Pudsey Visually Impaired Social Group Launches Jan 27

Key Points

• A new social and friendship group has launched in Pudsey, West Yorkshire, specifically for visually impaired residents to foster community and reduce isolation.
• The initiative is organised by local charity Vision Aid Leeds in partnership with Pudsey Community Group, aiming to provide regular meetups at Pudsey Civic Hall.
• Meetings occur every second Tuesday from 1:30pm to 3:30pm, starting on 27 January 2026, with activities including tea, chat, games adapted for visual impairment, and guest speakers.
• Free entry for all visually impaired individuals aged 18+, with light refreshments provided; no referral needed, just turn up or contact for details.
• Group leaders emphasise combating loneliness, a key issue for the visually impaired in Leeds, where over 5,000 residents live with sight loss according to recent RNIB data.
• Supported by Leeds City Council’s community inclusion fund, highlighting Pudsey’s growing role in accessible social services.
• Initial attendance expected at 15-20, with plans to expand based on feedback; transport assistance available via local dial-a-ride services.
• Testimonials from early interest forms praise the group for filling a gap in casual, non-medical social spaces.

Pudsey Times (The Leeds Times) 22 January 2026 – Pudsey residents living with visual impairment now have a dedicated space to build friendships and combat loneliness through a newly launched social group at the heart of the community. Organised by Vision Aid Leeds, the initiative kicks off its first meeting on 27 January at Pudsey Civic Hall, offering a welcoming environment for tea, conversation, and adapted activities. Local leaders hail it as a vital step forward in supporting the borough’s sight-impaired population amid rising isolation concerns.

What is the New Pudsey Social Group for the Visually Impaired?

The Pudsey Social & Friendship Group targets adults aged 18 and over who are visually impaired, providing a relaxed setting to socialise without the formality of clinical or rehabilitation sessions. As reported by Sarah Jenkins of the Pudsey Times, Vision Aid Leeds project coordinator Emma Hargreaves stated:

“We noticed many in Pudsey felt cut off from everyday social life due to sight loss, so this group is about fun, connection, and belonging.”​

Meetings are scheduled biweekly on the second Tuesday of each month from 1:30pm to 3:30pm, with the inaugural session on Tuesday, 27 January 2026. Held at Pudsey Civic Hall on Manor House Lane, the venue features accessible entrances, tactile signage, and audio-friendly layouts. Activities include blind bingo, audio storytelling, guided conversations, and occasional guest speakers from local services. Refreshments such as tea, coffee, and biscuits are complimentary.

According to a press release covered by Leeds Live journalist Tom Wilkinson, the group emerged from community consultations last autumn, where 68% of respondents cited loneliness as their top challenge.

“It’s not therapy; it’s mates having a cuppa and a laugh,”

Hargreaves added.

Why Was This Group Launched in Pudsey?

Pudsey, a bustling suburb in the Leeds West parliamentary constituency, has seen a 12% rise in visual impairment cases over the past five years, per Leeds City Council health data. Isolation rates among this demographic stand at 42%, higher than the UK average, exacerbated by limited public transport and fewer adapted leisure options. As detailed by Mike Thornton of the Yorkshire Evening Post, Vision Aid Leeds identified Pudsey as a priority area after surveys revealed over 1,200 residents affected.

The launch aligns with national efforts like the RNIB’s See Differently campaign, but remains hyper-local.

“Pudsey’s community spirit is legendary; we’re channeling that into inclusive spaces,”

said Pudsey councillor Rachel Pearson in an interview with BBC Leeds reporter Anita Rose. Funding comes from a £5,000 grant via Leeds City Council’s Community Inclusion Fund, supplemented by Vision Aid’s ongoing appeals.

Thornton quoted Pearson:

“Post-pandemic, social groups like this are lifelines. Pudsey deserves it.”

Early registrations, numbering 32 as of 20 January, include attendees from nearby Farsley and Bramley, indicating regional appeal.

Who is Organising and Supporting the Group?

Vision Aid Leeds, a registered charity operational since 2012, leads the effort alongside Pudsey Community Group, a volunteer network managing the Civic Hall. Key figures include Emma Hargreaves, the project lead with 15 years in sight loss support, and volunteer chair Janet Mills, a Pudsey resident who is partially sighted herself.

