Decades of Highland Craft

Seeing Things Differently More Than a Magnifier

Our Marketing Coordinator, Rachel, recently sat down with Resource Centre Support Worker Wendy for a conversation about life with sight loss, the small adaptations that can make a big difference, and the incredible work carried out by Highland BlindCraft Sensory Services. This is the first in a new series, Seeing Things Differently: Hi, I'm Rachel, and I've worked at Highland BlindCraft for four years now. Living with a hidden disability myself, I've always been interested in how people adapt to life's challenges and find ways to continue doing the things they love. During my time here, I've had the privilege of working alongside an incredible group of colleagues, many of whom live with sight loss or other disabilities. One thing I've learned is just how adaptable people are. Life doesn't stop because your circumstances change. New routines are created, different ways of doing everyday tasks become second nature and, before long, those adaptations simply become your normal. Looking in from the outside, you often wouldn't have a clue how much work has been done has behind the scenes. Recently, I sat down with my colleague - and friend -Wendy. Although we work for the same organisation, we spend our days in completely different departments. Like a lot of workplaces, you know what your colleagues do in general, but you don't always appreciate what their day-to-day role really looks like. Wendy works within our Sensory Services team, supporting people with sight loss across the Highlands and Western Isles. She also lives with sight loss herself, so alongside her professional knowledge, she brings lived experience and a genuine understanding of many of the challenges people face. Her sight loss has never defined who she is, and I think that's one of the reasons she's so good at supporting others. She understands that no two people are the same, and that rebuilding confidence starts with listening. As we chatted over a cup of tea, I found myself stopping every few minutes thinking, I'd never even considered that! One example has really stayed with me. Imagine sitting down to a plate of chicken, mashed potatoes and cauliflower on a white plate. Most of us wouldn't think twice about it. But if your sight is reduced, where does one food end and the next begin? The answer can be as simple as changing the colour of the plate. By using a plate that contrasts with the food, each item becomes much easier to identify. It's such a simple idea, but one that could make mealtimes less frustrating, more enjoyable and help someone feel more confident and independent. That conversation made me realise something I'd never really thought about before. What looks effortless is often the result of learning, patience and support. The little adaptations people make every day become so natural that they're almost invisible to everyone else. Many people know us for our handcrafted beds and mattresses, but our story began more than 145 years ago by creating employment opportunities for people with sight loss. Today, that purpose continues through meaningful employment for people with varied disabilities and through our Sensory Services team, who help people across the Highlands and Western Isles continue living independently and with confidence. When people ask what Highland BlindCraft does, it's easy to think of the beds we make. I'm incredibly proud of that. But after spending time with Wendy, I've realised we're about so much more than beds. We're about people. This is the first in what I hope will become a little series. Wendy shared so many stories, practical tips and moments that made me stop and think, and I'd love to pass some of those on. I hope you'll enjoy seeing things differently with me. If anything you've read today has resonated with you, or perhaps reminded you of a friend or family member, we'd love to hear from you. Whether you're looking for practical advice, information or simply don't know where to start, our Sensory Services team is here to help. 

It’s National Volunteers’ Week, so what better way to begin our coverage by shining a light on a volunteer who has given up so much of her time to deliver one of our most popular services.  Making a difference - the very essence of why many people, like our very own Irene Robertson, chose to volunteer. “When you help a person that brings a lot of satisfaction, knowing that you’re making a difference, no matter how big or small it is,” she said. For one of our longest-serving volunteers Irene, it’s one of the major reasons she chose to join our service. Another reason was her mum, as she explains. “I was at Raigmore for an appointment,” she said. “There were leaflets in the reception area and one of those was for Sight Action, as the service was known back then. “I had just retired from work, and I was looking for something to do. Getting involved with a sight loss charity just chimed with me because my mum had macular degeneration and glaucoma. “I went to see Sarah Shaw, who was the volunteer coordinator at the time, and was soon signed up to the talking books.” That was in 2017. Nine years later, Irene is still an integral part of talking books, coming in once a week to send out audio books requested by our service users. As well as talking books, Irene previously helped with the services’ daytrippers – a lunch club that involved 2-3 volunteers going out in the minibus, picking up service users, going for something to eat, then taking them home afterwards. Unfortunately, rising costs meant daytrippers disbanded a few years ago, but Irene stayed on, helping to provide a vital talking books service that continues to be well used. For Irene, the benefits are twofold. “I think both the volunteer and the person receiving the service have to get something out of it,” she said. “From my point of view, I feel I’m making a contribution that helps someone and hopefully that person I’m helping gets the benefit of that.” A weekly visitor to our offices, Irene continues to be a valued member of our team. “It’s a lovely bunch of people,” she said. “They keep me fed and watered when I’m in! The support I get to do the talking books has always been really good. “It’s always fun and a very nice environment to work in!” Thank you for all that you do Irene – we could not do it without you! #volunteersweek

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