Message from our CEO

Dear Members, Volunteers, and Supporters,

After a lovely summer, we are now truly into autumn, with the leaves falling and the days becoming shorter. Please do take care when out and about, fallen leaves can sometimes hide steps and curbs. It might also be a good time to bring your white cane back out if you haven’t already.

As the evenings draw in, try to wear light or bright coloured coats to help drivers, cyclists, and e-scooter users spot you more easily in the dark.

I am delighted to share some exciting news, on the 1st of November, KAB officially became a Charitable Incorporated Organisation CIO! This change has been almost five years in the making, and we are thrilled to have reached this stage.

We also have a new charity number and an additional name. From now on, we will also be known as Kingston Sightloss Support.

A Note for Our Regular Donors: We are very grateful for your ongoing kindness and regular donations. Just a quick reminder that our bank account details remains unchanged. Thank you once again for being such an important part of what we do! 💛

Over the past few months, we have been busy working on a number of important projects, including making recycling more accessible and continuing our discussions with Kingston Hospital to help improve their services for blind and partially sighted patients. You can read more about this below in the General News section.

I would also like to take this opportunity to say a big thank you to our Kingston Half Marathon runners and to everyone who supported them. Together, they raised an amazing £2035 for KAB, what a fantastic achievement!

As we head towards the end of the year, it’s a fitting time for me to also say a big thank you to our Trustees, Staff, Volunteers, and Supporters, who work so hard behind the scenes. Your dedication and commitment make everything we do possible.

Finally, I am really looking forward to seeing everyone at our Christmas Lunch on Tuesday 9th December. 

With warm regards,

Odette Battarel
CEO

Improving Hospital Experiences for Blind and Partially Sighted Patients

Thank you very much to everyone who shared your experiences,  good and bad, of Kingston Hospital. 15 of our members took the time to give feedback, and your voices are making a real difference.

Our Chairman Roy and CEO Odette met with Paula Jewes, who is the Head of Patient Experience and Involvement, and also Head of Patient Equality and Inclusion at Kingston Hospital. Paula listened carefully and was very understanding. She agreed that staff need more training to support blind and partially sighted patients, and she will be taking action on this. We will keep you updated on how this develops.
 

Tips for Nurses and Staff

Paula asked us to share your practical tips with hospital staff. These will be included in their newsletter and training sessions to help staff give better support to patients with sight loss.

Here is the first tip we’ve already sent:
When bringing a blind or partially sighted patient to a reclining chair or bed, tell them which end the head goes at, as they might not be able to see this.

If you have your own helpful tip, please send it to the office. Even small ideas can make a big difference to someone’s experience in hospital.

Hospital Transport and Communication

Many of our members complained to us that getting hospital transport or the lack of it is very difficult. Paula explained that when you book transport to to attend an appointment, you should say that you need reasonable adjustments because of your disability. Using the words “reasonable adjustments” helps staff understand your rights under the Equality Act.

Paula also told us that GP and hospital computer systems don’t currently share information very well. This means that if you change your phone number or email address, or if you need letters in another format such as large print, audio, or Braille, you should tell both your GP and the hospital.

The NHS is working on improving this system, but it may take a couple of years. Until then, please remember to update both places if your details or needs change.
 

Keep Your Feedback Coming

Your feedback really helps us. We will continue working closely with Kingston Hospital to make sure blind and partially sighted patients have the best possible experience.

Thank you again for sharing your thoughts, your voice really does matter, and together we can continue to make a difference.

Final Reminder, Christmas Lunch at Glenmore House 

This is the last call to confirm your place for our Christmas Lunch on Tuesday, 9th December at Glenmore House!

Deadline: Thursday, 21st November
Please ensure your payment and menu choices are submitted by this date. 
Please note: This is a prebook event and no payments will be accepted on the day.

When: Tuesday 9th December
Time: 12:30 to 4:00pm
Where: Glenmore House, 6 The Crescent, Surbiton, KT6 4BN

Don’t miss out on this festive celebration, it’s always a wonderful afternoon filled with great food, company, and Christmas cheer!

For more information or assistance, please call the office.
 

Scam Alert, Stay Safe in Kingston! 

We have received reports of door to door scammers in Kingston falsely claiming to work with Kingston Council. They often mention a company called “Green Energy” and may ask for money, bank details, or try to use a card machine. Some claim you are entitled to £250 or free services.

Important Safety Tips

Kingston Council will never ask for your bank card, PIN, or bank details at your door.
Always ask to see an official ID badge if someone claims to be working with the council.
If unsure, close the door and contact Kingston Council directly: 020 8547 5000
Never give out personal or financial information to door-to-door callers 

Report suspicious activity:
Citizens Advice Consumer Service: 0808 223 1133
Police (non-emergency): 101
 

For further advice, tips, and information on how to prevent doorstep scams, please follow the link London Trading Standards

 

Blind Person’s Tax Allowance

You have a Certificate of Visual Impairment (CVI), which officially confirms that you are blind or severely sight impaired. If you do not have a CVI, a similar letter or document from your doctor that confirms your visual impairment is also acceptable.

