Vision Support and Brio Leisure Join Forces

Brio Leisure has announced a fantastic partnership with regional charity Vision Support to introduce specialised sessions catering to individuals with vision impairment.

Following a successful taster session in late 2023, these sessions are now a regular part of the activity programme and aim not only to promote physical activity but also to enhance the overall quality of life for participants.

Vision Support, known for providing many different services, including social activities for the vision impaired, has collaborated with Brio Leisure to offer innovative sessions. One such activity, New Age Kurling, has become a weekly occurrence during the winter months. Participants, including those from the Walled City VI Social and Activities Group which Vision Support assists with, bring their guide dogs and gather to socialise and engage in physical activities, fostering a supportive community.

Mal, a Vision Support Volunteer, emphasised the significance of these sessions in combating social isolation:

‘The great thing about these sessions is that the group can socialise all year round," Mal shared. "Kurling is a weekly opportunity for us all to come together and enjoy each other's company.’

Josh Garland, Vision Support's Cheshire Services Manager, highlighted the range of activities available, from indoor kurling to gym sessions and swimming. The goal is to remove the aspect of social isolation that vision-impaired individuals often face.

To anyone with a vision impairment who may be thinking about joining a group and getting involved or wants to try out a new activity, Josh says:

‘Give it a go! We specifically aim to support those with a vision impairment. We collaborate with volunteers, and partners like Brio to offer activities suited to everyone.’

Tom, a Vision Support and Walled City VI member says:

‘I’ve been coming to curling group for 2-3 months now and I love it to bits, I think it is great! Whenever I have mentioned curling to people they say, you don’t do it on ice do you and I say, certainly not! I thank Northgate Arena for allowing us to do this, I think it is wonderful!’

Vision Support has also organised dedicated gym sessions at Northgate Arena every Tuesday at 12:30pm where participants can receive support from Brio PTs who create a dedicated workout plan and routine. Members can also enjoy a casual swim session every Wednesday from 9:30am to 10:30am at Northgate Arena to provide inclusive fitness opportunities. Vision Support’s fantastic volunteers further provide sighted guide assistance to help individuals access and use the gym machines and swimming facilities safely!  A further vision impairment-friendly swimming session takes place at Brio Leisure’s, Ellesmere Port Sports Village, every Friday, 12.45pm until 13.45pm. These sessions empower individuals to confidently participate in various exercises, breaking barriers and fostering a sense of community.

Kerry Goryl, Brio Leisure’s Operations Manager, expressed the significance of inclusivity and partnerships like Vision Support:

"Our company’s vision is to inspire everyone to lead a happier and healthier lifestyle. We are working proactively with key partners, such as Vision Support, to collectively remove barriers that prevent and or exclude people with vision impairment from being physically active. What started as a pilot has quickly developed into an integral part of our weekly programmed activities, and more importantly, it is providing a safe space for people to be physically active, try new things and meet new people. It’s a good example of how powerful partnership working is, and if you get it right, it can enable you to achieve greater things and have a positive impact on people’s lives.”

Frances, a Vision Support Volunteer explained why the sessions are so vital:

“They are important because of the socialising. We are all one big family.”

Sessions are open to all at Northgate Arena, and Ellesmere Port Sports Village. Leisure Card holders receive a £1 discount per PAYG gym and swim session. Brio members can use facilities as part of their membership.

These initiatives underscore Brio Leisure's commitment to creating inclusive spaces that empower individuals and improve wellbeing.

Colin a Vision Support member said:

“There are not too many occasions for people with a visual impairment to come together and compete on a level playing field and I have been looking for something like this for years! There is a lot of banter going on and a lot of joking.”

For more information about Vision Support and the sessions offered at Brio and across the borough, visit: 

www.visionsupport.org.uk 

or follow them on social media by searching ‘Vision Support’. 

If you are interested in volunteering with Vision Support please contact: 

Information@Visionsupport.Org.uk 

or call 01244 381515

For session and activity details and updates, refer to Brio Leisure's social media channels by searching ‘Brio Leisure’ across all channels or contact your local Brio centre.

For any further information, visit their website: 

www.brioleisure.org