158 VI young people receive AQA awards at biggest ever event

October 18, 2020

The third annual AQA awards in July, saw 158 children and young people being recognized and celebrated for achievements across a huge mix of subjects and activities. The ceremony has become a much-loved highlight of RSBC’s calendar, as it’s a celebration of the hard work and new skills demonstrated by VICYP over the course of the year. Accreditations were achieved in subjects including, assistive technology, employment skills, health and wellbeing and performing arts.

The event was also an opportunity for the young people to showcase their talent in the company of their families, friends and RSBC staff and volunteers. Performances included guitar solos, songs and poems.

Helping CEO Tom Pey present the awards were long-time Creative group supporter Charles Fairweather of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and RSBC ambassador Wayne Sleep (OBE).

The audience of 150 was also moved and entertained by the inspiring words of Souleyman Bah, 20, who shared his own sight loss story with passion and humour. Souleyman, who has lost much of his vision due to Retinitis Pigmentosa, is a paralympic gold medalist and is currently training for a place in the 2020 Tokyo Games. He wanted to share with other young people in the audience, his empowering words that

Just because you’re visually impaired, don’t let others impair your vision.

RSBC member Mercedes, also shared how she and her friendships at RSBC have helped to boost her confidence. She thanked RSBC, before performing a song she’d written called Speechless all about her refusal to be silenced by other children at her school, who she explains, didn’t think she should have a voice sue to her sight loss.

Dr Tom Pey, said of the day

“It’s so important that we have occasions like this when we recognise the amazing achievements of the young people we have the privilege of working with. It’s also a brilliant opportunity for us all to come together and for parents to be a part of their child’s success story, which they play a critical role in. AQA are official qualifications and a really important focus for our staff and volunteers helping VICYP towards their individual goals. This year was bigger and better than ever and I’m sure we’ll continue to see the event grow each year. I’d like to thank our sister charity Thomas Pocklington Trust, for generously sponsoring the event as well as Charles Fairweather and Wayne sleep for their support.”

We were delighted to host two workshop sessions with renowned poet Dave Steele recently, and they certainly fired up the imaginations of the young people who attended! We’re pleased to be able to showcase the incredible talent that came out of the workshops in the beautiful poems written by those attending below.

Two women sitting at a computer in an office, one is helping the other with work. There is a man sitting at his computer to their right.

No categories March 10, 2025

RSBC’s 5 key reforms to support young people into work

The government has just announced plans for a major shakeup of the welfare system, with £6bn of proposed cuts. Personal Independence Payments (PIP) are a lifeline for many people in our community. We understand the system needs reform, and that tough times can call for tough measures. But cutting back on PIP without making it […]

A member of Dorton College's team with three students. Two are standing to the team members left and one is on the right. They are all linking arms with big smiles on their faces. They are standing in front of the RSBC Dorton College sign, which also has purple bunting and a sign that says: Careers Day above the bunting.

No categories March 7, 2025

Dorton College careers day: giving our students the confidence to shine

Too often, young people living with a vision impairment aren’t given the career opportunities they deserve. That’s why RSBC’s Dorton College hosted a careers day recently, inviting external speakers to inspire our students and help provide them with the tools they need to enter the world of work.

A photograph of the Royal Society for Blind Children Dorton College sign. The sign is on a wall to the right of where the camera is pointing. The camera is pointing down the Dorton College hallway.

No categories March 5, 2025

Gary O’Donoghue’s win at the RTS Television Journalism Awards

Each year, the Royal Television Society hosts the Television Journalism Awards, celebrating the most prestigious change-makers in the British journalism space.

A photograph of Dave The Blind Poet. He is standing in a field wearing a black coat, burgundy roll-neck top and a grey hat. The top of his cane is in view on his left. His head is faced slightly to the left and tilting upwards.

No categories March 4, 2025

Young people unlock their imagination at The Blind Poet’s workshops

Dave Steele, popularly known as The Blind Poet, is an internationally acclaimed and award-winning poet, author, speaker and singer – and an advocate for people with vision impairment.

Members of the Youth Forum group and VI mentors in line against a wall. They are all smiling an posing for the camera creating a warm, friendly and dynamic atmosphere.

No categories March 3, 2025

Helping young people be heard: RSBC’s Youth Voice Strategy Day

Recently, RSBC’s Youth Forum, Young Ambassadors and members of the RSBC team came together for a Youth Voice Strategy Day at our Life Without Limits Centre in London. The mission was simple: young people were tasked with coming up with their own objectives and create a roadmap for the future, which would help RSBC identify […]

Three young people sitting in an Camden Roundhouse podcast studio facing the camera. There are microphone stands on the table in front of them and two are wearing headphones, one is holding a pair of headphones.

No categories February 19, 2025

The Roundhouse becomes London’s first venue to use Navilens – with RSBC’s support

Iconic music and performing arts venue, the Roundhouse in Camden, has provided creative space that empowers people and communities since the 1960s. Its team is focused on unleashing the creative potential of young people and artists, giving them the opportunity to experiment, develop their skills, and be part of unforgettable moments with a lasting impact.

A photo of a young women, Joné sitting at a table wearing black glasses smiling at the camera. She is leaning her head on left fist. She has light brown hair and is wearing a black sleeveless high neck top.

No categories February 14, 2025

A volunteer’s journey: Meet Joné

Joné has been volunteering with RSBC since August 2024. We spoke to her about why she wanted to become a volunteer and what her experience has been like so far.

A young boy with short ginger hair and red glasses expresses joy as he holds a tall glass of chocolate milkshake with whipped cream and a cookie. To the right, a woman with long, curly brown hair and a black and grey striped sweater smiles back at him while holding a yellow cocktail in a stemmed glass. The table is set with silver utensils and a marble surface, and there are decorative plants in the background, contributing to a warm and inviting café atmosphere.

No categories January 30, 2025

George and Nicola’s story

George is an energetic and confident eight-year-old boy who lives in a bustling household with his mum, Nicola, his dad, and his baby brother Ted. It’s a home that’s filled with love and resilience as the family faces the challenges and celebrates the triumphs that vision impairment brings.