT.

Norma - Administration.

Isabel - Administration.

Campbell – British Wireless for the Blind

Other Volunteers:- Sue, Malcolm, Pam, Jeanne Joan, Diana, Doreen, Caroline, Suzanne, Mary, Audrey, Elizabeth, Sheila, Bob, and Steve.

Top of Page

Resources

The SAB Resource Centre has a wide range of equipment on display and for demonstration, to aid/enhance independent living.

Display And Demonstration

Equipment for independent living

Home demonstrations

New low vision technology

Advice on computers, specialist software and reading scanners

Low vision aids such as CCTV’s, hand and pocket held magnifiers

Large button telephones

Equipment to enhance independence and daily living needs

Services for the Visually Impaired

British Wireless for the Blind agency

Counselling and information on advocacy and benefits

Information and appropriate signposting (onward referral) to other services including services for those who are deaf and hard of hearing, deafblind or with learning disabilities who are resident in the London Borough of Sutton

Use of certain equipment in Resource Room (by appointment)

Re-setting of talking equipment such as clocks, watches and changing batteries

Community Low Vision Clinic

Information

Groups, clubs and holidays

Funding sources for specialist equipment

Information on eye conditions

Equipment catalogues (tape and large print) and advice

Other services to assist, support and provide information

Equipment Ordering Service

Equipment can be ordered by SAB and delivered to your door, please ask for details - Vanessa Valentine; Resources Co-ordinator, 020 8409 7167

Other Services

Tuition in computer skills using specialist software can be arranged

Tuition enabling you to learn Braille

Support and signposting on for retraining and employment issues

Access issues

Accessing funders for equipment

Referral to other appropriate services

Clients may be referred to London Borough of Sutton Vision and Hearing Services for an assessment of need, as a result of whichcertain equipment, white canes and/or criterion on mobility training may be provided

Home fire safety and provision of smoke alarms – in partnership with London Fire Brigade and Volunteer Centre Sutton

Pre-booked appointments are essential,

therefore please telephone 0 2 0 8 4 0 9 7 1 6 7

(Home demonstrations of some equipment/aids are

available on request)

Outreach Services

In 2003 SAB launched a new Outreach Service for sight impaired people resident in the London Borough of Sutton. It provides services that can promote independence, build confidence and give appropriate support, information and advice to achieve this.

Home Visiting

To assist with the reading and writing of personal mail and administration when required. Social visiting for support in activities such as crosswords, reading newspaper, poetry etc, or simply a chat.

Social/Activity Groups At SAB

Various groups to encourage clients to visit SAB and enjoy social chat or activity which is of interest to them.

Group Outings

Activities to various places of interest.

One-to-One Support And Sighted Guiding

For eye related medical appointments.

For other appointments if appropriate.

One-to-One Outings

Personal shopping, individual outings for other activities with

sighted guide.

Telephone Contact

Provides a friendly voice for those isolated or housebound.

Signposting/Referral To Other Appropriate Agencies

For tasks and support SAB cannot provide directly.

Social And Special Interest Groups And Activities

Social Eyes For The Over 60s

Provides an opportunity for clients and carers to meet socially at our morning or afternoon sessions. Sessions are on a weekly basis (Thursday’s), where you can enjoy a cup of tea/coffee and to have a chat! Many new friendships have been made. Recent invited visitors include Safer Neighbourhood Team (Sutton West); Paul Burstow MP; Tom Brake MP; LBS Pension/Benefits Advisor; Age Concern and Home Fire Safety Co-ordinator.

Poetry & Discussion

A group that meets every four weeks on Mondays. For poetry enthusiasts of any age who want to listen to poems or bring their own to be read.2 hrs duration and lunch is provided at cost.

Classical Music Group

For all ages interested in classical music and the composers.2 hrs duration and lunch is provided at cost.

Reminiscence Group For The Over 75s

Meet every four weeks, (two separate groups) on Mondays, 2 hrs duration and lunch is provided at cost.

Exercise & Relaxation

A simple class for chair based and other exercise,

including relaxation. 1 hour each Monday afternoon.

Outings

Group Outings for up to 25 max.

Small Group Outings for up to 10 max.

Two to One Outings special requests for an outing with a friend.

One to One Outings individually tailored.

One-to-One Support And Sighted Guiding For Appointments

Contact: Andrea Dix (Outings Co-ordinator)

0 2 0 8 4 0 9 7 1 6 6

(Monday, Wednesday or Thursday)

All outings are provided with appropriate support to make the time out interesting, safe and enjoyable. All our Volunteers are trained in Sighted Guiding and Visual Impairment Awareness and some are trained First Aiders. There is always a minimum of one trained First Aider on any outing. Risk Assessments are made prior to any outing being undertaken. All staff and volunteers are CRB checked.

All our staff members are trained in Sighted Guiding, Visual Impairment Awareness and First Aid and other matters which are appropriate to their roles. There is always one staff member who is in charge of each outing and who co-ordinates the day.

All clients receive full details, in their preferred format, in advance of the day. All outings are costed taking into account the cost of the transport, lunch (if provided), entry costs if appropriate, and transportation by shared taxi from home, to the centre and return.

