Help #Blindsided NZ Support People With Low Vision

After I was diagnosed with a couple of eye conditions causing ongoing vision loss, I struggled to find anywhere to share, to grieve, to source the right support and information to ultimately re-plan my life and to re-establish myself. I felt BLINDSIDED!

Speaking with others affected by vision loss across New Zealand, I found I was not alone in these struggles. Together, we are now raising funds to set up #Blindsided NZ as a Charitable Trust.

What is #Blindsided NZ?

The aim of The Trust is to augment the great work already underway by established organisations, agencies and groups by providing end to end support for those diagnosed with a condition resulting in vision loss. We currently have a Facebook group and social media presence across various platforms including Twitter and Instagram and have commenced local meet-ups. By connecting people across New Zealand though social networks and localised meet-ups we will help to ensure valuable connections by developing a wider reach and therefore provide a better level of support to more people across New Zealand.

Because we are not medical professionals, we do not offer medical advice. Instead, #Blindsided NZ offers hope by sharing published research and materials, along with information on emerging technologies and (legitimate) treatments and trials. #Blindsided NZ provides emotional support, friendship, advocacy, low vision assessments, as well as referrals to agencies where appropriate, alongside coaching support and accessibility awareness (including adaptive technologies) through various mediums, including meet-ups and an opportunity to chat over a coffee.

We aim to work with other established agencies in the low vision sector and ensure that there are no gaps in the vision loss client pathway from pre-diagnosis through to supported living and beyond. In filling this gap, we will be confident that no-one gets left behind, as I was, on diagnosis.

Why a Charitable Trust?

Being a Charitable Trust allows us to apply to funding and grants and it is important to us that we do not charge a ‘membership fee’ to those wanting to access the support and services they require.

What support does #Blindsided NZ need?

We are seeking support to raise funds to set up #Blindsided NZ as a Charitable Trust and expand our reach through these priority initiatives:

1. Covering the legal costs for the establishment of Charitable Trust

2. Set up and facilitation of sessions around the country for members and guests to meet and share stories (the first trip is planned from Dunedin through to Whangarei – October 2020)

3. Development of a basic website, and hosting package

4. Development of a marketing and communications strategy and plan