34
Annual Review 2014/15 RNIB Northern Ireland

Annual Review Northern Island 2014/15 · 2016-07-28 · to new treatments for vitreomacular traction and diabetic macular oedema. ... we wanted to know, even small things like phone

  • Upload
    others

  • View
    1

  • Download
    0

Embed Size (px)

Citation preview

Page 1: Annual Review Northern Island 2014/15 · 2016-07-28 · to new treatments for vitreomacular traction and diabetic macular oedema. ... we wanted to know, even small things like phone

Annual Review 2014/15RNIB Northern Ireland

Page 2: Annual Review Northern Island 2014/15 · 2016-07-28 · to new treatments for vitreomacular traction and diabetic macular oedema. ... we wanted to know, even small things like phone

2

We’re RNIB Northern Ireland and Isle of Man, and we’re here for everyone affected by sight loss.Whether you’re losing your sight or you’re blind or partially sighted, our practical and emotional support can help you face the future with confidence.Our ambition is to make every day better for everyone affected by sight loss: by being there when you are losing your sight, supporting independent living, creating an inclusive society and preventing sight loss.

Page 3: Annual Review Northern Island 2014/15 · 2016-07-28 · to new treatments for vitreomacular traction and diabetic macular oedema. ... we wanted to know, even small things like phone

3

2 About RNIB3 Contents4 Key Statistics6 From our Chair and Director8 Ourwork:Being there9 NorthernIreland’sfirstPaediatricEyeCareLiaisonOfficer10 Our work: Independence11 Ken’s story12 Our work: Inclusion13 Leighanne’sstory14 Ourwork:Prevention15 Joan’s story16 Whatwesetouttodo...andwhatweachieved17 HelpfromEyeCareLiaisonOfficers18 Livingeverydaywithconfidence19 Accessingwelfarebenefits20 Gettingoutandaboutconfidently21 Making use of technology22 Achievingfullpotentialineducation23 Supporting people into work24 Making information accessible25 Improvingeyehealthcareandunderstandingofeyeconditions26 Abrieflookatourfinances28 Our supporters30 Thank you31 NationalandEuropeanFunders32 How you can help33 Contact us

Contents

Page 4: Annual Review Northern Island 2014/15 · 2016-07-28 · to new treatments for vitreomacular traction and diabetic macular oedema. ... we wanted to know, even small things like phone

4

children received eye health advice1,800

In 2014/15...

Over 4,200

people received practical and emotional support from our

Eye Care Liaison Officers 3,500 people took part in our confidence-building programmes

Over

More than

people received advice about useful products

1,000

Page 5: Annual Review Northern Island 2014/15 · 2016-07-28 · to new treatments for vitreomacular traction and diabetic macular oedema. ... we wanted to know, even small things like phone

We enabled 495 people to obtain over

£950,000in unclaimed benefits.

5

Page 6: Annual Review Northern Island 2014/15 · 2016-07-28 · to new treatments for vitreomacular traction and diabetic macular oedema. ... we wanted to know, even small things like phone

6

From our Chair and DirectorIn the next 15 minutes someone’s lifewillchangeforever.Someonewillfeelmorealonethanthey’veeverfeltbefore. Someone’s future will feel bleak, eventerrifying.Inthenext15minutes,someone will be told they are losing theirsight.Thisyearwe’veworkedtoensuremorepeoplehaveaccesstoanEyeCareLiaisonOfficer,aqualifiedsightlossadviser.Thisisabsolutelynecessary, so people get the practical and emotional support they need to face the future without fear.

Everyoneisdifferentandwillwantadifferentlevelofindependence–ourjob is to get the right mix of skills and tools to help someone make confident choices. Across the UK, RNIB has workedtoprovideadviceservicestoover60,000peoplethisyear,we’ve

extended our confidence building servicestosupportover21,000people,we identified £14.8million in unclaimed benefitsandprovidedover1,500 people with peer support through our telephone-based Talk and Support groups.

Getting out and about with confidence is essential. Throughout the year we havebeenindiscussionswithTranslinkand the Department of Regional Developmentaboutimprovingaccessto public transport in Northern Ireland. Technologycontinuestochangelives.Across the UK, we supported nearly 7,000 people of all ages through our digitalinclusionservicestodevelopconfidence in using technology.

We’venowmadeover20,000ofourTalkingBooksavailablefordownloadviaRNIBOverdrive,ournewdigitallibrary, along with Insight Radio content and our most popular monthly talking newspapers and magazines. We also launched Sound Vision Online, our new podcastingserviceinNorthernIreland.

