Children and families
Children with sight loss can feel isolated during a period in their lives that is often more than tough enough already. With the right support, they can take part in exciting activities, develop friendships and have fun growing up without feeling excluded. Our service encourages children and families to become involved in some of the following areas:
Day activities
Day activities for children, young people and their families are provided throughout England. Trips have included visits to Drayton Manor, indoor climbing walls, dry slope skiing, craft days, off-road driving and audio described theatre trips.
Family weekends
Residential family weekends take place across England. The weekends bring families who have children who are visually impaired together in a relaxed and informal setting. They are designed to enable parents and family members to engage with other families and professionals in the field, to gain valuable information that may be useful for their child's future.
Actionnaires
These are activity clubs for blind and partially sighted children and young people aged between four and 16 years, under eight year olds must be supervised by an adult. There are 29 clubs across England and Wales and activities can include swimming, archery, skiing, horse riding and tenpin bowling.
Action Activity Weeks (formally known as Vacation Schemes)
Our Action Activity Weeks offer a unique opportunity for children and young people to build their confidence and develop independence through a range of exciting indoor and outdoor activities.
The weeks are designed for blind and partially sighted children and young people aged eight to 16 years, who attend mainstream schools and colleges in the UK. The Activity Weeks are supported and delivered in a safe and structured environment by qualified and experienced staff who are always on hand to offer guidance throughout the holiday. The emphasis for the week is about trying new things, making friends and, of course, having fun!
Where to get help
If you need advice about children, young people and families then please contact your local Action team and they will put you in touch with someone who can help.
Contact your local Action team
Resources
A range of children, young people and families resources are also available including activities, information for families and education.
Further Reading
- Community pages
- Actionnaires
- Resource pages
- Children, young people and families resources
- Where to get help
