Our Mission Statement:

“We aim to recognise and be responsive to the needs of users by providing high quality and vital services for visually impaired people in North Tyneside. Our objective is to reach all visually impaired people including those who are not registered and make the facilities accessible to all.”

At Tyneside Blind Welfare Society we offer a day care provision to people with a visual impairment. Our service is available to any adult over the age of eighteen years and offers a wide range of activities. Within North Tyneside ours is the only resource of this type available for this client group. Activities are available Monday to Friday that aim to enhance social integration, communication and independence. A few activities include Tai-Chi, Shiatsu, skittles, croquet, rookie golf, playing on the Nintendo Wii and receiving guest speakers. In addition to centre based activities we have local outings and educational trips.

Our centre provides transport for the clients to and from their homes on our mini-bus and a subsidised cooked lunch is available. A visual awareness programme is run with referrals from family and friends, North Tyneside council sensory support team and the RVI.It is held one day a week for 4 weeks with sessions including mobility, guide dogs and eye conditions.

Our House and History

Built in 1870, Pearey House is a grand Victorian era house with its own grounds and beautiful gardens. It is nestled amongst a peaceful community of similar homes near Tynemouth Golf Club. Pearey House is home to the Tynemouth Blind Welfare Society, with its rooms being host to drop-in sessions and vision support courses for our blind and visually impaired clients. The interior of Pearey House is decorated with our visually impaired clients in mind, making it a comfortable and easily accessible facility to regularly visit. Our recent additions of a computer room and a new gym make the house the ideal venue for our clients to receive the support and encouragement they need. Located with in our grounds is a community of residential flats, home to 12 visually impaired adults. Revamped fifteen years ago, these flats allow our friends to live independently whilst having access to immediate support if necessary.

Our charity was founded in 1873, and came to Pearey House in 1950 after receiving a loan from the James Knott Trust. We housed a library of Braille and moon books and opened on Tuesdays and Thursdays for social activities. By 1976, the loan was repaid and Fred Hodson took over as manager. He closed the library and moved the focus of the charity on to socialising, day care, instruction and guidance to aid re-habilitation and motivate the visually impaired to maintain their independence.

Our Staff

Helen Farrow – Centre Manager

Joined Pearey House in November 2009 after working in banking for 15 years and became the manager in April 2011.

Steven Milne – Activity Co-ordinator

Steven joined Pearey House on 1st April 2011 and has fitted into the team with ease. He brings with him a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm.

Susan Schaap – Escort/ Carer/ Cleaner

After eight years with the charity as a cook, Susan has taken on a diverse support role, working closely with our clients and aiding in cleaning the facilities.

June Adair – Escort/ Carer/ Cleaner

Joining the team in October 2009, June works alongside Susan with our clients, escorting and supervising them whilst keeping the facilities up to standard.

David Coyne – Minibus Driver

Our newest recruit employed in July 2011, driving our service users safely around North Tyneside.

Kelly Jackson – Cook

Kelly became cook in July 2010 and has become legendary for her cakes and pastries.

Ken Graham – Chairman

Our chairman, himself visually impaired, can often be seen on site.

Kay Vasey

Through working in partnership with the North Shields YMCA, we have employed Kay to come in twice a week to run our gentle exercise and gym programmes which are a great benefit to our service users.

Our Volunteers

Mavis Deeming

With four years volunteer service, Mavis was awarded the North Tyneside Council Chairman’s Silver Commendation on the second of June 2010.

Mathew

Mathew volunteers every Monday and is a breath of fresh air, keeping service users entertained and helping out with activities.

Bob & Sheila

Bob and Sheila teach computers on a Monday and Tuesday respectively, they are both dedicated and an asset to our volunteer team.

Joanne

Joanne is a catering assistant helping Kelly in the kitchen on a Tuesday and Friday and is a huge help.

Steve

Steve is a resident at Pearey House and himself visually impaired, you will always find him in the garden come rain or shine. Steve was awarded a bronze commendation award from North Tyneside Council for his volunteering in June 2011.