What We Do
At Sight Support Calderdale, we bring people together through activity groups, peer support, and local events. Whether it’s enjoying a coffee morning, taking part in a walking group, or getting advice and encouragement from others with sight loss, our services are here to help you stay connected, active, and supported.
Explore what’s on and find something for you in our calendar -
Support Groups
Locality Groups
We are running monthly peer support groups across local communities, relaxed meet-ups for people with sight loss to connect, chat, and build friendships. Sessions take place in local cafés and pubs and are facilitated by a member of our team. Everyone is welcome.
Elland – First Monday of each month, 11am at The Barley Box, Elland
Sowerby Bridge – Third Monday of each month, 11am at The Moorings
For more information, please contact Damian at the office. We look forward to seeing you!
Breakfast Groups
Join us each week for a relaxed breakfast. Arrive at 10:30am for a sandwich (£5), provided in partnership with Mustard and Mayo; the group session begins at 11:00am.
Weekly Agenda
Week 1 Technology Group - Luke leads sessions on the latest assistive technologies, with occasional guest demonstrations from suppliers showcasing new products.
Week 2 Companions Group - For carers and family members to share experiences and access support.
Week 3 Guide Dogs Group – A welcoming space for guide dog owners to connect, share experiences, and discuss the joys and challenges of life with a guide dog.
Week 4 Focus Group - A deep dive into a specific visual impairment or area of support with guest speakers. Recent examples include Judith Potts on Charles Bonnet syndrome and Deafblind on Usher syndrome.
To see the recordings for these sessions, visit our Resources page here:
Activities
SocialEyes
SocialEyes is our weekly daytime meet up for people with sight loss to connect, try new activities, and enjoy lunch together. Sessions run every Thursday, 10:30am–2:00pm, and features a varied programme, guest speakers and entertainers, hands on crafts, friendly competitions, and more. Places are limited, advance booking is required, and the cost is £10 per person.
What to expect:
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A welcoming, social atmosphere
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A changing programme to suit different interests
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Time to chat, share experiences, and build friendships
How to book:
Click the Contact button on this page to go to our Contact page and book your place.If you’re unable to use the button, please contact the office and we will reserve a spot for you.
Walking Group
Step into the fresh air with our monthly Walkie Talkies, a friendly, confidence building walk for adults with sight loss. From March to October, we explore local routes at a relaxed pace, with plenty of time to chat and enjoy the surroundings. Our trained volunteers are on hand to offer sighted guiding and practical support so you can focus on the experience, not the logistics.
What to expect:
A welcoming, small-group atmosphere where everyone sets the pace together. Supportive volunteers offering sighted guiding throughout the walk. Carefully chosen local routes with amenities nearby. Varied, accessible walks designed to help you build confidence outdoors. Clear information in advance about meeting points, route length, and any considerations
Good to know:
Please wear comfortable footwear and dress for the weather
Bring a drink and any personal essentials you may need
Assistance dogs are welcome
Cost: £3 per person (pay on the day).
How to join: Please contact the office to book your place and receive upcoming dates.
Coffee & Chat
Friendly, drop-in meet-ups for adults living with sight loss. Enjoy conversation, light activities, and refreshments in a relaxed setting. No booking needed, new members are always welcome. Sessions cost £2 per person.
Brighouse Group
When: Mondays, 12:30–2:30pm
Where: Brighouse Rest Centre
Come along to meet new people, enjoy refreshments, and take part in simple games and activities. If you have any questions, please contact the office.
Halifax Group
When: Wednesdays, 2:00–4:00pm
Where: 7 Southgate, Halifax, HX1 1DL
Drop in for a chat, a cuppa, and inclusive activities with a welcoming crowd. Refreshments provided.
Bowling Group
If you’re living with sight loss and fancy a friendly game, join our weekly tenpin bowling group every Friday at 11:00am at Electric Bowl, Halifax. It’s relaxed, social, and welcoming to all abilities; the group is proudly member-led and even chose their team name: Peaky Blinders.
Players pay for their own games at the venue. Trained volunteers are on hand for sighted guiding, lane orientation, and score support, and assistance dogs are welcome. Tell us about any adjustments you need and we will work with the venue to make the session as comfortable as possible.