You Are Invited! 
Kingston Unwritten is a Sound Installation and Multimedia Exhibition of the lives of ordinary people told in their own words.

Our CEO, Odette, wanted to make sure the voices of blind and partially sighted residents were included in this exciting project. She interviewed and recorded five of our members, who kindly shared their experiences of growing up, working, and living in Kingston. Snippets of these recordings are included in the installation, and the full recordings are being kept in the Kingston Archives.

Other communities also took part, highlighting the lives of market workers, postmen and postwomen, refugees and asylum seekers, volunteers, and many more groups and individuals.

Cost: Free Event
Dates: From Thursday 20th to Saturday 29th November 2025
Time: 10:00am to 5:00pm
Venue: Kingston Market House, Ancient Market Place, Kingston upon Thames, KT1 1JS

This project is part of Kingston 2025. A team of community researchers and local groups aimed to diversify the borough archive by exploring the histories of their own communities. They focused on adding new voices to the record, especially those not often featured in accounts of Kingston’s history.

From pub-goers and postal workers to environmental activists, market traders, blind residents, and generations of migrants, the project captures rich and often hidden stories of life in the borough.

The result is a unique archive: the extraordinary lives of ordinary people, told in their own words. 

The exhibition is a collaboration between community members, local organisations, artists, and the Kingston Heritage Service, generously supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

It promises to be a fascinating and interesting exhibition, so please do pop along if you have the time!

Welcome to our New Trustee, Andrew Brooks

We are delighted to welcome Andrew Brooks as one of our new Trustees!

Andrew is visually impaired and brings over 30 years of IT experience to KAB. He's passionate about how technology can make everyday life easier for blind and partially sighted people, from simple tools to the latest innovations. 

Since retiring, Andrew has turned his love of woodworking and woodturning into a small business. Even in his workshop, technology plays a big part, from connecting to woodworking machinery to using laser and router cutters.

In his spare time, he says when he gets any!, Andrew is a strong advocate for accessibility and independence. He spends time contacting the council about pavement obstructions and A-frames that make getting around more difficult, something we know many of our members will appreciate!

We are exploring ways for Andrew to share his knowledge with you through a new possibly “Ask Andrew” feature. He will offer practical tech tips, news, and answers to your questions about accessible technology. We understand that not everyone uses technology in the same way, so if you have any suggestions for how we can make this feature as helpful and inclusive as possible, please get in touch with the office. We’ll include your feedback in the next Eyeopener!
 

And here is a note from Andrew on AI, The New Buzz Word

This week, the Queen Elizabeth Prize for Engineering was given to seven people. One of them was Dr Fei-Fei Li, who created ImageNet, a system that helps computers “see” like humans. This technology is used in things like Google Glass, which can tell you what you are looking at.

KAB will soon get a pair of smart glasses for testing. I’ll try them out and report back in this column. I’ll also ask other manufacturers if we can test their products. Prices for smart glasses range from under £100 to over £1,000, but they are becoming more powerful and affordable. Some can even recognise faces, so you can find friends in crowded places. Dr Fei-Fei Li’s work helps improve computer vision, which is very useful for visually impaired people.

KAB Office Christmas Closure

We’ll reopen and be back in the office on Monday, 5th January.

Our first New year Socialeyes lunch will take place on Tuesday 6th January. 
 

Reminder

Our Eyeopener newsletter is available in the following formats:
Email, Audio, Large print posted, Standard printed posted

If you would like to change how you receive it, please let us know.


 

  Join Our Team, Volunteer with Us!

At KAB, our activities and services are only possible thanks to the invaluable support of our dedicated volunteers. We are looking to grow our team and are keen to hear from anyone interested in the following volunteer roles:

If you're interested in any of these roles, please contact us for more information or to apply. Your support can make a real difference in the lives of our members!

 

Events and Information from Other Charities

and Organisations

Here’s what’s happening beyond KAB!

We’re pleased to share events, activities, and updates from other local charities and organisations that may be of interest to our members
 

Spartan Swimming Club for the Physically Disabled, Blind and Visually Impaired swimmers

Please note: KAB no longer sponsors this swimming club, but it is still available, and some of our members continue to use it.

The club is open to people with all physical disabilities, including blind and visually impaired swimmers. Sessions are fun, safe, and good for health and confidence.

When: Thursdays, 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm
Where: Malden Centre Swimming Pool, Malden Centre, Blagdon Road, New Malden, KT3 4TA
Cost: £2 per session 

IMPORTANT Membership information
A Club Medical Card will be issued, confirming your fitness for water activities. This must be signed by your doctor.
KAB can help you complete the details in the forms if needed.

Additional Information
Sessions are held under the close supervision of instructors.
Helpers and family members are welcome to stay, watch, or assist in the water.
Spartan does not provide transport or changing room assistance.

For more information Contact Hilary Young at Spartan on 020 8941 3255
 

Kingston United Reform Church Lunchtime Recital

When: Thursday 27 November at 1:00 pm
Where: Kingston URC, Eden Street, Kingston upon Thames (on behalf of The Music Support Group)

Join us for an organ recital by Suhyoung Lee, Kingston URC’s organist. The programme will include Suite Gothique by Boëllmann and works by J.S. Bach.