Across the UK we identified

£14.8million in unclaimed benefits and provided over 1,500 people with

peer support

Page 7: Annual Review Northern Island 2014/15 · 2016-07-28 · to new treatments for vitreomacular traction and diabetic macular oedema. ... we wanted to know, even small things like phone

7

No one should needlessly lose their sight.Thisyearwe’veworkedwithhealthservicecommissionerstoensureNorthernIrelandpatientshaveaccesstonewtreatmentsforvitreomaculartraction and diabetic macular oedema.

Everydayofthisyearwehaveworkedto ensure newly diagnosed people are reached sooner, people are supported tolivetheindependentlivestheychooseandsocietyisamoreinclusiveplace.Everythingwe’veachievedinthepastyear has only been possible through the generosity and commitment of our supporters, and we thank you all.

David Galloway Director, RNIB Northern Ireland

David Mann Chair, RNIB Northern Ireland

Page 8: Annual Review Northern Island 2014/15 · 2016-07-28 · to new treatments for vitreomacular traction and diabetic macular oedema. ... we wanted to know, even small things like phone

8

Being told that you’re losing your sight can be devastating. We’re focused on making sure more people affected by sight loss are reached early. We want more eye clinics to have Eye Care Liaison Officers (ECLOs), also known as sight loss advisers, who are trained professionals who provide patients and their families with vital emotional and practical support at the point of diagnosis.

Our work: Being there

Page 9: Annual Review Northern Island 2014/15 · 2016-07-28 · to new treatments for vitreomacular traction and diabetic macular oedema. ... we wanted to know, even small things like phone

9

Northern Ireland’s first Paediatric Eye Care Liaison Officer

This year we appointed RNIB’s first PaediatricECLO,AndieMorrow. The role was created in response to the considerable number of childrenbeingreferredtoourECLOservice,coupledwithrequestsfordedicatedECLOsupportfrompaediatric ophthalmology staff.

Andie’sroleprovidesvitalsupportto families such as the Sterrits, whose son Ben was born with anophthalmia, meaning both eyes didnotdevelop.AnneSterrit,Ben’smumsays:“EveryfourtosixweeksBen has to come to the Royal and it’squiteanordealforhimand for us.

We’vehadafewproblemsgettingappointments but Andie has gone straight to the secretary on our behalf and found out exactly what wewantedtoknow,evensmallthings like phone numbers of hospital staff we needed.

“ Andie has said to us that she’ll be here for as long as we need her. I find there’s been so much support, everybody’s been so good. All I want is for Ben to be happy and I know he will be!”

Page 10: Annual Review Northern Island 2014/15 · 2016-07-28 · to new treatments for vitreomacular traction and diabetic macular oedema. ... we wanted to know, even small things like phone

10

We work to ensure that blind and partially sighted people can make the most of their lives. This means they can access the support, services, products and technologies that enable a good quality of life, along with opportunities to develop the skills for confident living.

Our work: Independence

Page 11: Annual Review Northern Island 2014/15 · 2016-07-28 · to new treatments for vitreomacular traction and diabetic macular oedema. ... we wanted to know, even small things like phone

11

Ken’s storyKen Carson suffers from optic neuritis,whichcausesprogressivedeterioration to his sight. Things came to a difficult point for Ken when he needed to start using specialistequipment.“Iwasn’tfit for work and had to be on antidepressants,” Ken recalls.

We offered Ken a place on ‘Finding your feet’, our residential programme which helps people toliveconfidentlywithsightloss.“I went into the programme feeling down and full of anxiety. But within one day, I was relaxed,” Ken says.

“Youthinkthat’sit,it’sover,I’mnotgoing to be able to do this, that and the other. ‘Finding your feet’ was a life-changer for me. It opened so many doors. I dread to think where I might be now without it.

I certainly don’t think I’d be working. At the end of the course we had to write down three goals we wanted toachieveinthenextyear.Oneofmine was to get back into golf.

“Iusedtoplayandnevereverthought I could take it up again. Now I’m training on the swing, and should be out on the course next spring.I’mevenstartingtothink, ‘I wonder if I can enter tournaments and do well.’ My friend who’s blind playsallovertheworld.Shewonthe American Open in August and the British Open in July. I’m just goingtogiveitagoandseewhereit takes me.

“ Be positive. Enjoy life using the sight you have. Don’t look backwards – only forwards.”

