My Vision Oxfordshire

2023 & 2024 grant recipient

Project funded by the Powerhouse Grant - Low/medium grant, project ongoing

We offer bespoke wellness sessions for blind and visually impaired people in the Didcot area.

These sessions include a mindfulness activity, such as meditation or breathing exercises, followed by a crafting activity. Since launching in 2023, the sessions have proven extremely popular. Attendees report that having a regular opportunity to socialise and focus on their mental health has a wonderful impact on their wellbeing, and being able to engage with arts and crafts in an accessible, friendly environment has helped them relax, destress, and discover new hobbies.

“Our Didcot-based clients had expressed a need for more social activities and wellbeing-oriented support, and for a chance to be creative. Your funding has been crucial in meeting this need. Without Powerhouse funding, we would not have been able to provide this service.”

Impact achieved so far:

1.    Improved independence.

Offering sessions in the community encourages attendees to travel independently, with one client commenting they “Enjoyed getting out the house to be creative”. Another client was inspired to independently try making a mosaic with their family at home.

2. Improved wellbeing.

When asked, attendees consistently indicated that their mood improved after sessions, and that they felt happier and more relaxed in the days following a meeting.

3. Improved community connection.

Attendees regularly tell us they value the opportunity to spend time with other members of the community – “Really like being around everyone”; “Enjoyed meeting new people”. In fact, in June, two members were unable to attend the wellbeing and arts session. Despite this, they still came along to the lunch afterwards, showing how attendees value the chance to socialise and feel connected with their community, and how beneficial these sessions are to achieving this.