Future Recital for Your Diary:
Thursday 18 December, Piano recital by Soraya Verjee, featuring music by Debussy and Liszt, at the usual time of 12:30 pm.

Admission: Free (with a retiring collection)
Enjoy music in a warm, welcoming, accessible environment!
 

Step into the festive spirit at Kingston Christmas Market! Wander among charming stalls filled with gifts, crafts, and delicious food and drink. Enjoy seasonal entertainment, including a vintage carousel, live performances, and festive lights that bring the Ancient Market Place to life.

Whether you’re looking for unique presents, tasty treats, or simply soaking up the Christmas atmosphere, there’s something for everyone. 

When: Between 13th November to  28th December 

If you’re unable to find the information you are looking for, please contact info@kingstonchristmasmarket.co.uk and their team will get back to you.

Free for people living, working, or studying in Kingston, or registered with a Kingston GP.

Osteoarthritis Knee Class, 12 weeks, YMCA, Surbiton
Starts 5 Jan, Mondays 1.45pm to 2.45pm
Exercise and info for people with knee osteoarthritis.

Osteoporosis Risk Class 12 weeks, Graham Spicer Institute, New Malden
Starts 7 Jan, Wednesdays 10.30am to 11.30am
Balance, bone, and muscle exercises for those with or at risk of osteoporosis.

Strength & Balance Class 10 weeks, Surbiton Hill Methodist Church
Starts 14 Jan, Wednesdays 1.15pm to 2.15pm
Muscle strength and balance exercises for people with long-term health conditions.

Register:
Phone 0300 123 8086 or email: swlicb.betterbones@nhs.net

Better Bones Information Sessions Nov 2025 to Mar 2026

Free and open to all, including out of borough clients, families and friends. No booking needed, just turn up!

Physical Activity
10 Nov, 1pm to 2.30pm, Kingston Library,  
6 Jan, 1pm to 2.30pm, Tolworth Library
Learn about staying active, the types and amounts of activity for health, and simple exercises to do at home.

Bone Health
8 Dec, 1pm to 2.30pm, Kingston Library
3 Mar, 1 pm to 2.30pm, Tolworth Library
Tips on diet, exercise and lifestyle to keep bones healthy and strong.

Self-Management in Osteoarthritis
3 Feb from 1pm to 2.30pm, Tolworth Library
Find out how lifestyle choices can help you manage osteoarthritis and protect your joints.

Osteoporosis and Bone Health
4 Feb, from 9.30am to 11.30am, Graham Spicer Institute, New Malden
Learn how to manage or prevent osteoporosis with diet, exercise and healthy habits.

Can’t attend? Contact 0300 123 8086 or swlicb.betterbones@nhs.net to hear about future sessions.

Why Seable Holidays are Different

We are proud that our approach to accessible, fully supported travel continues to be recognised. This month, Seable was featured by Crip Life, highlighting how we create life changing, confidence-building holidays for blind and partially sighted travellers.

From tactile cooking in Italy to feeling the footsteps of lions in Eswatini, our trips are designed to awaken the senses, encourage independence, and make the world truly accessible, not simply seen, but felt, heard, tasted, and experienced.

2026 group holidays are proving incredibly popular, with places filling faster than ever before. Thank you to everyone who has already reserved their spot.

If you are thinking about joining one of our accessible, fully supported group trips next year, now is the time to secure your place. We would not want you to miss out; several holidays are already close to full.

Here are a few of the many holidays on offer

Venice, Nearly Sold out. March 2026: A graceful journey through peaceful canals, bustling markets, and Venetian craft traditions. 

Rome, Nearly Sold out. April 2026: Step into living history with tactile experiences, authentic Roman food, and unforgettable guided support.

Aviemore. 6 Places Available. April 2026: Breathe in the fresh Highland air and embrace a peaceful, nature-rich retreat in the heart of Scotland.

Want something personal? Enjoy tailored holidays designed around your pace and interests. Combine it with a group trip or go solo — flexibility and friendship, all in one. Your holiday, your way!

Explore tailored holidays here:https://bit.ly/3XlAwAc

Message from our CEO and General News

Dear Members,

We hope you have soaked up the summer sunshine and had a wonderful holiday, whether you stayed close to home or travelled far and wide! As autumn arrives and the air turns a little crisper, we are excited to explore new services and activities and we would like to hear your ideas. What would you like to see, try out, or how can we make things even better?

We sincerely apologise to those who missed our recent boat outing due to only receiving the reminder notice. We understand how disappointing this can be. With over 350 members, it’s unfortunately not possible to call everyone individually, as much as we would love to. To help us keep you better informed, especially by phone, please contact the office to register your interest in future outings and let us know if you would like to be contacted by phone. We are creating a phone notification register, and once you’re on it, we’ll reach out directly for future events. Thank you for your understanding and continued support.
 

A warm welcome to all our new members and volunteers, we are excited to have you as part of KAB! We can’t wait to see you get involved and hope you find an activity that’s just right for you. 

