SHEFFIELD VISUALLY IMPAIRED WALKING GROUP

VOLUNTEER GUIDES NEEDED - If you are interested - Click here for more information SOME OF OUR WALKERS DESCRIBE THEIR EXPERIENCES Walk and Talk

WHAT WE DO

THE SHEFFIELD VISUALLY IMPAIRED (VIPs) WALKING GROUP offers visually impaired people (VIPs) the opportunity to go walking regularly, assisted by trained volunteer guides.

WALKS - We have an annual programme of walks in and around the Peak District and South Yorkshire. Walks vary in length and degree of difficulty to suit the varying capabilities of the VIPs. So - whether you want an easy 4 to 5 mile amble, a 6 to 7 mile ramble around the countryside or a bit more demanding hike into the hills we will have something to suit you. And bring your guide dog. He or she will enjoy the exercise as well.

Are you sometimes lonely or and find yourself unable to go walking because no-one is available to help? We offer the opportunity for you to get out into the countryside - good exercise, fresh air and, most importantly, friendly company.

And walking in a group can often be stimulating and provide a sense of security, teamwork and achievement, which can lift your morale and boost your self-confidence.

You will also learn new things! Our leaders are experienced, and will usually have lots of interesting things to tell you about the local area..

TRANSPORT - We travel to and from our walks mostly by public transport, although sometimes we need to use cars or a mini bus. Occasionally we use a coach for days out.

WALKING HOLIDAYS - We organise a walking holiday each year. Recent destinations have included The Yorkshire Dales, Llandudno, Isle of Mann and Northumberland.

TOUGH CHALLENGES - In recent years small groups of VIPs and guides have raised money doing things like climbing Kinder Scout, Ben Nevis and Scafell Pike and walking across Morecambe Bay (see photograph below).

Our Lake District Holiday in 2021 We're always open to suggestions about new challenges to tackle! SUPPORTING ORGANISATIONS - We gratefully receive support from the following organisations: SHEFFIELD ROYAL SOCIETY FOR THE BLIND - Who provide us with facilities for meeting and sending out information to members. The Sheffield Royal Society For The Blind's Home Page SHEFFIELD CITY COUNCIL - The Physical Disability and Sensory Impairment Service. Who organise training for our guides, and refer and provide information to registered VIPs. SHEFFIELD RAMBLERS - Who provide walk leaders and many of the guides for our walks. Each VIP will have at least one guide. The Sheffield Ramblers Home Page SHEFFIELD CITY TRUST - For their generosity SHEFFIELD CITY TRUST SVIWG - ORGANISATION Members are kept informed by our website and a monthly newsletter: printed, emailed or in audio form. We rely on donations and funds that we raise ourselves through sponsorship, etc to meet our running cost. IF YOU WOULD LIKE MORE INFORMATION ABOUT SVIWG or may be interested in joining our group as a VIP or a guide please contact the chair: Susan Hill - Tel: 07970311329,or email susanmaryhill56@icloud.com or our Vice Chair/Membership Secretary, Martin Wing email mrmartinwing@gmail.com Tel: 07747443812 Any donations will be gratefully received. Please forward to our Treasurer: Mr S. Wainright c/o SRSB, 5 Mapin Street, Sheffield S1 4DT May 2021

This website is managed by Christine Whittaker who can be contacted at: christine Whittaker email: christinewhittaker586@yahoo.co.uk