Page 12: Annual Review Northern Island 2014/15 · 2016-07-28 · to new treatments for vitreomacular traction and diabetic macular oedema. ... we wanted to know, even small things like phone

12

We want society to include blind and partially sighted people as equal citizens and consumers. Barriers to using mainstream goods and services result in isolation and exclusion. We’re raising awareness within communities and society to secure changes in behaviour that result in improved access for blind and partially sighted people.

Our work: Inclusion

Page 13: Annual Review Northern Island 2014/15 · 2016-07-28 · to new treatments for vitreomacular traction and diabetic macular oedema. ... we wanted to know, even small things like phone

13

Leighanne’s storyLeighanneGallagherwas16whenshe lost the sight in her right eye, and was left with limited sight in her other eye. “I was afraid I wouldn’t get a job, or be able to do normal things.ButI’vealwaysbeentaught‘you make life what you want to make it’, so I just kept going,” saysLeighanne.

Then,in2011,Leighanne’seyesightworsened. “I was off work for two years. I lost all my confidence. When I was ready to go back RNIB’s employment team spoke to my employers. They opened up the doors to work. It’s only through havingthathelpthatI’vegotmyconfidence back.”

“I work at Marks and Spencer in the lingeriedepartmentandIloveit.I’vehadthreedifferentemployeeawardsoverthelastfewmonths,mostrecentlytheoverallstoresaward.I’mveryprivileged.

I assist an eclectic mix of women, including a lot of cancer patients, and it’s so rewarding to think that I can make women feel good aboutthemselves.

“ I don’t let life hold me back. I just find different ways of doing things. I’ve discovered that life can be whatever you want it to be.”

Page 14: Annual Review Northern Island 2014/15 · 2016-07-28 · to new treatments for vitreomacular traction and diabetic macular oedema. ... we wanted to know, even small things like phone

14

We want fewer people to lose their sight. We work to raise awareness of eye health and campaign for improved access to eye care services and treatments. We support people to cope with sight loss by increasing their knowledge and understanding of their eye condition.

Our work: Prevention

Page 15: Annual Review Northern Island 2014/15 · 2016-07-28 · to new treatments for vitreomacular traction and diabetic macular oedema. ... we wanted to know, even small things like phone

15

Joan’s storyWe recently celebrated success on the Isle of Man. In partnership with Manx Blind Welfare Society and the local Macular Society group, we secured on-island treatment for wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

Previously,patientshadtotraveltoLiverpoolfortreatment.Forthepast10 years, Joan Sherry, aged 84, had toleaveherhomeat5.30amandwaituntillateeveningforareturnflight, for what might often be a 20-minuteappointment.Giventheregular nature of treatment, this was a real strain.

Joan recalls, “As I got older, it became more and more difficult. In the last couple of years, I had to make it a two-day trip and pay for

a night in a hotel. I remember one particularly bad trip when the plane wasdivertedtoManchesterairportbecause of a technical issue. I was on my own in a place I didn’t know andthatwasanexperienceIneverwant to repeat.

“ The advantage of having the injections administered locally is tremendous! It does away with that awful journey which used to take me several days to get over.”

Page 16: Annual Review Northern Island 2014/15 · 2016-07-28 · to new treatments for vitreomacular traction and diabetic macular oedema. ... we wanted to know, even small things like phone

16

What we set out to do... and what we achieved

Page 17: Annual Review Northern Island 2014/15 · 2016-07-28 · to new treatments for vitreomacular traction and diabetic macular oedema. ... we wanted to know, even small things like phone

17

Help from Eye Care Liaison OfficersEyeCareLiaisonOfficers(ECLOs),alsoknownassightlossadvisers,ensurethat people who are losing their sight don’thavetofacethislife-changingeventalone.ECLOscantakethetimetoexplain a patient’s eye condition to them and discuss treatment and medication. Theyprovideemotionalsupporttopatients and their families along with practical help, such as putting patients intouchwithkeyservices.

OurECLOserviceisavailableineachhospital eye clinic in Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man and we’re working hardtoreachevenmorepeoplewiththe support they need. This year, the servicewasextendedwiththeadditionofaPaediatricECLOpostattheRoyalVictoria Hospital, Belfast.

Our impact

In 2014/15, RNIB Northern Ireland’s ECLOservicesupported4,252people.Anoverwhelmingmajorityofthesepeople,90percent,saidtheyreceivedall or most of the support they needed and 87 percent said they felt more reassured after seeing a sight lossadviser.

people were supported by RNIB Northern Ireland and Isle of Man’s ECLO service.