Kind regards,

Odette Battarel
CEO

Coffee and Cake Event

Join us for a special Coffee & Cake Sale at New Malden Methodist Church.

When: Saturday, 13th September 2025
Time: 10:00 to 12:00pm 
Where: New Malden Methodist Church Café, 49 High Street, New Malden KT3 4BY

Come along for delicious homemade cakes, fresh coffee, and a chance to support KAB’s important work in the community.

We look forward to seeing you there!
 

Alzheimer’s Society at Social Eyes Lunch, Tuesday 16th September

We are pleased to welcome Lucy from the Alzheimer’s Society, Kingston Branch, to our next Social Eyes Lunch.

She will be sharing valuable information about:

• Understanding Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia

• Local services available in Kingston for people living with dementia and their carers

• Practical advice on how to access support

• Opportunities to join free support groups and information sessions

When: Tuesday 16th September 2025 
Where: Kingston Quaker Centre Fairfield East, Kingston. 

Whether you are living with dementia, caring for someone who is, or are simply concerned about memory loss in yourself or a loved one, this session is for you.
 

Improving Communication join our Text Message Trial

We are always looking for better ways to stay in touch with our members. One idea we are exploring is sending updates and reminders straight to your mobile phone by text.

If you find receiving information this way easier or more convenient, please let us know and we will add you to our trial list.

Your feedback will play an important role in helping us decide whether text messaging should become part of our regular communication in the future.

Thank you for helping us stay connected!

Your Feedback Needed: Experiences at the Kingston Hospital 

We would like to hear from our blind and partially sighted members about your experiences at Kingston Hospital.

Whether your experience was positive, challenging, or somewhere in between, your feedback will help us highlight what is working well and where improvements are needed. We will be sharing these feedbacks with the hospital. 

Please share your comments with us by Wednesday, 1st October 2025.
 

Kingston Talking Newspaper - 2 ways to get your news!

Kingston Talking Newspaper is a free service that provides a weekly audio summary of local news and information for visually impaired residents. We are proud to offer two ways to get your news, all thanks to our dedicated volunteers at KTN.

Each week, our volunteers gather news from local papers and create a short magazine section with updates from local organizations. This is all recorded in our Surbiton studio and then distributed so you can get your news as quickly as possible.
 

1. On a Memory Stick: We deliver the news directly to you in a special pouch. Please remember to return your pouch each week so you can receive the next set of news. To send it back, just reverse the address label and place the pouch in any post-box, free of charge.

2. On Alexa: You can listen to the weekly news simply by asking your Alexa enabled device. This is a convenient, hands free way to stay up to date with everything happening in the community.
Please call the office if you would like instruction or help on how to setup your Alexa.
 

Support our Runners at the Kingston Half Marathon! 

On Sunday, 5th October 2025, five dedicated runners Tanja, Ashley, Ross, Will, and Alison,  will take on the Kingston Half Marathon to raise vital funds for the Kingston Association for the Blind (KAB).

Losing sight can be a life-changing and often frightening experience. Here in Kingston, around 5,000 people live with visual impairments or blindness. KAB’s mission is simple but essential: to make sure no one has to face sight loss alone.

Every pound raised will help us continue providing the services and activities that empower individuals to adjust, stay independent, and live fulfilling lives.
 

Support our runners! Click a name below to donate

Donation Page for Tanja

Donation Page for Ashley

Donation Page for Ross

Donation Page for Will

Donation Page for Alison

💙 Thank you, Your support matters, whether it’s a small donation or a big cheer, you will be helping our runners go the distance and reach their fundraising goals.
 

With his new machine, Martin can emboss a self-adhesive strip to create Braille labels for your belongings. If you have any items you'd like to have labelled in Braille, simply get in touch with the KAB Office. Martin would be happy to help!
 

Making Recycling Easier - A New Service with Veolia 

Veolia will come and drill small holes into your bins to create a simple, tactile code. This will help you easily tell which bin is which, making recycling your household rubbish much simpler.
 

How It Works

Veolia will drill holes into your bins according to this easy-to-learn convention:

• 1 hole for General waste

• 2 holes for Dry Mixed Recycling (DMR)

• 3 holes for paper and card

• 4 holes for garden waste

Veolia will carry out the drilling on your normal bin collection day. This means your bins will already be at the curb, and they won't need to disturb you at home.

How to Sign Up

If you live in the Kingston Borough and would like to register for this service, please contact the office with your full name and address. We will add your details to our list so that Veolia can plan their schedule.
 

Who to do in a power cut

If you experience a power outage/cut, the company responsible for restoring your electricity is UK Power Networks. They deliver electricity across London, the East, and the Southeast of England.

You can call their 24/7 FREE helpline from any mobile or landline: 0800 31 63 105

They will be able to tell you what’s happening and when you can expect your power to be restored.
 

Reminder:

Our Eyeopener newsletter is available in the following formats:
Email, Audio, Large print posted, Standard printed posted

If you would like to change how you receive it, please let us know.


 

  Join Our Team, Volunteer with Us!

