The four‑week programme will help blind and partially sighted people across Sheffield and Rotherham build the confidence they need to live more independently. Clients frequently tell SRSB that reduced confidence affects mobility, technology use and social interaction - areas that can significantly impact wellbeing and increase isolation.
Sheffield Abbeydale Rotary was fortunate to receive a generous donation of £5,000 from a Canadian citizen, Teresa Jacobson. Teresa had spent time in Sheffield with Abbeydale Rotary as a Rotary Ambassadorial Scholar, while attending a course at the local university.
Her donation was in gratitude for the exceptional support and friendship which Teresa had received from Abbeydale members and particularly so, from the late Past President Adrian Ponsford and his family.
Teresa had requested that Abbeydale use the donation to support its various charitable activities, and members discussed how best to use the money to support and work with the local community. Two worthy causes in Sheffield were chosen, one of which was a specific project with the wholly independent Sheffield Royal Society for the Blind (SRSB). The project, CONFIDENCE BUILDING COURSES, is for people facing the early stages of blindness or a significant deterioration in their vision, whose mental wellbeing and confidence have been deeply affected, and who need meaningful support to help them feel capable, independent, and hopeful again.
Sheffield Abbeydale Rotary was pleased to donate £3,000 to SRSB which they did at a recent meeting.
A few Abbeydale Rotary members were also so inspired by the work of SRSB, that further significant private donations were made to add to the £3,000; this will now enable the prompt commencement of their Confidence Building Courses.
Led by SRSB’s qualified Rehabilitation Officers, the course will use real‑life scenarios to help participants develop practical skills, explore technology solutions and strengthen emotional resilience. Support will also be provided by SRSB’s Emotional Support Officer and Counsellor/Psychotherapist.
Each course will support six to ten clients, with a minimum of four courses planned over the next year. Participants will complete questionnaires before and after the programme to measure improvements in confidence and identify ongoing needs.
SRSB Fundraising Manager Steve Loane said “We are extremely grateful to Abbeydale Rotary for enabling us to deliver this much‑needed support. Confidence is a vital part of adapting to sight loss, and this funding will make a real difference to people’s lives.”
SRSB provides a wide range of services for over 8,200 clients in Sheffield and Rotherham, including emotional support, technology training, social activities, peer support and practical advice.
You can contact SRSB on 0114 272 2757 or email info@srsb.org.uk