4,252

“ Knowing RNIB is there is so reassuring, like a comfort blanket. RNIB gives people the confidence to get out there and live their lives.” Peter Seaman

Page 18: Annual Review Northern Island 2014/15 · 2016-07-28 · to new treatments for vitreomacular traction and diabetic macular oedema. ... we wanted to know, even small things like phone

18

Living every day with confidenceWeaimtoprovidepeoplewithsightlosswiththesupporttheyneedtoimprovetheir choices and enjoyment in daily livingandtomakethemostoftheirsight.Amongtheservicesweofferareour confidence-building programmes, whicharedeliveredinpartnershipwith local and national organisations toensurethatparticipantshavefullknowledge about the broad range of supportservicesavailabletothem.

Withrehabilitationservicesinmanyareas under significant strain, these programmes play a crucial role in providingessentialinformation. As an added benefit, the programmes havetrainedpeerfacilitatorswhocanshare their experience of being blind or partially sighted and help participants discuss the emotional impact of sight loss.

Our impact

In 2014/15 we supported 3,107 adults with sight loss to access thecommunityservicestheyneeded. Thissupportincludedseveral‘Findingyour feet’ confidence-building residential programmes,whichcontinuetoreceiveoverwhelminglypositivefeedback from participants.

In addition, our Children and families team supported 432 children and young peoplewithsightlossbyprovidingspecially tailored confidence-building activitiesandcourses.

All participants who took part in our evaluationsaidtheywouldrecommendour confidence-building programmes to other people with sight loss.

adults with sight loss were supported to access the community services they needed.

3,107

Page 19: Annual Review Northern Island 2014/15 · 2016-07-28 · to new treatments for vitreomacular traction and diabetic macular oedema. ... we wanted to know, even small things like phone

19

Accessing welfare benefitsWe’vecontinuedourworktoensureblind and partially sighted people, their family and carers can maintain their independencebyreceivingthebenefitsto which they’re entitled.

Three years ago, we became deeply concerned that the proposed change fromDisabilityLivingAllowancetoPersonalIndependencePayment(PIP)failed to recognise that sight loss can be a serious disability and that people who can’tseefaceextensiveandongoingextracosts.Wesubsequentlyworkedalongside our blind and partially sighted campaigners to secure clear changes to thegovernment’sassessmentcriteriaand ensure people with sight loss would receivePIP.

Our impact

We’vecontinuedtocampaigntomaintainthecurrentlevelofeligibilityand entitlement for blind and partially sighted people.

The number of people accessing our WelfareRightsserviceinNorthernIreland increased to 495 in 2014/15. Ourexpertadviserscontinuedtosupport people to claim welfare benefits to which they were entitled, identifying over£956,000ofunclaimedincome.

We helped people claim

over £950Kin entitlements

Page 20: Annual Review Northern Island 2014/15 · 2016-07-28 · to new treatments for vitreomacular traction and diabetic macular oedema. ... we wanted to know, even small things like phone

20

Getting out and about confidentlyBlindandpartiallysightedpeoplehaveasked us to focus on making public transport more accessible and street environmentssafer.

InNovemberandDecember2014weconducted focus groups with blind and partially sighted people across Northern IrelandandarepresentativeoftheDepartmentofRegionalDevelopment(DRD). The purpose was to gather input and feedback on the proposals for DRD’s 2015-19 Accessible Transport Strategy.

These focus groups, alongside an in-depthtelephonesurveyto500people with sight loss across Northern Ireland, identified four key areas for developmentin2015/16–accessibletransport, safe streets, accessible information, and welfare reform.

Our impact

Our blind and partially sighted CampaignersActiveNetwork(CAN)hasdevelopedresourceswiththesupportofthe RNIB Campaigns team to highlight how streets can be made safer, and howbusdriverscanensuresafeandpleasant journeys for their passengers with sight loss through ‘Stop for me, speaktome’advicesessions,developedby the North West CAN group.

Theimpactoftheadvicesessionshasbeenimmense.Wehavereceivedcountless examples of how the end-to-end journey for many blind and partially sighted people has dramatically improvedacrosstheNorthWestarea.We hope to be able to roll out these ‘Stopforme,speaktome’advicesessions across Northern Ireland.

Page 21: Annual Review Northern Island 2014/15 · 2016-07-28 · to new treatments for vitreomacular traction and diabetic macular oedema. ... we wanted to know, even small things like phone

21

Making use of technologyWe know from our research that people with sight loss face significant barriers when it comes to using technology. Somepeoplebelievethattheirsightloss itself is a barrier, while others lack skills, cannot access training, or are unaware of the benefits of being online. Toovercomethis,we’vefocusedon givingpeopletheskills,tools and confidence they need to make themostoftechnologytoimprove their independence.