At KAB, our activities and services are only possible thanks to the invaluable support of our dedicated volunteers. We are looking to grow our team and are keen to hear from anyone interested in the following volunteer roles:

If you're interested in any of these roles, please contact us for more information or to apply. Your support can make a real difference in the lives of our members!

 

Events and Information from Other Charities

and Organisations

Here’s what’s happening beyond KAB!

We’re pleased to share events, activities, and updates from other local charities and organisations that may be of interest to our members

Accessible Holiday Option: Limitless Holidays

We have been passed information about Limitless Holidays, a company specializing in accessible cruises for disabled travelers. We are sharing this as a potential option for members who are looking for a supported holiday.

The company states it guarantees a 100% accessible journey, with features designed for a variety of accessibility needs, including wheelchair users.

Key features of their holidays include:

• Door-to-door pick-up service: A wheelchair-friendly service that takes you directly from your home to your holiday.

• Professional Carers: A team of professional carers is on every cruise to offer support and peace of mind.

• Accessible Cabins: Cruises feature specially designed accessible cabins and tailored services.

If you would like to learn more, you can browse their disabled-friendly cruises or speak to their team directly by calling 0800 711 7112.

Message from our CEO and General News

KAB 2025 Annual General Meeting

When: Thursday 26th June 2025 at the Kingston Quaker Centre.

Notice is hereby given that the 2025 KAB Annual General Meeting will be held on Thursday, 26 June 2025 at 11am.

The meeting will be followed by a free lunch and a chance to catch up with friends, chat, and mingle in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

Important Information:
Official AGM materials, including your invitation and proxy form, will be sent out by email and post during the week commencing Monday, 19 May 2025. Please keep an eye on your inbox or letterbox. If you are unable to attend, we kindly ask that you complete and return the proxy form, as this helps us reach the quorum needed for the meeting to go ahead. Alternatively you can phone the office. 

Special Guest Speaker:
We are very excited to announce our guest speaker, Julian McCarthy, author of the acclaimed book A to Z of Kingston Upon Thames, from which extracts were recently featured on the Kingston Talking News. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet Julian, hear him speak about his work, ask questions, and join in what promises to be a fascinating discussion. Julian is a well known Kingston personality who also leads popular historical tours of the local area.

We hope you will join us for what promises to be an informative, enjoyable, and inspiring event.

🎉 Thank you 🎉
 

A huge thank you to all our amazing volunteers, members and trustees who helped make our recent Love Your Eyes Saturday Morning Coffee & Cake Sale Fundraiser such a success. We are incredibly grateful for your time, energy and support.

A special shout out to all the bakers who filled our tables with delicious treats, we couldn’t have done it without you.

Thanks to your generosity, in just two hours we raised £335 for KAB. Your efforts will make a real difference.

With heartfelt thanks from all of us at KAB.

Important Renewal Reminder for Members

Please take a moment to check the expiry dates on your Disabled Freedom Pass, Taxi Card, Blue Badge, Railcard, and Dial a Ride membership.

If you're not sure how to check or if you don't have someone at home to help, bring your documents to the KAB office. We're more than happy to assist you.

Don’t get caught out!
Unfortunately, some members missed their Blue Badge expiry dates and received parking fines. In some cases, they had to restart the entire application process and resubmit all documents. Let’s help each other avoid that stress.

Useful Renewal Information

Blue Badge

• Valid for 3 years

• Renew at least 4 months before expiry

• RBK can take up to 12 weeks to process
   

Disabled Freedom Pass

• Valid for 5 years, always expiring on 31st March

• The expiry reflects the lifespan of the card, not your eligibility

• Check the date printed on the card
   

Taxi Card

• Reapply one month before expiry

• Trip allowance renews automatically on 1st April each year

• Continue using your current card, no replacement card is sent

• Contact London Councils with any questions, 020 7934 9791, option 2
   

Disabled Persons Railcard

• Valid for 1 or 3 years from purchase

• Costs: £20 for 1 year or £54 for 3 years
   

Dial a Ride

• Membership may be cancelled if you don’t make a booking for 3 years

• If unsure, contact Dial a Ride to confirm your status, 0343 222 7777
   

Below is a need to know checklist of what you should do if you think you’ve been scammed by answering a suspicious call from someone claiming to be from your bank or asking you to transfer money or divulge personal details.

Alternatively, you can call your bank directly. Make sure you find your bank's contact details independently, for example, by calling the phone number on the back of your card or on your bank statement.

Report the scam
You can do this via this Action Fraud website link, https://bit.ly/4iZ6evB or by calling 0300 123 2040. 

Another option, if it's an online scam, report it to the Advertising Standards Authority, link here https://bit.ly/4ddil72 
Its better to report here in addition to reporting it to Action Fraud.

Use Section 75
If you've been scammed when paying for something costing more than £100 on a credit card.
If you used a debit card or spent exactly £100 or less on a credit card, you could try to claim your money back under the chargeback scheme.

Unfortunately, if you've transferred the money using sites such as MoneyGram, PayPal or Western Union, you generally cannot get your money back once you have handed it over.
 

