The Jersey Blind Society, the Island’s oldest registered charity, is now called EYECAN to reflect that it supports those with any kind of visual impairment.
As part of its rebrand the charity’s day-care facilities at Westlea Centre, in its St Martin headquarters, have undergone a refurbishment.
And the charity, which was established in 1886, has launched a campaign to raise awareness of its services and to attract more volunteers.
It has also produced a short video featuring a number of Islanders who use its services.
Called I Can, the video aims to break down myths about sight impairment.
EYECAN is the only Jersey charity that supports sight-impaired Islanders, ranging in age from infants to the elderly, solely and works to bring them, along with their families, together for social events as well as for mutual support.
Jane Crill, vice-president of EYECAN, said: ‘For almost 130 years we have been working with sight-impaired Islanders and their families to give them the knowledge and tools necessary to live an independent life.
‘There are many different degrees of sight impairment and we provide support for all those who contact us.
‘Ninety-six per cent of Islanders with sight impairment are not blind and there are many who don’t realise that help is out there.
‘This initiative is about raising awareness and reaching out to those people.
‘The team at Westlea Centre has worked exceptionally hard to bring our facilities up to date and to make sure our services meet the needs of modern lives, so that we can empower residents with sight impairment.’
For more information about the charity click here
- EYECAN is Jerseys only charity focused solely on supporting Islanders with sight impairment.
- They work closely with all age groups, from infants through to the elderly, enabling people with a sight impairment and their families to benefit from social events, activities and tailored support.
- EYECAN is one of the Islands oldest charities.
- Formerly known as the Jersey Blind Society, they were established in 1886.
- Anyone with a sight impairment can access the support given by EYECAN.