We’vetransformedourproductservicestogiveourcustomersmorechoiceandwe’veremainedattheforefrontofinnovationbydevelopingpioneeringtechnology. In response to increasing requestsfromourreaders,we’veexpandedourTalkingBooksserviceandlaunched a new digital download library calledRNIBOverdrive.

OurpartnershipwithLibrariesNIallowedustodelivertrainingatconvenientlocations throughout Northern Ireland, particularly appreciated by those from rural areas.

Our impact

In2014/15,wedevelopedourGoOnRNIB digital technology project after securing funding from the Department ofFinanceandPersonnel.Wesupported171 people with sight loss across NorthernIrelandtoimprovetheironlineskills and confidence. The high demand for this project highlighted the need to reduce the isolation felt by many blind and partially sighted people, and increase independence through new technologies.

PartneringwithBusinessintheCommunityprovideduswith20volunteersfromArthurCoxsolicitorsandLloydsBank,whoreceivedtraininginvisualawarenessandaccessibledigital technology, enabling them to assist at future training sessions.

people with sight loss have been supported to improve their online skills and confidence.

171

Page 22: Annual Review Northern Island 2014/15 · 2016-07-28 · to new treatments for vitreomacular traction and diabetic macular oedema. ... we wanted to know, even small things like phone

22

Achieving full potential in educationLastyearourChildrenandFamiliesservicelaunched‘Lookingahead:aparent’s guide’ for parents of children who are blind or partially sighted. This guide was supported by the Health and Social Care Board.

Thein-depthguideprovidedkeyinformation on our Children and Families servicewhichsupportsanychildwithsight loss aged 0-19 years. Among other elements, the guide focused onprovidingparentswithpracticalguidance on what to do when their child is about to go to school, and highlightedthevariouskindsofhelpavailabletochildrenwithsightloss in educational settings.

Explanationswereprovidedaboutthe role and function of a Qualified Teacher of the Visually Impaired (QTVI) in signposting parents to secure a StatementofSpecialEducational Needs(SEN)fortheirchild.The‘LookingAhead’guidealsoprovidedacomprehensivelistofothersupportprofessionalsandservicesavailablefrom RNIB Northern Ireland that parents and children could access throughout their sight loss journey.

Our impact

There are 2,346 children and young peopleaged0-25whohavesightloss in Northern Ireland. In 2014/15 we supported 800 children and their families,buttheneedforourservicesisincreasing.Lastyear,over100newfamilies contacted our Children and Familiesserviceforpracticalandemotional support.

children and their families were supported in 2014/2015.

800

Page 23: Annual Review Northern Island 2014/15 · 2016-07-28 · to new treatments for vitreomacular traction and diabetic macular oedema. ... we wanted to know, even small things like phone

23

Supporting people into workGovernmentfiguresshowthatonly45 per cent of blind and partially sighted people of working age are in employment.We’vebeenworkingtochangethisbycontinuingtoprovideemploymentadviceandsupporttopeoplewithsightloss.We’vealsocontinued working with employers to encourage them to employ more blind and partially sighted people.

LastyearourEyeWorkprojectsupported 20 people with sight loss todeveloptheskillsandexperiencenecessary to gain employment. The projectwasfundedbytheEuropeanSocialFund,DepartmentofEmploymentandLearningandtheDisabilityEmploymentService.

Participantstookpartinaneight-weekseries of pre-employment workshops on job search, application forms, CV developmentandinterviewpractice.They also heard from a range of guest speakers including blind and partially sighted people currently in employment, and local employers who support EyeWork.

Our impact

In 2014/15, we helped 32 blind and partially sighted people to obtain a job and a further 51 to keep their existing job following sight loss. We also deliveredsignificantemploymentadviceand support to a further 53 people to movethemclosertothelabourmarket.

people were supported to obtain a job.

32

Page 24: Annual Review Northern Island 2014/15 · 2016-07-28 · to new treatments for vitreomacular traction and diabetic macular oedema. ... we wanted to know, even small things like phone

24

Making information accessibleWe’vemaintainedpressureongovernmentservicestoensurepeoplewith sight loss are not excluded as servicedeliverycontinuestomovetodigital channels. Our particular focus has been on ensuring people can access informationtheyreceivefromhealth,employmentandbankingservices.

Research indicates that 72 per cent of people with sight loss cannot read informationgiventothembytheirGP.Weworkedinpartnershipwiththe Health and Social Care Board and ActiononHearingLosstoproducebest practice guidelines on creating accessibleprimarycareservicesforpeople with sensory loss.

