As part of our Behind Blue Walls series, we’d like to highlight the work carried out by a charity local to our Milton Keynes store. VICTA began as a parent support group in this area but is now a national charity providing a wide range of services and support to children and young adults who are blind or partially sighted, and their families across the UK. 
 

VICTA’s beginnings

VICTA was formed in 1987. A group of parents of visually impaired children were each learning how to care for their children and obtain the support and services that their children needed: they got to know each other, and in sharing their knowledge and experiences formed a really strong support network for themselves. They soon realised that the sort of support that they were providing to each other was exactly the kind of support that other families would benefit from, and so VICTA was born. 
 

VICTA’s work

Visual impairment in children and young adults is low incidence: just 0.3% of the population. As a result, families of blind or partially sighted children are often disconnected from each other and specialist support, often leaving blind children (and family members) feeling frustrated, excluded, isolated and anxious. 

VICTA focuses on activity-based learning as a positive setting for social interaction and personal growth. These are invaluable experiences that build confidence, self-esteem and life skills. VICTA also allocates grants to individuals for vital equipment and special projects. VICTA’s supporters work tirelessly to raise funds (mainly through marathons and other sporting events) for this worthy cause. The money raised is used to fund various activities throughout each year, from day trips and short breaks to international expeditions

VICTA also provides valuable advice and information. For younger children still at school, VICTA can guide families through the process of obtaining EHCPs (Educational Healthcare Plans - formerly ‘Statements’) to gain the extra help their children may need in education. For teenagers, VICTA has worked with the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme to provide expeditions specifically for visually impaired students. They also have a Young Ambassador programme, which helps young people with visual impairments to develop work-based skills and confidence, making them better equipped for the world of work.
 

VICTA and Safestore

We’d like to highlight the work carried out by a charity local to our Milton Keynes store. 
 

Find out more

You can learn more about VICTA here. If you would like to support VICTA, their fundraising page highlights upcoming events that you may wish to participate in, or you can donate via MyDonate.