COVID-19 update

Our services

COVID-19 meant we had to deliver our services virtually while restrictions remained in place.

Since these were lifted in July, we have begun to return to face-to-face sessions and activities. But due to the success of our virtual offer, we will continue to deliver services online for those who cannot attend in person or would simply prefer to minimise risk for now.

Our Procedures

We will continue to be cautious and have put internal measures and processes in place to minimise the risks everyone. This includes children, young people and their families, our staff, and our volunteers.

All appointments and activities will run in line with the government guidelines. There is a possibility that services will be altered, postponed, or cancelled to fit in with the current advice and legislation. Of course, we will keep you up to date if any changes arise.
Reiterate isolation rules to reduce the risk of infection.
Emphasise the importance of proper handwashing at every session.
Any equipment that young people and families come into contact with will be cleaned before and after each session.
Risk assessments and procedures have been adapted and reviewed so they continue to be in line with current changes.
All staff will be provided with and encouraged to wear PPE as appropriate and have their own hand sanitiser.
All staff and young people and their families attending activities or appointments will be encouraged to do a lateral flow test before attending.
All staff have been encouraged to accept vaccination when it is offered to them.
Young people who require 1:1 guiding/support will be encouraged to attend with a parent/carer who will be on hand to support them.
For group activities, our venues will be large enough to maintain social distancing rules.
RSBC Families First will discuss with you the best way of delivering our services. This may be face to face, or online, depending on your particular circumstances.

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.