A SOCIAL club for people with sight loss in the Wee County gathered for the first time this week.

The Clacks Visually Impaired Club, organised by Forth Valley Sensory Centre, met for the first time at Alloa Hub on Tuesday, February 28.

People with sight loss and of all ages were invited to come along to help shape future services in the Wee County.

Tullibody woman Laura Cluxton, who was confirmed as the centre's ambassador a year ago, was looking forward to the initial meeting when she spoke with the Advertiser ahead of the event.

Laura said: “As far as I am aware, there isn't anything for people with visual impairments in the area at all.

“The centre covers Clackmannanshire but it's obviously quite a journey for people to get to if they are not confident in travelling by public transport so we just wanted to bring the service out to the area.”

As a Wee County resident who lost her sight to a rare disorder, Laura is delighted to be able to bring services right into the heart of her communities.

“If there's anybody in my position that has similar things happening to [I want them to] have some support out there for them,” she added.

Laura, who has been involved with the centre for more than 10 years, has been the ambassador for almost exactly a year, funding having previously been secured for a three-year outreach project.

The idea for the meeting on Tuesday was to gauge interest with Laura hoping the group will be able to lead on what activities they would like to see.

“It's going to be led by the group itself, we don't want to say: 'this is what we are doing', we want the group to decide what they would like and take it from there,” she explained.

Forth Valley Sensory Centre has been supporting blind, partially sighted, deaf and hard of hearing people, across Forth Valley since 2006.

Support is peer led and comes in the form of the many groups, classes and social activities provided at the centre and in Stirling – this will now be augmented by the group in the Wee County.

Those who may have missed out on the initial meeting but would like to be involved can provide feedback on days, times available and activities sought.

Register an interest by contacting Laura via lauracluxton@forthvalleysensorycentre.org or Linsey at linseystocks@forthvalleysensorycentre.org.

Alternatively, call 01324 590 888.