Sight loss charity Galloway’s is celebrating its biggest ever grant donation this year, after being awarded a staggering £120,330 from The Julia and Hans Rausing Trust.
The Lancashire and Sefton-based organisation was one of 329 applicants to receive the funding as part of the Trust’s Charity Survival Fund.
The money will help Galloway’s to continue supporting blind and partially sighted people during the pandemic. This includes welfare calls and regular group telephone activities, often with a guest speaker. The charity also offers assistive technology support online or over the phone, as well as an online Get Active programme by way of virtual walks and Zoom sessions.
Galloway’s has launched an Alexa Skill, where people can listen to a range of talking newspapers and find out what virtual events are going on. The charity also offers specialised video calling assistance through the global Be My Eyes app.
Nicola Hanna, Head of Income Generation at Galloway’s, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to have been chosen out of so many applicants to receive this money. It is a staggering amount and will really make a difference to blind and partially sighted people across Lancashire and Sefton during this difficult time.
“It has been a tricky few months, as we have not been able to rely on our usual income streams. But this funding allows us to continue helping people with sight loss stay connected to our support and activities.”
The money will go a long way towards ensuring Galloway’s can continue to make a difference to people like James Wyatt, who says that without the charity, he would ‘be in a bad position.’
The 82-year-old from Morecambe has age related macular degeneration and has relied on Galloway’s now more than ever.
He said: “Without Galloway’s, I would be in a bad position. It is a lifeline for me and for others.
“It is all about the support you get: not just when you are there, but more importantly, during lockdown, when you are not there.
“I really enjoy dialling into Talking Together, which is a group phone chat, where there are quizzes and talks. This is brilliant as it keeps us all in touch with each other. It has helped me greatly. It is a great lift and something to look forward to.
“I am proud to be part of Galloway’s and I cannot speak highly enough of them. They go above and beyond. It is more than just a job for them.”
Julia and Hans Rausing commented: “When reading through the many applications for the Charity Survival Fund, we were struck by the number of charities which are doing vital work supporting communities across the country. We are thrilled that Galloway’s will be able to continue to offer help and support to people, at a time when the pandemic has made its work more important than ever before.”
Galloway’s provides support across Lancashire and Sefton, currently operating appointment-only face to face services in Penwortham and Morecambe.