Our guide, entitled ‘Creating accessible primarycareservicesforpeoplewithsensoryloss’providesapracticalapproachtoimprovingaccesstoservicesatGPsurgeries.Thesameprinciplescouldequallybeappliedin other primary care settings such as community pharmacies, dental surgeries, optometry practices and communitybasedservicesprovided by local Health and Social Care Trusts.

Our impact

Our ‘Creating accessible primary careservicesforpeoplewithsensoryloss’guidereflectedtheviewsandexperiences of people with sensory lossinaccessingGPservicesacrosstheregion.Over5,000copiesoftheguideweredistributedtoGPsurgeriesacross Northern Ireland and accessible versionswereproducedforkey partner websites.

of people with sight loss cannot read information given to them by their GP.

72 per cent

Page 25: Annual Review Northern Island 2014/15 · 2016-07-28 · to new treatments for vitreomacular traction and diabetic macular oedema. ... we wanted to know, even small things like phone

25

Improving eye health care and understanding of eye conditions

We’vepushedonwithourworktoraise awareness of sight loss, and to campaignforbettereyecareservicesandaccesstosightsavingtreatments.

We’veprovidedeyehealthinformationandadvicebyphone,face-to-faceandviadigitalchannels,andengagedwiththeHealthandSocialCareBoard,PublicHealthAgency(PHA)andHealthandSocialCareTruststoensuretheyhaveeffectiveplansforeyecarethatreflectthe needs of people in Northern Ireland. We’vecampaignedatlocalandnationallevelstomakesureeyehealthisapublichealth and research priority in Northern Ireland and across the UK.

We’vealsobeendoingpioneeringworkwiththoseatriskofavoidablesightlossthrough community engagement with specific target groups.

Our impact

We’veimprovedaccesstoeyecareservicesbyworkingwiththeHealthandSocial Care Board to ensure that new treatmentsforvitreomaculartractionand diabetic macular oedema are availabletoNorthernIrelandpatients.

WehavealsoworkedwiththePHAandHealth and Social Care Trusts to ensure that rapid referral processes for patients withwetAMDareworkingeffectively.

We’veinfluencedtheimplementationofchangestocarepathwaysforindividualeye conditions by working directly with the Health and Social Care Board and clinicians so that the needs of patients are firmly at the centre of care.

4,250Over

received advice and support about their eye condition.

Page 26: Annual Review Northern Island 2014/15 · 2016-07-28 · to new treatments for vitreomacular traction and diabetic macular oedema. ... we wanted to know, even small things like phone

26

£1

A brief look at our finances In 2014/15…

For every £1 we receive, we spend 81p on supporting people with sight loss. The rest is used to raise further funds and on running costs.

The RNIB group of charities focused expenditure on the following areas of work:

Total expenditure £118.6m

Governance£1.4m

Being there £6.5m

Independence £80.5m

Costs to generate funds £20.8m

Inclusion £8.3m

Prevention£1m

We spent

£20.8 million to raise

£65.8 million – athree-to-onereturnoninvestment.

Page 27: Annual Review Northern Island 2014/15 · 2016-07-28 · to new treatments for vitreomacular traction and diabetic macular oedema. ... we wanted to know, even small things like phone

27

These figures are taken from the full Trustees’ report and financial statement for the year ending 31 March 2015, as audited byPricewaterhouseCoopersLLP.Ifyouwouldlikeacopyofthefullreport,availableinprint,audio,brailleandbyemail,pleasecontact our Helpline on 0303 123 9999 or email [email protected]

Donations and legacies £64.6m

Other incoming resources £2.5m

Income from charitable activities£46.2m

Merchandising and sponsorship £0.5m

Investmentincome £0.6m

We raisedThe RNIB group of charities’ income came from the following sources:

This gave a total income of £114.5m and a planned operating deficit of £4.1m

The RNIB group of charities’ resources at 31 March 2015 consisted of the following:

Unrestricted funds £67m

Pluspensionsurplus£12.6m

Endowmentfunds £5.7m

Restricted funds £20.3m

This gives total net assets of £105.7m

Page 28: Annual Review Northern Island 2014/15 · 2016-07-28 · to new treatments for vitreomacular traction and diabetic macular oedema. ... we wanted to know, even small things like phone

28

Our supportersLastyear,ouramazingsupportersandvolunteersacrosstheUKhelpedusraise £65.8million. Not only did they generously donate their time and money, but they also helped to raise awareness of sight loss, such as through our ‘Weardots...raiselots’eventswhichencourage school children to learn about sight loss and braille while taking part in fundraising.

