The Royal Society for Blind Children (RSBC) has celebrated its first anniversary in its award-winning Richard Desmond’s Life Without Limits Centre (LWLC) for children, young people and their families in the heart of London.

Young children and their families, donors, staff, trustees and volunteers and guests including actor, entertainer and RSBC Ambassador, Jon Culshaw took part in the celebrations. The children and young people enjoyed a whole host of activities including birthday cupcake making; arts and crafts; gaming; trying out new technology; soft play; and playing musical instruments…

Carla Rose-Hardman, RSBC’s Services Director said:

“It was fantastic that so many children, young people and their whole families were able to celebrate with us and enjoy taking part in all the fun activities on offer. The gaming session, led by Alex, our Senior Accessibility Advisor, was particularly popular, and it was lovely to see the little ones on the soft play and in the ball pool and taking part in sensory play. Seeing so many families together at the Centre we have built for them ended our first year on a real high!”

Families and children were saying:

“It’s a nice place to interact with people, chill and make friends”

“A great place to come, feel safe and not judged”

“A safe place for VI people to come, be independent and socialise”

“The LWLC means so much to me. I’ve been with the RSBC since I was 8 and the Centre has changed RSBC, especially Owain’s music sessions and Vivek’s cookalongs”

“Amazing stuff”

In the LWLC, the Royal Society for Blind Children has created a welcoming and friendly space for blind and partially sighted children and their families to enjoy. Over the last year they have been taking part in cooking and life skills classes in the bright and accessible kitchen space; creating their own podcasts and getting creative in the media and creatives suites; learning and upskilling in assistive tech and employment skills in the learning hub; and being able to have personal conversations in the cosy family rooms. The double height, flexible atrium area has provided space for events including clay and animal workshops, and musical performances.

Sue Sharp, CEO of the RSBC said:

“In the LWLC we are able to support children, young people and families across England and Wales through a range of services delivered in person and via the tech links that we have set up in the Centre. There are many more who would benefit from our support and we rely on the support of generous donors to ensure that we are able to extend our reach to them, as well as maintaining our existing activities. Together with our supporters we can help make a real different to the lives of children, young people and families affected by sight loss.”

Becca, mum to Lennie summed up the day and the RSBC’s impact:

“It felt so special to celebrate the 1^st birthday of the LWLC. Our son is only two and we have already found the Centre to be a huge resource. It’s great to meet other families and children and see all the different activities available. We had so many worries when Lennie was first diagnosed about what he might not be able to do, but being at the Centre it feels that anything is possible. Lennie loved decorating cupcakes, playing the soft play, joining in with the arts and crafts and trying his hand at various musical instruments. Seeing the other young people play piano to such a high standard was inspiring! We always leave the Centre feeling excited about what’s to come next.”

Few snapshots