“I came to CV to take a look at the resource centre and I was surprised by the amount of gadgets that I did not know existed”.

On Friday 27th September, Croydon Vision held an exciting Open Day, bringing together our vibrant community and new visitors. We gave them an opportunity to explore the different services we offer for people with sight loss. The whole day was eventful as people networked and had fun.

Our Open Day, which aligned perfectly with Eye Health Week, was designed to showcase a wide range of services we offer at Croydon Vision. Guests had the chance to participate in several different workshops and tables throughout the day, where they could learn about everything from our outreach services to advice and advocacy. Each table was regulated by our friendly team at Croydon Vision, who were ready to engage and answer any questions our guests may have.

Some of the key highlights included:

* Children and Young People: This table was operated by our officer Ayeza, where she beautifully decorated her table with different gadgets and toys. Our guests learned more about the workshops and activities Croydon Vision offer our young people to help them thrive.

* Wellbeing Workshops: Ran by our counsellor Helen, this workshop focused on the importance of looking after your mental health when living with sight loss.

* Chair Yoga: Our Advice and Advocacy Officer Stella ran two yoga sessions that allowed our members and external guests to relax and unwind.

Our Open Day was not all about learning, but a wonderful opportunity to socalise with each other. One highlight of the afternoon was our delicious lunch service where our guests enjoyed a variety of different foods such as lasagna, jerk chicken and more! Organising a communal meal was essential for our Open Day as we take pride in ‘Eat, Live and Age Well’ and we wanted this to be reflective on our Open Day.

A huge thank you to everyone who made the Croydon Vision Open Day possible. From our dedicated staff and volunteers who worked together to organise this event to our Croydon Vision members, your support helps us continue to make a difference for those living with sight loss in Croydon.

We are committed to continuing our mission of providing essential services and offering a sense of belonging for those with sight loss. If you were unable to attend our Open Day, don’t worry. Our doors are always open, and we welcome anyone to come along to any upcoming events.