Healthworks to take on the operation of Useful Vision in 2025

A Message from Paul Court, Chief Executive of Healthworks

I am thrilled to share this exciting development. Useful Vision has been a beacon of hope and support for visually impaired children and their families across the North East.

Its enriching, accessible activities have created countless opportunities for children to thrive and for families to feel empowered.

At Healthworks, we share these values of empowerment and inclusivity and are committed to preserving and enhancing the incredible work Useful Vision has been doing for two decades. Together, we will ensure it grows and continues to make a lasting impact.

About Useful Vision

Founded two decades ago, Useful Vision provides a wide range of positive, accessible opportunities and activities for visually impaired children and their families. These events and workshops are carefully designed to reduce social isolation, build confidence, and promote self-esteem.

The service is an essential lifeline for families, offering emotional support, practical advice, and activities that foster skill development, friendship, and inclusion for children of all ages and abilities.

Welcoming the Useful Vision Team

The current Useful Vision staff will join Healthworks and continue in their existing roles, ensuring continuity and familiarity for the families they serve.

By joining forces, we aim to expand the reach and impact of this vital service, benefiting even more visually impaired children and their families in the years to come.

The team continue to be based in The Lemington Centre and can be contacted on 0191 447 2600 or by email [email protected] for support.

Resources, help and support

Navigating life with a visually impaired child can feel overwhelming, but you’re not alone. Useful Vision is here to provide imaginative activities, family-friendly events, and skills workshops tailored to the needs of visually impaired children.

From early years through to young adulthood, the service supports not just the child but also siblings and the wider family.

Visit the Useful Vision website to learn more about the support available.

A heartfelt thank you to Useful Vision’s founders

After 20 years of dedicated voluntary leadership, the trustees of Useful Vision have chosen to retire. Their unwavering commitment has created a legacy of empowerment and support for hundreds of families in the North East.

Rebecca Wilson, Useful Vision Trustee said this of the move:

After 20 years of voluntarily running Useful Vision, the trustees and I feel it is time to retire but we want to ensure that this vital service will continue.

Useful Vision will cease to exist as a legal entity from the end of December 2024. Following discussions with Healthworks Chief Exec, Paul Court, I am delighted to announce that Healthworks, an award-winning regional charity, with a great track record, will be taking on Useful Vision from 1 January 2025.

This marks an important step in securing the long-term sustainability and growth of Useful Vision, ensuring that it continues to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families who enjoy its services.

This transition ensures that Useful Vision will continue to thrive under Healthworks’ operation, bringing more opportunities to visually impaired children and their families for many years to come.

Together, we look forward to building on this amazing foundation, ensuring that Useful Vision continues to be a pillar of support, inclusion, and inspiration.

For more information, please contact the Useful Vision team directly or get in touch with Healthworks.

Let’s celebrate this next chapter and the exciting opportunities it brings for the North East community!