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KAB clubs for those with sight impairments

14:28, 07 March 2017

In the second of our features on Kent Association for the Blind, KentOnline and KMTV's charity of the year, we will be looking at the clubs across the county offered by KAB.

There are around 50 different clubs across Kent, Bromley and Bexley offered by KAB for those with sight impairment.

These range from art and craft clubs to pub lunch and reading groups.

Members of the Gravesend Art group working on their current project.
Members of the Gravesend Art group working on their current project.

One KAB client, Paul, is in his forties and lives in Maidstone. He has Retinitis Pigmentosa and is part of the Active Group, the Art Group and the Digital Photography Group.

He said: “The clubs are great fun. Last week with the Active Group we went climbing and it was brilliant! Next time we’re going horse-riding and we also want to try archery.

"The Active Group is all about getting people out of the house trying new things. I enjoy seeing people doing things and realising that they can still do stuff like sport even though they haven’t got much sight.”

The groups rely on volunteers such as Wendy Daws, left
The groups rely on volunteers such as Wendy Daws, left

The Art Groups (Medway and Gravesend) are run by local artist Wendy Daws, who set up the Medway Art Group in 2006 after she started volunteering for KAB.

The Gravesend Art Group was then set up in 2015 when there was enough funding.

The group are currently working on a project as part of the Pocahontas 400 commeroative project and an exhibition will be held in the Blake Gallery, Woodville Halss on from Mach 13 for a month.

KAB Chief Executive Eithne Rynne said: “Our KAB clubs are a great way for clients to meet new people and try something new or continue with hobbies they were passionate about before losing their sight.

"We have over 40 clubs across the region for people of all ages including art groups, digital photography groups, social groups, craft groups and book groups.

"We wouldn’t be able to provide such a variety of activities without the support of our incredible volunteers who lead or assist at the sessions and drive clients to and from venues.”

For more information on the clubs on offer, visit the website or contact your local team.

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