Henshaws launches Greater Manchester Vision Appeal to support people living with sight loss

Henshaws has launched the Greater Manchester Vision Appeal to help more blind and visually impaired people across Greater Manchester access the support they need. This support helps them live with confidence, independence and connection.

Right now, more people than ever are facing life with sight loss across Greater Manchester. Over 3,600 blind and visually impaired people in Manchester need support, and that number is growing. Every day, 250 people across the UK begin to lose their sight. For many, this can affect not only their vision. In addition, it can also affect their independence, wellbeing and connection to the world around them.

Through the appeal, Henshaws is raising funds to keep vital sight loss support available for people of all ages. This includes specialist advice and guidance, digital skills training, community support, family support, counselling, and practical help.

Helping people adjust to life with sight loss

The Greater Manchester Vision Appeal highlights the difference the right support can make at a turning point in someone’s life.

Nicolette had been managing her eye condition, keratoconus, with lenses. But when her left cornea collapsed, leaving permanent scarring, everything changed. After a cornea transplant, she realised she could no longer rely on correction alone. Therefore, she needed support to adjust to life with reduced vision.

When Nicolette connected with Henshaws through Gail, one of our Patient Support Officers, she was feeling vulnerable and unsure about what came next. Our team listened and helped her access support, including digital skills training, counselling and our Living Well With Sight Loss course.

At first, Nicolette had been isolating herself and avoiding conversations about her sight loss. Through the course and peer support, she began to open up, rebuild her confidence and learn new ways to adapt. Since then, she has travelled abroad independently. She has also delivered a large conference at work and taken up new hobbies. For example, she joined a choir and salsa classes.

Nicolette said: “I can laugh at myself more. I’m re-learning about myself and finding a love for adventure again.”

Her story shows how life-changing specialist support can be, helping someone feel more confident, adaptable and open to new experiences.

Why donations are needed

Demand for sight loss support is rising across Greater Manchester, with more people turning to Henshaws after a diagnosis, during periods of isolation, or when trying to regain control of day-to-day tasks.

The Greater Manchester Vision Appeal will help Henshaws continue providing long-term support, not just one-off help. Donations will support community advice sessions, accessible training, family support, inclusive community groups and personal action plans. All are tailored to individual needs.

What your gift could do

Every donation to the Greater Manchester Vision Appeal can help someone living with sight loss feel supported, informed and in control.

• A gift of £50 could fund a kayaking trip for two blind and visually impaired children, helping them enjoy a new and exciting adventure.
• £100 could provide digital skills training for one person, helping them build independence.
• £500 could fund an enablement officer to deliver personal action plans to more than 10 people. This would support them to achieve their goals with tailored information, advice and guidance.
• A gift of £1,000 could fund the cost of one person attending a full course of counselling. It could also provide access to the mental health support they need.

Donate to the Greater Manchester Vision Appeal

By donating to the Greater Manchester Vision Appeal, you can help blind and visually impaired people across Greater Manchester know they have someone to turn to. This is true not just in the moment, but for as long as they need.

Your support can help people build confidence, learn new skills, feel less alone and move forward with greater independence.

Donate today and help create a life-changing difference for people living with sight loss across Greater Manchester.