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Wakefield Visually Impaired Group was formed on 10th September 2001 in response to requests for a social outlet in Wakefield.
There are other organisations in the area offering services to Visually Impaired People (VIP's), but we are a self-help group.
We are a registered charity and conform to the regulations of the Charities Commission.
Our objectives are :-
"To promote any charitable purposes for the benefit of persons who are blind, visually impaired or have literacy problems and are in need and are resident in Wakefield and the surrounding area, particularly by the provisions of recreational and educational facilities, in the interest of social welfare and with a view to improving their conditions of life".
 We meet fortnightly on Monday evenings at Wakefield Labour Club (no political affiliation required).
The Labour Club is a member of the CAMRA organisation and is usually stocked with a good choice of 'real ales'.
We have quizzes, barbecues and play a variety of games, as well as offering the perfect setting for a good old 'chin-wag' !
On alternate Mondays we go bowling at the local bowling alley, where everyone has great fun trying to hit the pins !
We organise coach, train and canal trips during the summer and also enjoy theatre going. When it comes to Christmas, we have a meal together at a local hostelry or restaurant.
We try to give our members as much variety as possible and we are driven by their ideas.
We offer information in different formats ie. on CD or cassette or in large print or braille.
 Group Secretary, Alan Rayner talks about the SIGHTLINE project, which forms a vital part of the groups activities ...
"The SIGHTLINE project came to Wakefield in march 2001, sponsored by the Talking Newspaper Association of the UK (TNAUK).
TNAUK secured funding for around forty computers with special programs that speak and enlarge what is on the screen - They invited organisations nationally to apply for the equipment and our application was successful.
This gave me the opportunity to pass on my computer skills to others and make available access to newspapers, magazines and books in electronic format.
 I started by giving lessons in basic computer skills, like touch typing and learning how to use the special programs.
Wakefield Drury Lane Library became host for the project and have maintained full support and encouragement as the project has developed.
The Library further enhanced the project by making people aware of their services and by pointing prospective users in our direction.
SIGHTLINE is now an integral part of the groups itinerary. We are online with a broadband connection, which has enabled us to develop our internet activities ..."
Our free monthly audio tape, OUTREACH, is a compendium of articles compiled from other audio magazines, radio and TV and contributions from listeners. It is designed to keep our listeners throughout the Wakefield Metropolitan District informed about visually impaired matters. 
We like our listeners to be abreast of technical inovations, services, and research developments as well as the odd humorous or story of local interest. The tape is inter-active, encouraging listeners to contribute poetry, book reviews, a song or an interesting story or request for information.
Although most of our listeners live in the Wakefield Metropolitan District, - Wakefield, Normanton, Castleford, Pontefract and Knottingley, we have several listeners scattered throughout the Country.
If you know someone who might benefit from our tape, please let me know.
For Further Information please contact:-
Mr AM Rayner - Secretary - WVIG
8 Speak Close
Pinders Heath
Wakefield
WF1 4TG
Telephone 01924 365357
click here to send Alan an email
(Registered Charity No. 1093772)
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