Remember that if you are a victim of a scam or an attempted scam, however minor, there may be hundreds or thousands of others in a similar position. Your information may form part of one big jigsaw and be vital to completing the picture to help the police catch the criminals. 

 

COVID-19 infections can happen all year round and are often hard to avoid. Protection from previous vaccines fades over time, and new variants can appear. That’s why it’s important to top up your protection.

You can get a free NHS spring COVID-19 vaccine if you are aged 75 or over, or will turn 75 soon.

How to get your COVID 19 vaccine:

• Book using the NHS App or online at: www.nhs.uk/book-vaccine

• Find a local walk-in site at: www.nhs.uk/covid-walk-in

• Call 119 free of charge to make an appointment over the phone

Please book before 17 June 2025. This is the final date to get your spring vaccination.

Reminder:

Our Eyeopener newsletter is available in the following formats:
Email, Audio, Large print posted, Standard printed posted

If you would like to change how you receive it, please let us know.

  Volunteer Week 2025 Invitation

To all our amazing volunteers who help KAB deliver its vital services, thank you!
 
We are delighted to invite you to our Volunteer Celebration Event on:
Tuesday, 10th June from 4pm to 6pm
Location: Stanley Picker Gallery, Kingston University (Nestled beside the scenic Hog's Mill River).
 
This is a special opportunity to connect with us and fellow KAB volunteers, and enjoy a relaxing and inspiring afternoon together.
 
What’s planned:

• A visit to the Gallery's Graduation Show, with students available to talk about their work
• Drinks, nibbles and thank you speeches!

Free parking is available, please let us know in advance if you need a space.

Please also let us know of any allergies or dietary requirements.
 
RSVP by Thursday, 6th June.
 
We hope you can join us for this well deserved celebration!

 

At KAB, our activities and services are only possible thanks to the invaluable support of our dedicated volunteers. We are looking to grow our team and are keen to hear from anyone interested in the following volunteer roles:

If you're interested in any of these roles, please contact us for more information or to apply. Your support can make a real difference in the lives of our members!
 

Events and Information from Other Charities

and Organisations

Here’s what’s happening beyond KAB!

We’re pleased to share events, activities, and updates from other local charities and organisations that may be of interest to our members

🎗️ Can You C Me?  Kingston Cancer Conference 2025

Theme: Beyond the postcode, Making Cancer Care Accessible for Every Community in Kingston

Date: Thursday 29th May 2025
Time: 11am to 4pm
Venue: The Malden Centre, Blagdon Road, New Malden, Surrey KT3 4TA

Join us for a vital and inspiring day as we explore how to make cancer care more inclusive, accessible, and equitable across all communities in Kingston.

This conference will:
Promote accessible cancer care pathways
Amplify the voices of underrepresented groups
Highlight community-led solutions to health inequalities
Bring together health professionals, community leaders, patients, and carers

Let’s go beyond the postcode and work together for fairer, community driven cancer care. Everyone is welcome. Whether you're a healthcare professional, a community member, or someone with lived experience, your voice matters.

Message from our CEO,

Over the past months, we have increased our outreach activities in the community, attending events and holding stalls across the borough. As a result, we are very pleased to share with you that our membership is growing, and we now have 260 visually impaired members!  We want to continue reaching out to those residents who are blind and partially sighted, making sure they know about the support, activities and services we offer. We invite our members and volunteers to help us spread the word with our outreach efforts and to let us know of any events or community groups where we could promote KAB. Every bit of support makes a real difference!


Exciting News!

KAB Turns 60 Next Year! 

Next year marks an incredible 60 years of KAB! We’ve already started planning for this special milestone, so stay tuned for updates. If you have any stories or memories from KAB’s early days, we would love to hear them. As newer staff members, we really enjoy learning more about the KAB of 1966, so please drop us a line and share your experiences!

I do hope you enjoy this edition of the Eyeopener and find some interesting information and activities to take part in.


Reminder: Our Eyeopener newsletter is available in the following formats:

Email
Audio
Large print

Try Out Our New Accessible Equipment!

We’re excited to share that we’ve recently added a range of accessible equipment to the KAB Resource centre in our office, available for members to try out! These items are designed to make daily tasks easier and more accessible.

Some of the new additions include:

Whether you are looking for assistive tools to make life easier or just want to explore what’s available, our office is open for you to test them first hand.

Our team will be happy to guide you through how they work. If you’re interested in visiting or have any questions, feel free to get in touch.
 

Kingston Library Runs a Repair Cafe, why not give it a Try!

Did you know that Kingston Library runs a Repair Cafe once a month?

It takes place on the first Saturday of each month from 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM.

Both Odette and Becky have visited, read below to see what they found out and why they were very impressed! 

Odette:
The room was set up with tables arranged like stalls, each dedicated to a different type of repair, sewing, toys, electrical items, Chinaware, sharpen scissors and Garden tools and more. I brought along a torn top, as my main aim was to check out how accessible the venue and the workshop was and whether it was worth promoting to members. If you have something in need of repair, usually on the spot, I highly recommend going, it's a fantastic service, and you’ll be amazed at what they can fix!
 