To register your interest, click the Contact button on this page. If you are unable to use the button, please contact the office.
Inbetweeners Group
Inbetweeners is a friendly, informal meet-up for adults living with sight loss who want to connect with peers and try new things together. We meet at 6:00pm on the fourth Thursday of each month at our centre, with plans shaped by the group.
Activities vary from month to month—think pub meet-ups, indoor climbing sessions, meals out, quizzes, guest speakers, and more. Volunteers are on hand to offer sighted guiding and practical support so everyone can take part confidently.
Cost: £5 per person. (We’ll let you know in advance if an outing has any additional venue costs.)
Knit and Natter
A relaxed, social craft group for people living with sight loss. Bring your knitting (or crochet) and enjoy friendly conversation while you work on your project.
Wednesdays, 12:00–2:00pm at our centre. Beginners are very welcome, and volunteers are on hand to offer light support so everyone can take part with confidence. If you have any access needs, let us know and we’ll do our best to accommodate them. Assistance dogs are welcome.
Services
Sight Centre
Our Sight Centre is a welcoming space where people living with sight loss can explore practical aids, try out equipment, and find the solutions that make daily life easier. You can drop in to browse, or scroll down to watch the virtual tour video before you visit. Our team are on hand to guide you through options and help you choose with confidence.
Some of the products we offer:
Magnifiers: handheld, stand and video
Daily living aids: No-Knock Cup, PenFriend, liquid level indicators
Lighting & glare control: task/room lighting,
Eye shields: Cocoons
Kitchen tools: talking microwave, induction hob, air fryer
Phones & communication: big-button phones, Doro, BlindShell, USB players
Leisure & games: large-print puzzles, tactile and braille games
Time & alerts: accessible clocks and watches
Health & wellbeing: talking thermometer and scales, eye-drop dispensers, colour detector
This is just a sample of what we offer. If you’re looking for something else, we can demonstrate products, source items, or recommend suitable alternatives
Technology Studio
Our Technology Studio is a hands on space where people living with sight loss can explore and learn the tools that make everyday life easier. Whether you are brand new to accessibility or looking to get more from the tech you already use, you will get friendly, practical support from our team at our centre.
What you will find
Try a range of accessible options, from screen magnification and screen readers, to desktop and portable video magnifiers, OCR and reading devices, accessible phones and tablets, smart speakers, and (where available) braille and tactile tech. We focus on what you want to do: reading, writing, messaging, shopping, travel, photos, entertainment, and more.
How it works
We start with a quick chat about your goals, then guide you through suitable options so you can compare and decide with confidence. If helpful, we will set up features on your own device, offer bite size training, and point you to trustworthy suppliers or funding routes.
Watch the tour
There is a short tour video just below this text, have a look to see the space and some of the kit in action.
Friends on the Phone
Friends on the Phone is our weekly telephone befriending service. You will be carefully matched with one of our friendly volunteers, who will call you at an agreed time each week for a chat and a catch up. Calls can last anywhere from a few minutes to an hour, depending on what you’d like, and you can continue with the service for as long as you find it helpful.
The service is free of charge and available to any adult living with sight loss in Calderdale. To find out more or to be referred, please contact Sight Support Calderdale on 01422 352383 or email info@sightsupportcalderdale.org.uk
Home Visiting
If you would find it difficult to come to us, we can come to you. Our team can visit at home to explain the different kinds of support we offer, answer your questions, and help you find out which of our groups, activities, or services might be most useful. We also provide one-to-one help with technology, such as setting up magnifiers, tablets, or phones, so you can make the most of them day to day.
Where visiting the Sight Centre is not possible, we can also bring a small selection of items to try at home for those living in Calderdale. Whenever possible, though, we encourage people to come into the centre, where there is a wider choice and more opportunities to explore.
Events
Alongside our regular groups, we also run special events throughout the year, from seasonal celebrations and awareness days to trips, guest speakers, and social get togethers. Below you will find some of the events we’ve recently hosted.
To keep up to date with what is coming next, check our Calendar or sign up to our newsletter so you never miss out.
