A charity which helps people with sight loss live independent lives is to expand its services and reach.
Outlookers, which won the King’s Award for Voluntary Service in 2024, runs support groups in Mirfield, Dewsbury, Batley, Huddersfield, Holmfirth, Denby Dale and Cleckheaton and also provides technology training and assistance.
From September 1 2025, Outlookers will be expanding to include Eye Care Liaison services at Huddersfield and Dewsbury hospitals.
As well as that, Kirklees Council will be funding part of their peer support group network and assistive technology demonstrations. Outlookers will also continue to offer their highly-regarded one-to-one technology tuition.
A spokesperson for Outlookers said: “We’re thrilled to have the opportunity to reach out to more local people by providing the Eye Care Liaison service in local hospitals.
“We’ll be taking over an established service, providing the same high quality advice, and also giving people the opportunity to become part of a sight loss community that is local to them.
“We’re also looking forward to working collaboratively across the community to build awareness around eye health and improve access to life-changing support.”
Outlookers CEO Mark Owen said: “It’s great to have the opportunity to offer our services to even more local people with sight loss.
“An eye clinic visit in the afternoon can now lead to the offer of local support, from people with lived experience, the very next morning.”
David Quarmby, chair of trustees at Outlookers, said “This gives us a real opportunity to reach out to the vast number of visually impaired people in Kirklees who can benefit from what we have to offer to enable them to continue to do the things they want to be able to, despite their sight loss.”
Tracy Bodle, lead for Kirklees ICB Age Friendly Communities, said: “We are thrilled to support such an important local charity.
“We are striving to reduce inequalities and local people have told us the services associated with Outlookers are a critical part of that.”
To find out more about Outlookers call 01924 445222, e-mail info@outlookers.org.uk or visit www.outlookers.org.uk.
