Urgent Appeal: Volunteers Needed to Save Saltash Sight Loss Club

A social club in Saltash for people with sight loss is at risk of closure due to the retirement of key volunteers. The Saltash BAPS (Blind and Partially Sighted) Club, which has been supporting the visually impaired community for over 60 years, is urgently seeking new volunteers to keep the group running.

Over Six Decades of Service

Saltash BAPS meets every fortnight on a Tuesday, providing a welcoming space for blind and partially sighted individuals to socialise, take part in activities, and share experiences. The club has been a pillar of support for many in the area, recently receiving the Mayor’s Civic Award from the outgoing Saltash Mayor, Richard Bickford, for its significant contribution to the community.

The club has been led by a dedicated team of volunteers, including club organiser Shirley Evans, who has been in her role for 25 years. However, Shirley and several other key members of the organising team have decided to step down after Christmas, prompting the urgent call for new volunteers.

Photo: Shirley & Councillor Richard Bickford

A Call for Help

Shirley expressed her deep affection for the club, saying, “It’s a wonderful club, I really have loved being a part of it and if I am able to, I would love to continue coming along as a member. My favourite part about running the club has been helping other visually impaired people and making them happy, just doing something to help people is the best bit.”

She added, “I have a wonderful team of volunteers, but the time has come for some of us, including myself, to step down and enjoy a retirement. It would be awful for that to mean the end of the club; BAPS means so much to the members and the Saltash community and I would hate to see it disappear.”

Support from iSightCornwall

Saltash BAPS is affiliated with iSightCornwall, a charity that supports people with visual impairments across the county. The charity’s Chief Executive, Carole Theobald, emphasised the importance of the club, saying, “Saltash BAPS offers a social space where people with sight loss can share experiences, make long-lasting friendships and take part in activities and visits they may not have tried on their own. We’re very proud of the club and of all of the people it’s welcomed through its doors over the years.”

Carole also highlighted the value of volunteering, stating, “We couldn’t do what we do without our volunteers and we’re so thankful to people like Shirley for everything they do. From speaking to our volunteers, I know they get a lot out of it and I would encourage anyone who’s thinking of helping out to give it a try.”

Roles Available

The club is looking for volunteers of all ages, skillsets, and experience to fill various roles, including club organiser, secretary, treasurer, and general club helpers. There will be opportunities to meet and receive training from the current volunteer team before they step down.

Anyone interested in volunteering can find more information or register their interest by calling iSightCornwall on 01872 261110 or visiting iSightCornwall’s volunteering page.

A Legacy of Support

iSightCornwall has been supporting people with visual impairments in Cornwall since 1856, originally helping miners who lost their sight due to hazardous working conditions. The charity remains dedicated to improving the lives of over 22,000 people living with sight loss in Cornwall, helping them lead active and independent lives.

For more information about how you can help keep Saltash BAPS running and support the visually impaired community in Cornwall, visit iSightCornwall.

Photo: Saltash BAPS members and volunteers pose for a photo after being awarded the Mayor’s Civic Award in 2024.