Dewsbury and Batley blind charity merges to streamline services

The Society, which is based at the Whitfield Centre on Soothill Lane, in Batley, has provided services for the visually impaired community of North Kirklees since it was founded in 1918.

KVIN, whose office is at Brian Jackson House in Huddersfield, is a user-led organisation providing emotional support and one-on-one training to help people with visual impairment, learn to effectively use and make the most of every day technology.

David Quarmby, Founder and Chair at Kirklees Visual Impairment Network, said: “We were delighted when the Society approached us and are excited about the prospect of working as one organisation.

“We’re still only touching the surface of reaching as many visually impaired people as we can. Our aim is to provide our peer support services near to where they live, providing an opportunity for them to benefit from what we have to offer.”

Bill Stevenson, Chairman of the Society for the Blind of Dewsbury, Batley and District said: “The merger will see services provide to the visual impaired community across all of Kirklees and surrounding areas.

“Although the Whitfield Centre is currently closed, the Society lives on.

“New relationships have been formed and we look to the future with anticipation.”