The Isle of Man community is being encouraged to go ‘Bright for Sight’ and show its support for visually impaired and blind people in the Island.

On Friday, 18th September, everyone is invited to join in the fun by dressing in the brightest clothes they can find, decorating their workplace or school in bright colours or even having a sale of colourful cakes.

Bright for Sight day is being organised by Manx Blind Welfare Society as part of Vision Awareness Week 2015.

Society Volunteers Coordinator & Events Organiser Debbie Thomson explained: ‘The aim of Vision Awareness Week is to highlight how we can, as a community, better understand what it means to be blind or visually impaired, and ensure everyone has the opportunity and independence to live their life as they choose.

‘Bright for Sight day is a fun way of raising awareness of that message, and the services and support offered by Manx Blind Welfare Society and other organisations in the Island. Already many businesses, schools and clubs have confirmed they will be taking part, ensuring 18th September will be a truly colourful day!

‘It is also an opportunity to raise funds to help us continue our vital work with more than 600 seriously visually impaired people in the Island. There are many ways you could help raise funds, perhaps making 18th September a dress down day in your workplace and asking for donations or holding a cake sale. It’s up to you how you get involved; just make sure it’s bright!’

She added: ‘We’d love to see what people get up to, and would encourage anyone who is joining in the fun of Bright for Sight day to share photos on our Facebook page or Tweet us at @ManxBWS.’

Bright for Sight day is one of a series of events being held as part of Vision Awareness Week 2015, which runs from 14th to 20th September. There is an open day at the Society’s Corrin Court centre in Onchan on 14th September, a chance to try acoustic shooting on 19th September and the return of Walk My Way, the Island’s biggest guided walk, on Harris Promenade in Douglas on 20th September.

During the week Society staff and volunteers will also be delivering a series of talks to schools, businesses and local organisations, as well as training on how to assist visually impaired people.

For more details about Bright for Sight day and other Vision Awareness Week events, call 674727 or email enquiries@mbws.org.im.

To find out more about MBWS, visit www.facebook.com/manxblindwelfaresociety

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