Carol Jones gave a talk and answered questions on her organisation, Young Lives vs Cancer. She outlined the various work done to help young people and their families who are affected by the disease. Many people in our group found the information Carol gave helpful, thanks to her. A podcast of the meeting is available at https://soundcloud.com/user-767160311/young-lives-vs-cancer
David of Poppy Scotland gave a talk and answered questions on the work of his organisation. He explained the fund raising and the distribution of those funds. A podcast of the meeting is available athttps://soundcloud.com/user-767160311/poppy-scotland
. This vdeo shows Campaigns Manager Hugh Huddy in a new campaign about safer streets which starts by featuring Hugh walking into a bicycle tethered to a lamppost.
It shows the difficulties faced by blind and partially sighted people when walking, but we’re pleased that it’s certainly got people thinking.
Dockless bikes obstructing the pavement. An undetectable kerb levelled flat with the road. A cycle path on the pavement which bypasses a bus stop, without a detectable kerb between pedestrians and cyclists, or an accessible crossing.These are the difficulties which Hugh comes across, and which we frequently hear about from blind and partially sighted campaigners and members of the public. So we made this video with the Londonist to give blind and partially sighted people a voice, which usually isn’t heard.
We’re really pleased by how the video has been received, and it shows the importance of hearing people speak up about their experiences.
Comments on the Londonist YouTube channel include:
“Well done Londonist! You are bringing light to a subject people never consider.”
“This is so important to take into account while planning roads / pavements.”
“Really interesting video. There’s so much we sighted people just don’t even think about in our environment. Thanks.”
“Fantastic – well done! Such sensible advice to urban planners and all of us out there.”
“What a great video. I use a cane and fully agree. It’s not only bikes on pavements but also shop fronts that spill onto the street and other billboards etc. Also cars and vans parked on pavements.”
Seeing differently and recognising barriers to inclusion
We work to increase understanding, so that people see differently about sight loss. It’s great that it’s having an effect, and that barriers to accessible walking can be better understood. You can hear more experiences of inaccessible streets, in a video we made for a previous campaign called Safe to Cross.
Being able to walk safely and make independent journeys is fundamental to being an active member of society. This is what inclusive street design needs to achieve.
We celebrated Burns birthday with music and poetry. John Campbell played his accordion and members contributed with readings and singing, our thanks to John for his music and repartee.
We welcomed pupils from Bishopbriggs Acadamy, they joined in with the music
We had a Christmas celebration with lots of goodies to eat, Christmas Carols and of course a visit from Santa.
We celebrated St. Andrew’s day with traditional Scottish music. Our thanks to John Campbell who provided the music and wit!
We sold craft items at the annual fair held at the Park Centre. Special thanks to Andy and Doris for their work throughout the year and their work at the stall on the day They have also sold goods at Kelvin Court which has been a big help to our funds
