Business Details
Sight Loss Support & Services in the North West
Galloways has been dedicated to empowering individuals with sight loss across the North West since 1867. Our mission focuses on fostering connection, choice, and confidence through tailored support services, including emotional guidance, practical assistance, and access to cutting-edge technology. With 36 staff members, many of whom have lived experience of visual impairment, and 285 dedicated volunteers, we combine professional expertise with personal understanding to address the unique challenges faced by blind and partially sighted individuals.Our comprehensive approach includes wellbeing support, social activities, and specialised projects designed to promote independence and community engagement. As a registered charity (number 1208307), we remain committed to evolving our services to meet the changing needs of those we serve, ensuring every individual can lead a fulfilling and self-directed life.
Services
Sight Loss Support
Technology Assistance
Social Groups
Digital Hub
Low Vision Clinic
Highlights and features
- We have over 150 years of experience supporting individuals with sight loss.
- Our team includes staff with lived experience of visual impairment.
- We offer tailored technology solutions to enhance digital independence.
- We provide NHS-funded low vision clinic services and hospital support.
- Our social groups create inclusive communities for blind and partially sighted people.
Services
Sight Loss Support
Our Sight Loss Support service provides personalised assessments and practical solutions for individuals adjusting to visual impairment. We offer emotional guidance, daily living skills training, and home accessibility advice. With staff who have lived experience of sight loss, we combine professional expertise with empathetic support to help clients maintain independence and confidence in their daily lives.
Technology Assistance
Technology Assistance helps clients overcome digital barriers through tailored assessments and training. Our Digital Inclusion team recommends accessible devices like magnifiers, text-to-speech tools, and smartphone adaptations. We provide hands-on guidance to ensure individuals can confidently use modern technology for communication, information access, and daily tasks.
Social Groups
Social Groups create inclusive spaces for blind and partially sighted individuals to connect. Activities include sports events, hobby clubs, and peer support sessions that foster friendships and reduce isolation. These groups promote mental wellbeing through shared experiences while supporting participants to remain active members of their local communities.
Low Vision Clinic
The NHS-funded Low Vision Clinic offers specialist support for individuals with visual impairments. Our experts assess individual needs and recommend optical aids, electronic magnifiers, and vision-enhancing techniques. This service helps clients maximise remaining vision through practical solutions tailored to their specific eye condition and daily requirements.
Hospital Support
Hospital Support provides immediate assistance through Eye Care Liaison Officers (ECLOs) based in medical facilities. These specialists offer emotional support, practical advice, and signposting to ongoing services following eye condition diagnoses. They bridge clinical care with community support, ensuring patients receive continuous assistance during critical adjustment periods.
Questions
What areas do Galloways cover?
We provide services across the North West of England, supporting blind and partially sighted individuals in their homes, communities, and healthcare settings.
Do you offer technology training?
Yes, our Digital Inclusion team provides personalised assessments and training on accessible devices, including magnifiers, text-to-speech tools, and smartphone adaptations.
Are social activities available?
We run regular social groups and inclusive sports events designed for individuals with sight loss, fostering community connections and wellbeing.
Is hospital support available?
Our Eye Care Liaison Officers provide immediate support in hospitals, offering practical advice and connecting patients with ongoing community services.
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