Wereceivedanincredible£36millioningifts from 1,518 generous people who remembered us in their Will last year. One such supporter was Miss Margaret Howard, who left the residue of her estatetoRNIB,resultinginaveryspeciallegacy of £1.27million.

One of our most successful fundraising campaigns was our Christmas appeal, which featured nine-year-old Maddie, who is gradually losing her sight butlovestheaccessiblebooksshegetsthroughRNIBReadingServices.Maddie’s story highlighted that only sevenpercentofallbooksareavailablein formats that blind and partially sighted people can read. Our kind supportersweremovedtogive over£370,000.

Our dedicated volunteers and supporters are vital in achieving our ambition of making every day better for everyone affected by sight loss. Thank you.

Page 29: Annual Review Northern Island 2014/15 · 2016-07-28 · to new treatments for vitreomacular traction and diabetic macular oedema. ... we wanted to know, even small things like phone

29

LastyearwealsoheldfourGlowNeonFun Runs, attracting 1,200 people who ran,dresseduporvolunteeredtohelpguide and cheer on our runners. Ourfamilyofvolunteershasgrownafterwe recruited and launched an additional 49localvolunteerfundraisinggroups.

We won a £5.8million grant from the Big LotteryFundforOnlineToday,aUK-wideproject to help people with sensory loss todevelopskillsthatwillenablethemto use technology and the internet with confidence. We look forward to telling you about the successes of this two-year projectinnextyear’sAnnualreview.

Toalloursupportersandvolunteers–thankyouforhelpingtomakeeverydaybetter for people with sight loss.

Last year our supporters helped us raise

UK-wide

£65.8m

Page 30: Annual Review Northern Island 2014/15 · 2016-07-28 · to new treatments for vitreomacular traction and diabetic macular oedema. ... we wanted to know, even small things like phone

30

Banbridge Methodist Girls Brigade

Belfast Association for the Blind

BloomfieldPresbyterianMen’s Bowling Club

DavidBoyleMBE(CaringCaretaker)

Bryson Recycling

BuickMemorialPrimarySchool

CarrickPrimarySchool

Clarawood Gospel Hall

ClarePresbyterianSundaySchool

CloughPresbyterianChurch

Co Armagh Grand Royal Arch PurpleChapter

Cookstown District Council

CooleyPrimarySchool

CountryConnectionsLinedancers

DrumcreeParishChurch

FirstNewryPresbyterianChurchSabbath School

Fold Housing

GarvaghyParishChurch

GlenallyPlayers

GlengormleyPlaygroup

Thank youWe’re honoured to have the support of our Patron Her Majesty The Queen. We’re indebted to our President Dame Gail Ronson DBE, and to our Vice-Presidents:

SirJohnBeckwithCBE

TheRtHonDavidBlunkettMP

Richard Brewster

ProfessorIanBruceCBE

Jeremy Bull

Dr Haruhisa Handa

DrEuclidHerie

LadyJarvis

PennyLancaster-Stewart

LordLowofDalstonCBE

TrevorPearsCMG

Sir Mike Rake

Dr Dermot Smurfit

RodStewartCBE

TheRtHonEarlofStockton

His Grace The Duke of Westminster KG, CB,CVO,OBE,TD,CD,DL

Thank you to the many individuals, companies, trusts and public bodies that have supported us this year and made our work possible. We can’t possibly name you all but here’s a list of some of those who have contributed significantly to our cause:

Allofourfundraisingvolunteers and groups

All Saints Clooney Scout Group

AntrimPoliceStation

Asda Bangor

Asda Coleraine

AsdaEnniskillen

Asda Kilkeel

AsdaLarne

Asda Newtownards

Asda Omagh

AsdaPortadown

Asda Strabane

Asda Westwood

Atlas Communications

BanagherParishChurch

Page 31: Annual Review Northern Island 2014/15 · 2016-07-28 · to new treatments for vitreomacular traction and diabetic macular oedema. ... we wanted to know, even small things like phone

31

Grahame&SonLtd,Bellaghy

Holiday Saturday Fund

ipower

IvanJacksonButchery

Junior Ranks Club

KilmainePrimarySchool

LarneMissionHall

Macan Trust

Mrs Betty Macaulay

Manx Blind Welfare Society

McDuffyInsolvencyPractitioners

Meadowbank Rangers Supporters Club

Meadowbank Social Club

MeetingPointGroup,AbbotsCrossPresbyterianChurch

Milestone Rafthfriland

Millisle Slimming World

Monkstown Scouts

Music Rooms

Northern Ireland Charities Together (NICT) donors

Oak Centre Clarawood

RamoanPresbyterianChurch

District Registrar, Tandragee Royal Black District Chapter 1 (NB: Chapter 1 is part ofthepreviousline,i.e.RHDuffin)

