One Place Sight Support Group
Sight Support Group Coffee Mornings
In August 2023, we launched the Sight Support Group Coffee Mornings with the aim of providing a welcoming space for visually impaired individuals living in Redbridge. The goal was to help them connect with others, break out of isolation, and stay informed about community resources and events. This initiative was particularly important as a similar group previously run by East London Vision had closed, leaving a gap in social opportunities for visually impaired residents. Recognising this need, One Place East decided to organise these monthly coffee mornings.
Initially, the meetings were held at the One Place East offices in Ilford Chambers. However, as the group grew in size, we relocated to the Redbridge Central Library to accommodate more attendees.
The Sight Support Group Coffee Mornings now takes place on the first Tuesday of every month from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm in the York Room of the Redbridge Central Library. What began with just 3 or 4 attendees has blossomed into a thriving group of 20 regular members who consistently join us each month.
Each session features a guest speaker who shares valuable information on topics such as public transport, welfare and benefits, health services, assistive technology, and more. These presentations are followed by a Q&A session, allowing members to engage directly with the speakers. In addition to the informative talks, we provide snacks and refreshments, and always ensure there is ample time for socialising and networking.
The group has attracted participants from various parts of London, all of whom find the meetings both interesting and beneficial. The Sight Support Group Coffee Morning has become a vital platform for fostering connections, sharing knowledge, and building a stronger sense of community among visually impaired individuals in Redbridge.