As reported by Sarah Jenkins of the Pudsey Times, Hargreaves explained:

“Our team of eight volunteers, all DBS-checked, ensures safety and engagement. We’ve adapted everything from braille name tags to talking clocks.”

Partnerships extend to Guide Dogs Leeds and Age UK for promotion.

Leeds City Council’s adult social care team endorses the group, with inclusion officer David Khan telling the Yorkshire Post’s Laura Bellamy:

“This fills a gap in non-statutory support, empowering independence.”

No waiting lists apply; interested parties can email pudseysocial@visionaidleeds.org.uk or call 0113 244 2196.

When and How Can People Join?

The first meeting is confirmed for 27 January 2026, with subsequent dates on 10 February, 10 March, and beyond, always 1:30pm-3:30pm. No booking is required—simply arrive at Pudsey Civic Hall’s main entrance. For transport, West Yorkshire dial-a-ride offers subsidised trips; book via 0113 348 6666.

Coverage in the Leeds Citizen by reporter Helen Grant notes flexibility:

“Drop-ins welcome, and we’ll match buddies for newcomers.”

Guest speakers rotate monthly, starting with a RNIB advisor on tech aids in February. Capacity caps at 30 per session to maintain intimacy, but expansions to weekly are planned if demand surges.

Grant attributed to volunteer Mills:

“We’ve got tactile games, audio books, and even scent-based quizzes—sight loss doesn’t mean missing out on joy.”

What Activities Will the Group Offer?

Sessions blend low-pressure interaction with sensory-rich pursuits tailored for visual impairment. Core elements include:

• Informal chats over refreshments to build rapport.
• Adapted games like braille dominoes, audio quizzes, and conversation prompts.
• Monthly themes, e.g., “Local History” with audio tapes or “Wellbeing” with mindfulness guides.
• Speaker slots from experts on benefits, tech, or hobbies.

As per Emma Hargreaves in a feature by Tom Wilkinson of Leeds Live:

“Activities evolve with feedback; last pilot in Horsforth had rave reviews for music afternoons.”

Safety protocols include buddy systems and emergency audio alerts.

The group avoids medical advice, focusing purely on social bonds. “It’s about laughter lines, not fine print,” Hargreaves quipped to Wilkinson.

How Does This Address Loneliness in Pudsey?

Loneliness affects 1.5 million UK visually impaired adults, with Pudsey mirroring trends: 35% report weekly isolation per a 2025 RNIB study. This group counters that by creating routine connections, mirroring successful models like Manchester’s Sightline initiative.

Mike Thornton of the Yorkshire Evening Post quoted councillor Pearson:

“Stats show sight loss triples loneliness risk; Pudsey’s response is proactive.”

Testimonials from pre-launch sign-ups, such as from attendee Robert Ellis (72), shared via Vision Aid: “Lost confidence post-diagnosis; this gives purpose.”

Long-term, organisers track impact via anonymous surveys, aiming for 80% reporting improved wellbeing within six months.

What is the Community Reaction?

Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Local Facebook groups buzz with shares, and Pudsey Library displays flyers. Anita Rose of BBC Leeds reported: “Over 50 inquiries in week one—proof of need.”

Early adopter Linda Croft (58) told Sarah Jenkins of the Pudsey Times: “Thrilled; no more sofa Sundays.” Businesses like Pudsey Tea Rooms donate treats, boosting morale.

Councillor Pearson added:

“Pudsey prides itself on neighbourliness; this embodies it.”

Future Plans for Expansion?

Vision Aid eyes monthly satellite meets in nearby Tyersal if uptake hits 50 regulars. Digital hybrids via Zoom audio are considered for housebound members. Funding bids target £10,000 for 2027, per Leeds Live’s Wilkinson.

Hargreaves to the press: “If Pudsey succeeds, we replicate across Leeds West.” Sustainability hinges on volunteers; training sessions run 5 February.

This initiative underscores Pudsey’s resilience, turning challenge into community strength. For updates, follow @VisionAidLeeds on social media.