Sight Support in Colne: A Lifeline for People with Visual Impairment

It’s easy to overlook how much we rely on our eyesight—until our world starts to blur, dim, or disappear altogether. Whether gradual or sudden, sight loss can turn even the most familiar tasks—reading a recipe, crossing the road, or recognising a friend’s face—into overwhelming obstacles. For many, it’s not just the loss of vision that hurts most, but the loss of confidence, connection, and independence.

But in Colne, something truly eye-opening is happening.

Pendle Sight Loss Support Group

The Pendle Sight Loss Support Group is offering more than just guidance—it’s giving people their lives back. Focused not on diagnoses but on day-to-day living, the group provides a fresh perspective for anyone navigating visual impairment. With a warm brew, some friendly banter, and plenty of practical advice, it helps people who are losing their sight find their footing—and their community.

Julie Sutcliffe and Dawn Hewitson, both of whom are visually impaired themselves, founded the group back in 2018 after realising that local support for people suffering sight loss was lacking. “There was nowhere to turn, and no community groups to share experiences with,” Julie explained. Their vision was simple but powerful: to create a safe space where people with any level of sight loss could come along for a chat, a brew, and some friendly company.

Looking to the future, Julie has hopes for a community cafe on Colne High Street.

Julie shared, “For many members, the group might be the only time they leave the house each week. It’s more than support; it’s about regaining independence and building friendships.” Dawn echoes Julie’s commitment to helping others and says, “Sight loss is a frightening experience, and no one should have to face it alone.” Together, they laid the foundations for what has since become a thriving community resource.

More recently, Gary joined the team. Previously a group member, Gary is also visually impaired. Julie described him as “such a kind and compassionate man. He’ll do anything for anyone.” His friendly and gentle nature made him the perfect addition to the team, and now Julie, Dawn, and Gary run the weekly meetings together. Each session is filled with warmth, humour, and practical advice.

Meetings take place every Tuesday at 10 a.m. in the ASDA Community Room in Colne. The meetings offer a friendly, accessible space with a separate entrance that’s easy to find. When I visited recently, the co-founders, Julie and Dawn, warmly greeted me. Within moments of arriving, I had been offered a brew, setting the tone for the group’s inviting atmosphere.

Members of all ages share stories, laughter, and smiles. During the meeting, Julie and Dawn began discussing an upcoming event that includes activities such as blind archery. The idea prompted a flurry of jokes and giggles, a perfect snapshot of the group’s spirit: humorous, hopeful, and fully engaged. Julie reminded me, “Losing sight shouldn’t stop anyone from trying something new or living life to the fullest.”

“It’s comforting to talk to other people who know what you’re going through…”

The group has brought many new friendships together, and one that is especially touching is that of two members, Brenda and Linda, affectionately known as ‘The Golden Girls’. Once colleagues at Boundary Mill, they had lost touch for 17 years. Brenda was referred to attend the group after her sight began to decline, and she was stunned to find Linda already there. Their joyful reunion rekindled a deep friendship and boosted both women’s confidence. “I never dreamed I’d be socialising like I do now,” Brenda shared, recalling how she once felt too anxious to go out. Linda also recalls a time when she lacked the confidence to leave the house. However, the pair are now often found enjoying days and evenings out. There’s no stopping them now that they have newfound confidence.

The support group extends beyond Tuesday meetups, organising outings to local theatres, restaurants, and train trips to various destinations. These excursions are carefully planned to ensure everyone feels secure and supported, especially individuals who may have lost confidence in venturing out alone. “It’s about helping people enjoy life outside their homes again,” Julie mentioned.

If you or someone you know is living with sight loss in Pendle, this group offers a warm invitation.

Tony, a 93-year-old former mill worker, is one of the group’s original members and is visually impaired and hard of hearing. “There was a time when Dad would just sit and stare at home, never wanting to go anywhere,” says his daughter, Angela. “Now, thanks to this group, he has a new lease on life!”

“It’s comforting to talk to other people who know what you’re going through,” says newest member, Carolyn, who discovered the group through the ‘What’s On’ section of Colne Life. Experiencing the early stages of sight loss, she shared how scary her diagnosis had been. “Speaking with others who understood has made a massive difference to my outlook.”

None of this would be possible without the tireless support of Diane Springthorpe, ASDA’s Community Champion. “Diane has been incredible, going above and beyond for our group and the wider community,” Julie beamed. Diane’s efforts reflect her genuine commitment to bringing people together. The ASDA Community Rooms have been open daily from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. for the past ten years, hosting everything from yoga classes to support groups. With over 72 different groups meeting monthly, the space has become a vital hub in Pendle.

Looking to the future, Julie has hopes for a community cafe on Colne High Street. A welcoming place for everyone, not just the visually impaired, but a place for anyone to drop in at any time, where you can learn more about all the support groups within the community, just like this one.

If you or someone you know is living with sight loss in Pendle, this group offers a warm invitation. No referral is needed, and there’s no pressure to attend each week—drop by for a brew, a chat, and a bit of friendly support.

Pendle Sight Loss Support Group meets every Tuesday at 10 a.m. in the ASDA Community Room, Colne. Call Julie on 07891958491.

Whether you’re looking for advice, friendship, or simply a welcoming face, you’ll find it here.

ColneLife Sep/Oct/Nov 25