A youth-led forum for blind and partially sighted young people has secured vital funding, enabling a new period of opportunity for young blind and partially sighted people across Scotland.
Haggeye, operated by national sight loss charity, RNIB Scotland, will expand both its face-to-face and online activities. The programme offers social connection, life skills development, and advocacy training, all co-designed by the young people themselves. The funding, awarded by Young Start; a programme delivered by the National Lottery Community Fund in Scotland, will provide £43,000 over two years of activity.
Launched in 2007, Haggeye is now an active and growing community of young people dedicated to supporting one another, developing opportunities, and campaigning for change. The group has 15 participants and aims to continue its momentum by reaching even more young people.
The Haggeye group at their latest meeting: (L-R) Eilidh, Georgea, Nicola, Kerry, Luke, Jemima, Reece.
For the young people involved, Haggeye is a place to belong. Georgea (23), a member based in North Lanarkshire says: “In Haggeye, everyone can find their own way to contribute to the group and no one is obligated to fill a role that isn’t their cup of tea. Some members write articles for the newsletter while others prefer to travel around Scotland and attend external events. Everyone has a place here.”
Jemima (18) from the Scottish Borders adds: “To me, Haggeye builds confidence and gives me a voice. It’s a positive and powerful part of my year.”
The funding will support the forum members to learn independent skills such as budgeting and cooking, build confidence in public speaking and media training, and enable peer-led advocacy and campaigning work to promote accessibility awareness across Scotland.
Haggeye members of Scottish Youth Parliament (MSYPs), Eilidh and Kerry.
Dan Meikle, Haggeye Coordinator says: “We believe that with the support of Young Start, more young people with sight loss will gain the skills, support, and confidence they need to transition successfully into adulthood and make a real difference in their peer groups and communities.”
The National Lottery Community Fund, Scotland Chair, Kate Still, adds: “We’re thrilled to have been able to fund such innovative and inspiring groups through Young Start once again. The skills, confidence and knowledge the thousands of young people will gain through taking part in these projects will be invaluable in building brighter futures with more opportunities.
“We are always keen to support projects which put Scotland’s young people at the heart of the development and running of services. If your group has an idea how you would make this happen, then we’d love to hear from you.”
* If you are or know a young person (16- 27) who would like to join Haggeye, get in touch with the team at haggeye@rnib.org.uk
