South West Water Sports for Sight Impaired Children

The Pitch

Problem statement

MoorVision over 250 supports families of children and young people across Devon and Cornwall who have a vision impairment (blind or partially sighted). 50% of these children also have a wide range of other disabilities including physical, learning, hearing and complex. Mainstream services often lack the experience, expertise or equipment to support this group making it impossible for them to access activities. Many become very isolated and lacking in confidence and this can prevent them reaching their full potential. MoorVision provides information, advice, support, advocacy, fully accessible activities, independent living skills and residentials to these children.

Solution

This project aims to introduce children with vision impairment to the joys of fully accessible water sports on our wonderful South-West Waters. Part 1 - children with vision impairment rafting, canoeing and kayaking on the Torridge Estuary. They would also learn about the Taw/Torridge confluence and associated wildlife. Part 2 - children with vision impairment and complex needs taking part in canoeing and kayaking on the Wistlandpound Reservoir. They would also learn about reservoirs and water supplies. Expected outcomes: •increased well-being, health, fitness •increased self-esteem, skills, confidence, independence •increased social contact •reduced isolation •sense of achievement

Why are we best placed to deliver?

1. We are the only local charity supporting children with vision impairment in Devon & Cornwall. 2. We have 17 years of experience of successfully delivering a wide range of projects across all areas of sports, arts, music, science and nature. 3. We are fully inclusive in all we deliver. 4. Our staff have a high level of lived experience. 5. Most of our volunteers are themselves young people with vision impairment. 6. We are only asking for the direct costs of the project – we have salaries funded via another grant giver so 100% of any funding awarded by SWW would be spent directly on the children. 7. We have robust policies including safeguarding, health & safety and risk assessment.

Focus Areas

Delivery plan

Budget breakdown

Beneficiaries

80 people

Who will benefit

Expected impact

Each of the 80 beneficiaries would be a child or young person aged 4-25 with a vision impairment. 50% of them would also have other disabilities.The impact of this project would be for them to experience water sports activities in a safe and accessible environment, to work alongside their peers, to develop their independence, and to grow in strength, skills and confidence. They will have opportunities to really challenge themselves and to show themselves and others what they can do.We would collect data on the ages and locations of each beneficiary so we can ensure we are meeting the needs of all. We would assess the effectiveness of the project via accessible surveys using large print, online, braille and audio versions.Quote from a previous activity:Thank you for helping Adam achieve personal fulfilment today with the activities today. He had an amazing time and it was wonderful to see him interacting with the other children which he rarely does. He can’t wait for the next one.

Track record

MoorVision has been delivering a very wide range of land and water-based activities including canoeing, sailing, rafting, kayaking, wind surfing, archery, athletics, climbing, abseiling, zip wiring, VI football and goalball for 17 years. We deliver at least two face-to-face activities each month, support children at weekly VI football sessions and hold two activity residential trips each year. We reach approximately 1,200 beneficiaries each year. Quote: MoorVision is a lifeline for an isolated community of blind and partially sighted children who are usually in mainstream school where they are often the only ones with a visual impairment. Their self-esteem and sense of belonging can be severely affected. Spending time with other families is an uplifting and rewarding experience. The children have fantastic experiences that stretch and challenge them. The support and acceptance we all get is hard to describe. It gives us hope for what our child could achieve in the future.

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