Wirral Society of the Blind and Partially Sighted

Day five of Volunteers' Week already! Last but most definitely not least for this week's spotlight is Ruby Larsen who assists Theresa at our Thursday afternoon Craft group, as well as helping out at our various annual events.

“Hello! My name is Ruby, and I help out with the charity’s Arts & Crafts group. I love art, and it’s been truly rewarding to share that love with the people of this community.

“I’ve not been volunteering for long, but I’ve been wholeheartedly welcomed, and feel incredibly proud to be a part of something so great.”

A huge thank you Ruby for all your help from all of us at the society!

It's the Wirral Carers Alliance 'Commitment to Carers' Conference on Monday 8th June from 10.00am to 7.00pm at Eureka, Seacombe Ferry, CH44 6NR.

With the aim of bringing together carers, support providers and other key organisations to establish carer friendly communities across the Wirral, you'll have the opportunity to:

✔ Hear from inspiring speakers
✔ Discover local support services
✔ Connect with fellow Carers
✔ Have your voice heard
✔ Meet with Health & Social Care Teams
✔ Participate in the Carers Strategy Review

For more information and to reserve a free place at the event, please see: https://www.wirralcarersalliance.com/commitment-to-carers-conference.

Wirral Society of the Blind and Partially Sighted will be there throughout the morning and afternoon so don't forget to say 'hello'! ☺️

[Image below shows the 'Commitment to Carers' conference flyer with event details as described above.]

We've reached day four of Volunteers' Week, and today we say a big thank you to Maureen Snow, who volunteers at both the Local History and Knit and Natter activity groups here at Ashville Lodge.

"After being diagnosed with AMD twelve years ago, I joined the society because I wanted to meet other people with similar problems. Initially, I became a volunteer with the Knit and Natter group on Thursday afternoons, helping with the register, taking money and making tea. Later, I also volunteered at the Local History group on Wednesday afternoons.

"It is true that a problem shared is a problem halved, and in my time here I have met some amazing people and made good friends.”

From all the team here at the charity, a big thank you for all your help, Maureen!

For day three of Volunteers' Week, the Wirral Society of the Blind and Partially Sighted spotlight shines on Micky Parry, who volunteers at both the Yoga and IT groups at Ashville Lodge, as well as with outreach at West Kirby Library.

“I started having problems with my sight in 2022. Some friends dropped away and others were kind but irritatingly over-thoughtful. I was in despair, my world narrowed dramatically and my independence was threatened.

“Then I found Ashville Lodge, new friends, a sense of community and, above all, acceptance. My sight is better than some but worse than others, so I am lucky. I give back by volunteering, both in Ashville Lodge and Outreach. It’s a different life now, but a good one.”

A big thank you Micky for your heartfelt words and for all your help over the years.

It's day two of Volunteers Week, and today we're shining the spotlight on Alan Brown, who is the current Chair of the Board of Directors here at Wirral Society of the Blind and Partially Sighted. As well as serving on the board, Alan's a regular at our Local History group on Wednesdays.

"My association with Wirral Society of the Blind and Partially Sighted began around 1995 when my sight started to deteriorate. I first joined as a service user at the Local History group and became a board member of the society, ultimately rising to Chair of the Board of Directors.

“I spent over 30 years working for Wirral Metropolitan Borough Council, in a wide range of roles including supporting the economic development of the area. Since retiring, I have also volunteered for the Prince’s Trust and been a board member of a housing association, as well as my time at WSBPS.

“One of the strengths of the society is how welcoming everyone is at Ashville Lodge and I feel I have been a member of the ‘WSBPS family’ for many years.”

Thank you for being an integral part of the Society for so many years, Alan!

Thanks to everyone who came along to the Volunteer Lunch at Ashville Lodge this morning for . It was lovely to see such a good turn-out of volunteers old and new, to celebrate their invaluable contribution to the charity throughout the year.

A big thanks goes to Jo and Sheena from the staff team for their hard work organising the event, and to Hursts Bakery for the catering.

A very Happy Volunteers' Week from all of us at Wirral Society of the Blind and Partially Sighted! On behalf of everyone at the society, we'd like to extend a huge thank you to all our fabulous volunteers, without whose help the charity simply couldn't run.

This week, we'll be shining the spotlight on five of our volunteers here at Ashville Lodge. First up is Paula Cartwright, one of our longest-serving volunteers, who has been part of our team since 1999. Paula's a familiar face to many on reception whilst also running a social group on Tuesday mornings and helping out at Wednesday's craft group. Paula's always willing to help us at short notice too in covering reception and our events.

"Hi, my name is Paula and I have been a volunteer at Wirral Society of the Blind and Partially Sighted since 1999. I have really enjoyed my time at Ashville Lodge.

"Whilst here, I have volunteered for a range of roles including running the Tuesday morning social group and working on reception on Tuesday afternoons. I also help Norma at the craft group on Wednesday afternoons and cover reception and various groups when needed.”

Thanks so much for all your help, Paula!

Just a quick reminder that we're having another Low Vision Aid Demonstration Day on Tuesday 23rd June, starting at 10.00am. Please feel free to drop in to discuss all the latest assistive technology products from industry specialists Optelec.

📍 Ashville Lodge, Ashville Road, Birkenhead, CH41 8AU
📆 Tuesday 23rd June 2026
⏰ 10.00am - 2.00pm

Everyone's welcome to pop in for a chat about their latest electronic magnifiers, talking devices and other equipment supporting people with sight loss to maintain independence in their homes and when going out into the community.

[Image below shows the event flyer for the event with dates, times and a brief overview.]

We're hiring!

Wirral Society of the Blind and Partially Sighted is looking for an Office Administrative Assistant to join the team at Ashville Lodge.

This role involves supporting the staff team by providing administrative duties including maintaining records and databases, and assisting with correspondence with clients and volunteers.

• National Living Wage
• 25 hours per week
• Suggested working days are Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays but this is flexible
• Reports to Centre Supervisor

For a full description of the role or to apply, please see our Indeed job page linked below. If you would like to discuss the role before applying or require any accessibility support to apply, please call our centre on 0151 652 8877 and ask for James or drop an e-mail to [email protected].

Suitable candidates will receive a response within 7 days of the application deadline. Closing date for applications is Monday 15th June at 9.00am.

Interviews will take place on Monday 29th June in person at our Ashville Lodge Resource Centre in Birkenhead.

Help us shape the next chapter of our charity’s journey!

We’re looking for a Director/Trustee who can bring independent judgment, strategic insight, and a passion for supporting people with sight loss.

This is a voluntary position.

Our directors play a vital role in making sure that WSBPS achieves its core purpose. They oversee the management and administration of the charity. They also ensure that the charity has a clear strategy and that our work and goals are in line with our vision. Just as importantly, they support and challenge the staff team, who sit under the board of Directors, to enable growth and development, and through this, achieve our mission.

To learn more about the Director/Trustee position, email [email protected] and we’ll send you the full role description.
If the role feels like a good fit and you are able to commit your time, you can then email us again to express your interest.