Summer Trip 2025
In July we set off on our very first summer trip, heading to the seaside town of Bridlington. After meeting at Woolshops, everyone enjoyed a much needed day out by the coast. Some spent the day exploring the shops and arcades, others took a stroll along the seafront, and of course there was plenty of fish and chips to go around. As people went off to enjoy the day in their own way, most of our photos ended up being of our staff team, who also had a brilliant time! It was a wonderful day for everyone involved, and great to see so many smiles and hear such positive feedback from those who joined us.
2nd Year Anniversary
Our Anniversary Event was a fantastic success, bringing together members, partners, and the local community at our Southgate centre. Throughout the day, visitors explored a wide range of stalls showcasing the latest in VI equipment and support services, including Humanware, Associated Optical, VisionAid, Sight and Sound, Calderdale Talking News, and the Low Vision Clinic.
The atmosphere was lively and welcoming, with plenty of opportunities for people to chat, ask questions, and try out new technology. Of course, no celebration would be complete without refreshments, the cakes went down a treat, and our raffle added some extra fun to the day. We are so grateful to everyone who came along and helped make the event such a memorable occasion.
Product Demonstration & Advice Day with Optelec – 14th April 2025
In April we were pleased to host a Product Demonstration & Advice Day in partnership with Optelec. The clinic gave visitors the chance to explore a wide range of the latest products and technologies designed to support people living with sight loss.
Throughout the day, attendees had the opportunity to get hands on with equipment, ask questions, and receive tailored advice from an experienced consultant. From magnifiers and reading aids to advanced devices like the Ruby 10 HD, the event provided plenty of practical demonstrations to show how different solutions can make everyday tasks easier.
The day was very well attended, and feedback was extremely positive, with many people finding the chance to try out equipment in person both useful and eye opening.
Christmas Meal 2024
We were delighted to celebrate the festive season with our members at the Stump Cross Inn, where we enjoyed a wonderful Christmas meal together. The team at the Inn gave us a warm welcome and looked after everyone brilliantly, helping to make the afternoon extra special.
Entertainment was provided by the talented Julie Diamond, whose live music created the perfect atmosphere as we shared good food, company, and festive cheer.
It was a truly memorable occasion and a lovely way to round off the year.
A big thank you to everyone who joined us and to those who helped make the celebration so enjoyable.
CPD Event for Opticians - October 2024
In October we welcomed local opticians to a special CPD event at our Southgate centre. The session began with a full tour of our building and Sight Centre, giving attendees the chance to see the range of equipment and support available to people with sight loss in Calderdale.
We also ran an interactive Daily Living Skills workshop, where participants experienced tasks while wearing simulation specs. One highlight was making a sandwich under low vision conditions, a simple but eye-opening exercise that helped demonstrate the practical challenges faced in everyday life.
The event was well received, with great feedback from the opticians who joined us. It was a valuable opportunity to build awareness, share knowledge, and strengthen links with professionals working to support people with sight loss.
Southgate Grand Opening - June 23rd 2023
In June 2023 we proudly opened our new Southgate premises in Halifax town centre, which includes our welcoming Sight Centre, café space, and rooms for activities and support. The move was made possible thanks to a generous legacy gift and marks an exciting new chapter for our charity.
The grand opening was celebrated with members, volunteers, and partners, alongside special guests including the Lord-Lieutenant of West Yorkshire and the Mayor of Calderdale. A commemorative plaque was unveiled, and the event also recognised our achievement of the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service.
It was a truly memorable day that brought our community together and showcased the wider support now available to people living with sight loss in Calderdale.
Volunteering
As a charity, Sight Support Calderdale is reliant on volunteers to support the smooth facilitation of our services providing practical and emotional support to those living with sight loss in Calderdale and the surrounding areas.
Volunteers are a vital part of our team and as we continue to develop and expand, we are continually looking for volunteers of all ages and backgrounds to work with us.
Sight Support Calderdale believes that volunteering should be a rewarding and fulfilling experience. Alongside a comprehensive training package which includes Sighted Guiding Training, you will receive ongoing support and the opportunity to attend regular social events throughout the year.
Volunteering for Sight Support Calderdale is an opportunity for you to develop new skills, gain valuable experience, meet new people and have fun.
Volunteer for Sight support Calderdale and see the difference you can make.
Volunteer Roles at
Sight Support Calderdale
Administration Volunteer
Interested in any of our volunteer roles? Register your interest by completing our volunteer application form below.