Becky: 
Last month, I took a couple of our office chairs to Kingston Library’s Repair Workshop. With KAB meetings often held in our office, it was a shame to see them unused.

The workshop was buzzing with people lining up with everything from toasters, coffee makers to microwaves and lamps, my repair job was definitely the bulkiest! When I arrived, I was warmly welcomed and even offered a coffee.

The volunteer repairers, mostly retired professionals, were incredibly skilled. When my repairer realized he didn’t have the right sized dowels, he simply cycled home to get them, try getting that kind of service at Ikea!

While waiting, I had a fascinating chat with a former London Zookeeper, proving that you never know who you’ll meet at a repair workshop. The best part is the repairs are completely free, with an optional donation. If you have something in need of fixing, I highly recommend it, not only will you extend the life of your items, but you might also have some wonderful conversations along the way!

The library does not offer telephone bookings, but reservations can be made online. KAB staff will be happy to assist with completing online booking forms and can also check whether the item you need mended is covered, as they are unable to repair everything. This helps avoid a wasted journey.
 

Join Our Team – Volunteer with Us!

At KAB, our activities and services are only possible thanks to the invaluable support of our dedicated volunteers. We are looking to grow our team and are keen to hear from anyone interested in the following volunteer roles:

If you're interested in any of these roles, please contact us for more information or to apply. Your support can make a real difference in the lives of our members!

The site is flat and accessible by a well-signposted lane.

Metro’s Athletic Games 2025

Save the date: Saturday, 14th June 2025 for an exhilarating experience at the Metro Athletic Games! Get ready to experience and celebrate the joy of sports. We are open to ages from 6 upwards; last year having participants between the ages of 6 and 76. 

All abilities are encouraged to participate.  Don't miss out on this incredible event - mark your calendars now!

Contact details for more information:

Happy New Year! As we reflect on the past year, we are filled with gratitude for your continued support.

2024 ended on a high note, with KAB being awarded several grants to cover our costs and a big thank you to our donors for their generous contributions.

Our station collection raised £600, and our festive Christmas lunch brought us together to celebrate the spirit of giving and community. We’re delighted to report that the event was a great success, raising over £150 through the raffle! All funds will directly support our ongoing projects and initiatives at KAB. A special thank you to John Lewis for generously donating a beautiful DAB radio as our first prize, which was won by Jo. 

We would like to take this opportunity to thank all our volunteers. We could not have achieved any of this without your dedication, and we are excited to see what we can accomplish together in 2025.

This year, our AGM will take place on Thursday, 26th June. We already have an exciting guest speaker confirmed: Julian McCarthy, author of The Kingston Historical A-Z, from which we have extracted snippets for the Kingston Talking News over the years. We are delighted to offer you the chance to meet him in person at the event!. We hope you will be able to attend.

Looking ahead, we are excited about all the events planned for 2025 and invite you to get involved as we continue our journey of making a positive impact!
 

It’s easy to support Kingston Association for the Blind (KAB) while having a chance to win big! By playing the Kingston Community Lottery, you help raise funds for great causes benefiting local communities in Kingston, including our ongoing work at KAB.

The Kingston Community Lottery is a weekly online lottery, with a draw every Saturday night. A six-digit winning combination is chosen each week, and tickets cost just £1. Every ticket gives you a 1 in 50 chance of winning a prize, with a top prize of £25,000!

Currently, KAB receives around £400 per year from the lottery, with some of that coming from our own KAB members who participate. A huge thank you to those already playing and supporting us! If you haven’t joined yet, please consider participating. Not only will you be supporting our cause, but you could also win the £25,000 jackpot!

Please visit the KAB page on the Kingston Lottery website: https://bit.ly/4gT2yLJ
 

Exciting Fundraising Events in 2025!

Throughout 2025, KAB will be organizing a variety of fundraising events, and we encourage all our members and volunteers to get involved. Your participation will help us raise vital funds for our ongoing projects and make a real difference in the lives of those we support. Stay tuned for more details on how you can take part!

Your support truly makes a difference. Thank you!

The NHS APP

South west Londoners order at least one repeat prescription every minute on NHS app since start of the year
 
Local people continue to take advantage of the NHS app’s convenience by ordering at least one repeat prescription every single minute on average since the start of this year.

Latest figures reveal that more than 369,500 prescriptions were requested on the NHS app between 1 January and 30 June 2024 – that equates to around 85 on average every hour.

The number of repeat prescriptions ordered through the app by south west Londoners has grown by 92% since April 2023 while views of records have increased by 210% in that time.

Nationally, there are more than 33.6 million NHS app users – the health service recently pointed out that is “twice as many users as Netflix’s 16.7 million subscribers”.

As well as requesting repeat prescriptions, people can use the updated, user-friendly version of the NHS app to:

• choose their usual pharmacy or collect from any pharmacy in England
• check if they need urgent medical help using 111 online
• view GP-held medical records, including medication, test results and immunisations
• register for organ donation and change their preferences
• access NHS services on behalf of somebody else (for example, their children or other family members)
• find NHS services near them, such as dentists, pharmacies or mental health services
• view messages from for example their GP or about hospital appointments
• to view information from their local hospital including appointment information, correspondence, medical records and waiting times.

