September 22, 2026 - 264 views
Sight Village came to Llandudno for the first time this week – and Bayside Radio was there live.
Simon from Bayside broadcast live at Venue Cymru on Tuesday 23 September as Sight Village brought together charities, support organisations, technology specialists and people living with sight loss and vision impairment.
The free event, held as part of National Eye Health Week, gave visitors the chance to find out about practical support, accessible technology, transport, rehabilitation and services available to blind and partially sighted people and their families.
If you missed the live programme in conjunction with North Wales Society for the Blind, you can catch up with the full show here.
During the broadcast, Simon spoke to Rose Woodall from Sight Village about bringing the event to Llandudno for the first time. Sight Village has been running for more than 32 years and is connected to Queen Alexandra College in Birmingham, a charity with roots dating back to the 1800s. The event travels around the UK to make equipment, services, advice and information more accessible to people who may find it difficult to travel long distances.
Jason Shaw from VisionAid and Solutions for Independence explained how technology is changing the lives of blind and partially sighted people. He demonstrated how everything from electronic magnifiers and adjustable lighting to reading pens and AI-enabled devices can make everyday tasks easier. Jason also explained why home demonstrations can be particularly useful, allowing people to try equipment before deciding whether it is right for them.
VisionAid can be contacted on 0800 002 5555 or through www.visionaid.co.uk.
Megan Giles from Vision Support talked about the charity's work across North East Wales and Cheshire. Its services include home visits, support for people experiencing loneliness or isolation, benefits and financial wellbeing checks, counselling, digital skills support and social groups. Vision Support also works with hospitals, eye care liaison officers and sensory support teams.
You can contact Vision Support on 01244 478910.
Simon also met Paul Jenkinson, a photographer who has gradually lost his sight. Paul explained how he has adapted his photography using specialist equipment, including a larger camera screen, tripod, hand grips and a gimbal. Despite having limited vision, nystagmus, colour blindness and no 3D depth perception, Paul continues to take photographs and sells some of his work to cover printing costs.
Neil Atherton, Social Value Coordinator at Arriva, discussed the company's work to make bus travel more accessible. That includes training drivers to understand the challenges faced by passengers with sight loss, using simulations involving goggles and a cane. He also explained that new Arriva buses are due to have stop announcements in place by the end of October.
And Nick Thomas from the North Wales Society for the Blind spoke about the support available with accessible technology. Based in Bangor, the organisation helps people use phones, tablets and computers, find suitable apps and software, and apply for grants towards equipment where cost is a barrier. Rehabilitation and home-visiting support is also available in parts of North Wales, particularly Gwynedd and Anglesey.
North Wales Society for the Blind can be contacted on 01248 353604, by email at admin@nwsb.org.uk, or through www.nwsb.org.uk. The organisation is also on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.
The programme also features contributions and information from organisations including Guide Dogs, Goalball UK, Vision Support and other exhibitors at Sight Village.
Whether you or someone you know is living with sight loss, or you simply want to understand more about the technology and support available, the programme is packed with useful information and personal experiences.
