Insight Gloucestershire
Audrey, a Funding Relationship Manager at Barnwood, recently caught up with Insight Gloucestershire, a Funded Partner that supports people with sight loss, to hear how the organisation is making a difference to people like Peter* with support from Barnwood’s funding.
Peter has always found joy and connection in reading newspapers, magazines, and personal letters. But over the past 20 years, his vision has deteriorated, making reading increasingly difficult and taking away one of the activities he loved most.
In 2024, Peter was diagnosed with inoperable cataracts and was referred to Insight Gloucestershire by his local Eye Care Liaison Officer. There, he met Mark, an advisor who carried out a Sight Loss Assessment to understand how Peter’s vision changes were affecting his daily life and identify what support could make a difference.
Mark showed him how to use tools like magnifiers, lighting and text to speech options. After demonstrating the Ruby XL digital magnifier, a portable device that can enlarge text up to 14 times, Peter decided this suited his needs the best.
With this simple piece of technology, Peter was able to return to reading his newspapers and personal letters restoring his independence and daily routine.
“It’s so important to know that help of this sort is available. Based on the help I’ve already received, I’d be optimistic about any future support they could give me.“
Using the funding from Barnwood Trust, Insight Gloucestershire continues to help improve the lives of many more people like Peter through its Digital Inclusion project, which provides tailored advice and access to technology.
The charity now runs 11 monthly hubs across Gloucestershire and has opened itsfirst charity shop in Stroud, equipped with a new resource and appointment room. By expanding their reach across the county, Insight Gloucestershire is making its services more accessible to people who face travel difficulties, giving people with sight loss the tools and support they need to live independently and confidently.
*Name has been changed to protect privacy.