NHS England recently calculated that each repeat prescription ordered electronically saves GP practices three minutes of time. Patients also save an average of 18 minutes with each online order, making it more convenient for them and freeing up frontline staff to do other important duties.

While there are now 900,000 registered NHS app users in the south west London boroughs of Merton, Wandsworth, Kingston, Richmond, Sutton and Croydon, more people are being encouraged to access its benefits.

South west London’s chief medical officer Dr John Byrne said: “Whether you’re sat at home or out and about, the NHS app is a simple and secure way to access a range of NHS services and information. “So I’m delighted that so many south west Londoners are already using it for their repeat prescriptions – more than one order every minute since the start of this year is fantastic as it saves time for both patients and GPs.

“But it would be great if even more south west Londoners enjoyed its benefits to continue the trend of rising logins – they have increased by nearly 90% since April 2023. “I’d encourage anyone who hasn’t used the NHS app for a while, or who has never downloaded it, to tap it and see what it has to offer – whether that is viewing a GP health record, finding a service near them or arranging a repeat prescription.”

To download the NHS app, visit your device’s app store and follow the easy step-by-step registration instructions.
It will help if you know your NHS number (although this is not essential), and you will need to have a form of ID (passport or driving licence) to hand.
 

KAB would like to offer its members support in setting up the NHS APP on their phones. We can guide you through the process and teach you how to use the app during our tech sessions. Please call the office for more information and advice. 
 

Ahoy Shipmates! SAILING - Visually Impaired Sailing Association 

As winter draws near, it's time to think about sailing for 2025. Here are our plans so far. To make it all happen, we need you to tell us if you want to participate in all of it, some of it, or none of it. Yes folks, we do need your answers! We hope to secure some funding from our wonderful supporters, but until we do, we can't confirm costs.

Mallorca: May 10th to 17th

The plan is to sail around the Island of Mallorca from May 10th to 17th. Fly to Palma, pick up the boat at Port De Pollenca. This will be self-funded, so costs are around £700 plus flights. Please let us know as soon as possible, mail membership@visa-gb.org.uk

Milford Haven: End of May/Early June

Marvellous Milford, one of our favourite spots. We'll be back there for early summer to enjoy being bombarded by puffin poo when we visit the bird sanctuary on Skomer Island. One week, dates not yet confirmed but late May or the first week of June. Cost depends on available funding.

Plymouth: End of June

Two boats for a week from Plymouth, with its easy transport links. We plan trips to the delightful Fowey and other harbours ready to welcome us for some sea shanties and a few shandies. Cost will depend on available funding.

Cross Channel: End of July

Did you know the King visited Guernsey when we were there last year? Building on the success of this trip, we know a cross-channel jaunt is a very popular adventure. Dates are from Wednesday, July 23rd to Tuesday, July 29th, starting and finishing in Southampton.

Solent & Beyond: September 8th to 14th

Starting and finishing in Southampton, we will head to Wonderful Weymouth or Breezy Brighton.

Sailing for Young Adults Aged 18 to 25: Dates to be Agreed

We want to encourage young visually impaired adults to experience the joy of sailing. We have secured funding specifically for 18 to 25-year-olds, so plan a short introductory day’s sailing in May with a week-long cruise to follow. Please do all you can to encourage those youngsters to give it a go.

Round the Island Race: Saturday, June 7th

We haven't decided if we should enter. How many of you would like to do the race in 2025? We need to know. The cost for four days would be approximately £500 as it's expensive to charter boats, race insurance, and such like. It's a fantastic experience and you'd be there amongst 8,000 other sailors.

That's all the plans so far, sorry we can't confirm costs yet but please let is know which trips you'd like to apply for.  Now, here’s more about Mallorca:

Our friend and supporter, James Barlow, has come up with a wonderfully hair-brained scheme to raise money for us. James has decided to run, yes, that’s run, around the island of Mallorca. There’s a link to his message at the end of this. So we thought if he can run, we will sail. Here’s a link to the news article on our website along with James’s message: https://visa-gb.org.uk/2024/10/22/james-barlow-and-his-mad-run-around-mallorca-2025/

How to book:

You’ll need to email membership@visa-gb.org.uk stating which trip, or trips, you are interested in please state your preference, e.g., first choice and second choice.   

For more information please contact Sue Hogge, our membership secretary: 07767 717440 or visit their website:https://visa-gb.org.uk/

Discover "Touch to See" Story Books

Are you a visually impaired parent or grandparent who wishes you could share a book with your child? Living Paintings "Touch to See" story books might be the perfect solution! These unique books allow you to explore and share stories through touch and reading, offering an interactive, sensory experience for both you and your child.

Founded in 1989, Living Paintings has grown into a remarkable organization, reaching thousands of blind and partially sighted individuals. Their ever-expanding library of Touch to See books provides a fun and engaging way for people of all ages from 2 years old to 102 years to enjoy stories through touch. These tactile books make reading accessible and enjoyable for everyone.