Children and Young People
Building confidence through fun.
Children living with sight loss are often unable to access mainstream activities, which can result in a lack of confidence. We’re all about taking that on.
Croydon Vision’s younger members, who range from 3 years old right up to 18, are all visually impaired or blind and some also have additional needs, such as physical or learning disabilities. But that’s not the focus here. Our focus is helping them to live without being defined by their sight loss.
The activities our younger members participate in through Croydon Vision are designed to challenge and stimulate them, while meeting their specific needs:
- Building self-esteem, independence and confidence.
- Boosting social and communication skills.
- Making new friends who have shared experiences and challenges.
Laying foundations for a rich, full life
Our goal is to equip the children who come here with practical and physical skills, which will eventually lead them to being able to complete everyday tasks – such as cooking and travelling – independently. We encourage everyone to become more physically active, and have fun in the process.
How do we do that?
Regular activities such as:
- Cookery
- Playing VI cricket and goalball
- Reading Workshops
- Travelling Independently
- Tech Training
- Career Workshops
- Virtual Groups – Peer Support
- And even touch tours
Find out how you can get involved on our activities page >
Our Activities for Young People: updates coming up soon!
|
Activity/Workshop |
Time & Date |
Description |
| Technology and Computer Skills |
October 1st 4 – 5pm
|
This workshop introduces our children and young people to essential computer skills. |
|
Arts and Crafts
|
October 2nd 4 – 5pm
|
This workshop allows our children and young people explore their creativity with arts and crafts. |
| Sensory Science Experiment |
October 3rd 4 – 5pm
|
This workshop lets our children and young people explore science through hands on activities and helps engage their senses. |
For those unable to join us in person, we also offer regular online workshops, such as our Online Audio Book Club and Quiz activities. These virtual sessions provide children and young people with the opportunity to participate and learn from the comfort of their own homes, making learning accessible to all. Join us for a fun-filled and educational experience at Croydon Vision!
Young Peoples’ Voice:
‘’ I’m having an exciting time, the slime making was super cool, I also like the drama club I got to talk about Minecraft’’ (Member).
‘’I had a good time dancing; it was very funny music and we learnt new moves’’ (Member).
Contact Details (Children and Young People Officer):
Email address: Ayeza.Faisal@croydonvision.org.uk.
Contact Number: (+44) 07710 226457.
The more the merrier.
We primarily work with children and young people who are visually impaired, but we also welcome their siblings and family members to come along too. Our hub at Bedford Hall is a great place to meet people, chat and share your experiences with people who get you.
We also host loads of activities for families, such as quiz nights and summer BBQs. The focus at these get-together is always having fun, meeting new people and trying something different.
Activities
OUT OF THE BOX
Welcome to the OUT OF THE BOX activities – providing a fun, safe, and stimulating environment for young people from the age of 5 – 18 with sight loss. Our aim is to support our younger members to explore, learn and experience the world freely. The activities are designed to encourage confidence, independence and friendships in order to develop our future leaders. Siblings are more than welcome to join in the fun too!
Our four focus categories:
Active;
Active fun and games do not only fight boredom but also challenge their minds and muscles without the barriers of sight loss.
Creative;
Creative activities help our young members to discovering new concepts and techniques, to develop their ideas and their understanding of the world.
Life skills;
Life skills will help our young members to stand on their own feet with sight loss, build their independence and help them to master skills that they’ll be able to use into adulthood.
Entrepreneurship;
Entrepreneurs take risks and inspire others to achieve big ideas. We teach our younger members to develop important life skills such as planning, teamwork and leadership.
Our services are accessible to those who live or attend schools within Croydon and takes place throughout the school holidays.
For information and to book a place please contact: Ayeza.Faisal@CroydonVision.org.uk
Computer Training and New Technology
“Life is fun when you live young”
We have a selection of large print and braille (or tactile) games available to use, as well as, iPad and computer training.
There are card games such as UNO, as well as, Scrabble, Dominoes, Connect Four and even a tactile rubix cube so everyone can get involved and enjoy some friendly competition!
Croydon Vision has its very own IT experts who offers one to one IT training in person.
Appointments are available every Tuesday and Thursday and can be made over the telephone, via email or in person at reception. Whether your child is learning how to email for the first time or your teenager needs a few tips on how best to use their mobile phone – don’t hesitate to contact our Computer Training and New Technology for support: info@croydonvision.org.uk
Get Creative
‘We encourage our young members to be as creative and colourful at all times!’
We run art/craft classes during the school Summer holidays with the children producing beautiful seasonal pictures. We also have our very own art room for fun and interactive sessions, giving the children and young people the opportunity to explore their creativity and imagination freely. You can use paint, crayons, pencils, stencils, chalk, glitter and a host of items to come up with your very own masterpiece.
We also incorporate empowerment activities such as the ‘Superhero workshop where the children made their own DIY costumes, brainstormed the different skills that make up the characteristics of a hero, as well as a review of which professions they believed classify someone a real life superhero.
For more info, contact Ayeza.Faisal@CroydonVision.org.uk
Healthy Living
“We embrace healthy living at Croydon Vision and include it in the delivery of all our services.”
This is particularly important to us when we work with the younger generation. Our children and young people project aims to equip children with the life skills to lead healthier and happier lifestyles.
Eating
We run interactive workshops to teach children the importance of a healthy balanced diet. Children have learnt how to make fresh pizza from scratch, learning how to write a shopping list, purchase ingredients, through to weighing out the ingredients.
Physical skills
We want to encourage young people to have equal access to all sports and physical activities. So far the children have learnt to rock climb, how to play goalball, learnt to cycle using adaptive bikes, tried guided running and VI tennis, participated in gymnastics and many more sports sessions will be on the agenda for the rest of the year.
Lunch
Monday and Thursday from 12.30pm-1.30pm
We serve a delicious, healthy and balanced 2 course meal all for just £7 per person.
Some of our activities last for a half or full day period, therefore, we provide complimentary lunch and refreshments within these sessions.
Children and young people are more than welcome to pop in for a tasty and wholesome lunch, all prepared fresh on site by our wonderful and talented chef Isha during the week!