From crisis to confidence for blind and vision-impaired people in Glasgow

Glasgow Outlook is a bold five-year initiative from Visibility Scotland that will help blind and vision-impaired people across Glasgow build confidence, independence, wellbeing and meaningful connections within their communities.

We are seeking funding to launch the project in January 2027.

What are we aiming to achieve?

Too many blind and vision-impaired people experience isolation, reduced independence, poor wellbeing, and barriers to participating fully in everyday life. Sudden sight loss, changing circumstances, or the loss of a family carer can quickly become a personal crisis.

Glasgow Outlook will provide the support, skills and connections people need to move from crisis to confidence.

The project will:

• Increase independence and self-confidence
• Reduce loneliness and social isolation
• Improve health and wellbeing
• Strengthen community participation and belonging
• Support access to employment, learning and everyday opportunities
• Improve awareness, accessibility and inclusion across Glasgow

By supporting individuals while also working with communities and businesses, Glasgow Outlook will create lasting change for both blind and vision-impaired people and the city as a whole.

How will we achieve it?

Glasgow Outlook brings together four connected services that provide support at every stage of a person’s journey.

Rapid response support

When someone experiences a crisis that threatens their independence, Glasgow Outlook will provide immediate practical and emotional support.

This includes:

• Wellbeing check-ins
• Counselling and family support
• Welfare advice and advocacy
• Digital skills training
• Employment support
• Access to community activities and local services
• Independent living and coping strategies

Skills for independence

Based at Visibility Scotland’s ForSight Centre of Excellence, participants will access specialist activities designed to build confidence, independence and life skills.

Activities include:

• Digital skills training
• Braille and touch-typing classes
• Cooking, gardening and creative workshops
• Physical activity programmes
• Wellbeing and therapeutic groups
• Early years sensory activities for children and families

Community connection

A free, welcoming community café will provide regular opportunities for blind and vision-impaired people to connect with peers, access support networks and reduce isolation in an accessible environment.

Building an accessible Glasgow

We will work with businesses, organisations and community venues across the city to deliver disability awareness and inclusive communication training, helping create a more welcoming and accessible Glasgow for everyone.

Why fund Visibility Scotland?

For almost 170 years, Visibility Scotland has supported blind and vision-impaired people to live independent, fulfilling lives.

We combine specialist expertise with lived experience, delivering practical support that responds directly to the needs of people with sight loss. Our ForSight Centre of Excellence already provides a trusted foundation for innovative, person-centred services, and Glasgow Outlook builds on this proven track record.

By investing in Glasgow Outlook, funders will support:

• A preventative approach that reduces the impact of crisis and isolation
• Practical, measurable improvements in independence and wellbeing
• Services shaped by blind and vision-impaired people
• A sustainable model that strengthens both individuals and communities
• A city-wide vision for inclusion and accessibility

This is an opportunity to create transformational change for blind and vision-impaired people across Glasgow.

Help make Glasgow Outlook a reality

We are currently seeking partners and funders to support the launch of Glasgow Outlook in January 2027.

If you would like to discuss funding opportunities, partnership working, or learn more about the project, please contact Laura Walker, CEO at Visibility Scotland by emailing info@visibilityscotland.org.uk FAO Laura Walker

Ready to support Glasgow Outlook? Donate today and help blind and vision-impaired people across Glasgow move from crisis to confidence.

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