Referral Process

SAB Criteria

All SAB clients must live in the London Borough of Sutton and be aged 16 years or over and have a visual impairment. However, they need not be registered sight impaired or severely sight impaired.

Anyone can make a self referral or referral of their cared for person to SAB. Telephone us on 0 2 0 8 4 0 9 7 1 6 6.Referrals can be made by any agency to SAB provided their client(s) meet our criteria. Referrals made by another agency or professional must be sent, preferably by e-mail or fax, on the SAB Enquiry Form. The purpose of the Enquiry Form and request for service provision must be appropriately completed.

All new clients referred to SAB are individually assessed for SAB services which include suitability for group activities and outings, use of our free transport and one to one visits at home or trips out for various purposes. All SAB assessments are carried out by an SAB Outreach Worker or the Chief Officer. If tasks are carried out by an SAB Volunteer, SAB do their utmost to match client and volunteer for suitability.

To obtain an Enquiry Form(s), please refer to our HTML version of our website or call:

0 2 0 8 4 0 9 7 1 6 6

Services Not Provided BY SAB For Visually Impaired People

Personal care

Home help tasks

Grocery shopping

Involvement in financial matters

Training on equipment or orientation training

Training and/or issue of white canes

Employment process

Services directly for children under 16

Although SAB do not provide the above services, they can refer or signpost visually impaired people to the appropriate service

Volunteering

DO YOU HAVE SKILLS THAT MAY HELP US TO HELP THEM? ………..

Do You Have Spare Time On Your Hands?

Interested in Assisting With Social Groups/Activities at SAB?

Would You Like to Undertake Home Visiting; One-to-One Outings; Small Group Outings?

Are You Able to Support Visually Impaired Clients to Eye Related Medical Appointments?

Do You Have The Skills to Undertake Office Administration/IT Skills?

Are You a Driver And Willing to Assist in Collection And Returning Home of Clients?

THEN YOU COULD BE WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR!!!

For further details regarding Volunteering opportunities with SAB Contact:

Mrs Rebekah Kelly Volunteer Co-ordinator

Telephone: 0 2 0 8 4 0 9 7 1 6

Interest, enjoyment and satisfaction

Gain experience - good addition for your CV!

Learn new skills

Good use of any spare time you may have

Meeting new people

Achievement by making a difference for others

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!

HOURS TO SUIT YOU

TRAINING GIVEN

FLEXIBLE,

INTERESTING WORK

AVAILABLE!

Sutton Association for The Blind is an independent charity serving all visually impaired people in the London Borough of Sutton

What Volunteers Have To Say

I came to SAB in a desperate state following a sudden loss of sight

By becoming a volunteer at SAB I found others who had many more disabilities than I and I enjoyed being able to assist them. I am a lucky one who’s sight has been partially restored. Volunteering helped my depression and made me realise I was still able to do a lot of things! Thank you SAB. Anon.

SAB have been such a support to me over a number of years and supported me in my retirement which I was dreading! It was suggested I became a volunteer and initially I was really nervous – I who had a visual and hearing impairment – an agency for the Blind wanted my help! I volunteered in the office, resource room and on outings and as Social Eyes developed have become a regular volunteer assisting with the tea and coffee and joining in the chatter of the older clients. I also help at the Reminiscence Group each month. Often when I come across clients who are depressed because of their sight loss, I am able to talk to them and explain that I too have a sight loss and hearing loss and it helps them to understand not all is lost! Thank you SAB for rebuilding my retirement days and giving me back confidence and self esteem I love my volunteering and look forward each week to joining SAB! PH

I enjoy being a volunteer for SAB. I currently help in the office and take the telephone calls one day a week. What volunteering means to me is a way of giving something back to society, helping people less able than I, meeting new people, purpose to the day and a reason for getting up in the morning and enjoying the whole experience. NAO

I love being an SAB volunteer. It is very variable and I find I meet such wonderful people via the clients. The SAB team are so caring it makes you want to do more! EW

I have had a number of volunteering roles at SAB right from the start of their services. Helping at Get Up and Go for the younger groups, driving the minibus when needed, outings to concerts and theatre, gardens and seaside – everything is so varied and made enjoyable individually for each client. I now run a Poetry group once a month for 15 clients and we have a lovely time reading favourite pieces and personal poems and chatting over a sandwich lunch. One meets such amazing people as a volunteer, every client has a tale to tell! The SAB team is caring and encourage everyone to volunteer more. I have no option as the Chief Officer is my wife! MD

Editors note; his wife is now retired as Chief Officer but it hasn't stopped him at all.

Memory Lane – Picture Board

Pictures of various clients and volunteers can be viewed on main SAB HTML website.

Useful Contacts

Action For Blind People 0 8 0 0 9 1 5 4 6 6 6

Age Concern (Sutton) 0 2 0 8 7 7 0 4 0 9 2

Alzheimer's Society (Sutton) 0 2 0 8 7 7 0 1 8 7 5

Calibre Audio Library 0 1 2 9 6 4 3 2 3 3 9

Epsom & St Helier NHS Trust

Epsom General Hospital 0 1 3 7 2 7 3 5 7 3 5

StHelier Hospital & Sutton Hospital 0 2 0 8 2 9 6 2 0 0 0

Sutton Eye Unit 0 2 0 8 2 9 6 4 3 6 4