'When I lost my sight I just stayed in and felt very isolated from the world'
A man from Gloucester has set up a support group for those who are blind, visually impaired, their carers and family members. Losing his sight made him realise opportunities are limited to access leisure activities, and there are not many groups in the city supporting blind and visually impaired individuals.
Since, Harvey Dyer, 23, from Kingsholm, lost his sight as a teenager as he has optical neuropathy, however he has since adapted to a life with no vision, and has learned how to adjust, despite feeling very isolated initially. He feels there may be others who struggle to access activities and develop hobbies and interests, and he would like to help those in the blind and visually impaired community to access opportunities and not be deterred as they have a disability.
The group Harvey has set up is called See Differently, and is based in Matson. The group is not just for those who are blind or visually impaired, it is there to provide support for carers and family members, however it is only available to those over 18-years-old at the moment.
Harvey said: "I have a group called See Differently and it is for the blind and visually impaired community. When I lost my sight I just stayed in and felt very isolated from the world, and I feel there may be others out there who feel the same.
"When you are told you are blind, you get a certificate to confirm it and sent on your way. There is little support out there.
"For so long I did not go out the house and I just stayed in because I did not have access to any support organisations or have anyone to tell me what there is out there for blind people. I have realised, with help from my mum, there are things I can still do even though I am blind.
"By having a group, we can share our experiences and knowledge. Until you are in this situation, you do not know what is out there."
Harvey has found a way to play darts, chess and is even is going to visit a club to try archery. However he appreciates others may not know these opportunities are out there.
Harvey said: "I found a way to be able to play darts by putting a bit of string in the centre of the board which is tied to the wall and I have marker on the floor so I can gauge the direction and height of the board. Then it is a throw and guess and hope the dart hits the board.
"I have my chess board where all the black squares are raised and have circle deep slot to put the chess pieces in, and I have just applied to an archery club to help me have a go at archery, and they are looking to access the equipment so I can have a go.
"This is something I would like to be able to do for others in the visually impaired and blind community in Gloucestershire. If anyone would like to join the group, we are based at the Redwell Centre and the next meeting is on July 16 and it starts at 1pm and runs until 2.30pm"