Rotary Club of Omagh

SevenTowersProbusClub

SpringhillPrimarySchool

St Mark’s Church

StMatthew’sParishChurch

StPeter’sChurchPrayerGroup

St.Luke’sChurch,SelectVestry

The Music Rooms

TheWoodsParishChurch

U3A Bangor

UlsterRBP768

UlsterWeaversLtd

UU Students Union Coleraine

National and European Funders BigLotteryFund

ChildrenandYoungPeople’s StrategicPartnership

DepartmentforEmployment andLearning

DisabilityEmploymentService

EuropeanRegionalDevelopmentFund-INTERREGIVA

EuropeanSocialFund

Health and Social Care Board

HeritageLotteryFund

John Atcheson Foundation

Southern Health and Social Care Trust

Youth Council for Northern Ireland

British Council, Youth In Action

Page 32: Annual Review Northern Island 2014/15 · 2016-07-28 · to new treatments for vitreomacular traction and diabetic macular oedema. ... we wanted to know, even small things like phone

32

How you can helpEveryday100peoplestarttolosetheirsight.Weneedyourhelptoprovidevitalservicesforblindandpartiallysightedpeople. Do something today and make a difference.

A brighter future About a third of our work is supported by gifts in Wills so we are hugely grateful to thosepeoplewhohavesupportedusinthisway.Everypennyweareleftisusedwiselytoprovideabrighterfutureandhelp blind and partially sighted people livetheirliveswithconfidence.Youdon’thavetobewealthytomakeadifference;legaciesofallsizesarevitaltoourwork.If you’d like to know how you can help in this way please call 0845 600 0313 or visitrnib.org.uk/legacy

Fundraise Without financial support from donations and legacies we simply couldn’tprovidemanyoftheproductsandservicesthathelppeoplefindtheirlivesagain.Therearemanywaysyoucan show your support, such as getting involvedin‘Weardots...raiselots’,takingon a challenge or making a one-off donation. Visit rnib.org.uk/fundraise

Volunteer Withoutvolunteerswecouldn’trunourservices.Thereareover100volunteeringopportunitiesacrossthe UK where you could make a real difference in your local community. Visit rnib.org.uk/volunteer

CampaignWithoutactivecampaignerswe’d nevergetchangesmadetohealth, social care, employment and benefits. Join our campaigns on issues that matter to blind and partially sighted people. Visit rnib.org.uk/campaign

Call today on 028 9032 9373 to find out more or email [email protected]

Page 33: Annual Review Northern Island 2014/15 · 2016-07-28 · to new treatments for vitreomacular traction and diabetic macular oedema. ... we wanted to know, even small things like phone

33

Contact us

RNIB Helpline,Ifyou,orsomeoneyouknow,islivingwith sight loss, we’re here to help. Call our Helpline on 0303 123 9999 from Monday to Friday between 8.45am and 5.30pm or email [email protected]

Youcanordermorecopiesofthisreviewin print, audio and braille as well as our range of products and publications.

RNIB Northern Ireland Victoria House, 15-17 Gloucester Street, BelfastBT14LS028 9032 9373 rnib.org.uk facebook.com/rnibnorthernireland twitter.com/rnibni

RNIB 105JuddStreet,LondonWC1H9NE020 7388 1266 rnib.org.uk facebook.com/rnibuk twitter.com/rnib youtube.com/rnibuk

RNIB Cymru Jones Court, Womanby Street, Cardiff CF10 1BR 029 2082 8500rnib.org.uk facebook.com/rnibcymru twitter.com/rnibcymru

RNIB Scotland Greenside House, 12-14 Hillside Crescent,EdinburghEH75EA0131 652 3140 rnib.org.uk facebook.com/rnibscotlandtwitter.com/rnibscotland

Page 34: Annual Review Northern Island 2014/15 · 2016-07-28 · to new treatments for vitreomacular traction and diabetic macular oedema. ... we wanted to know, even small things like phone

34rnib.org.uk/northernireland

© 2016 Action for Blind People

Registered charity number 205913RNIB registered charity number 226227Isle of Man - RNIB Charity registered charity number 1173

RNIB Northern Ireland 028 9032 [email protected]

Follow us online:

facebook.com/RNIBNorthernIreland

twitter.com/rnibni

youtube.com/user/rnibuk