TWO OF Berkshire’s biggest sight loss charities are celebrating a recent merger with a party next year.
Berkshire Vision has announced it is marking the merger with Reading Association for the Blind (RAB) with a drinks reception in February.
The event will see a drinks reception at Walford Hall, where members of the team will be on hand to showcase the support the charities can provide for those with sight loss.
It follows the announcement last month that RAB would become part of Berkshire Vision.
RAB agreed to the merger to help bring even more support to those with visual impairment in Reading and Berkshire.
The organisation had been based in Walford Hall, Carey Street, since 1969, providing much-needed services to around 200 people every year.
It has now with the larger, Reading-based Berkshire Vision to create a unified sight loss charity aiming to reach around 4,000 people estimated to be dealing with sight loss.
Berkshire Vision is the working name of the Berkshire County Blind Society, which has been operating in the county for more than a century.
Laura Mitchell, CEO of Berkshire Vision, welcomed the merger in November, saying: “This merger represents a significant step forward in our mission to provide the best possible support and services to individuals living with sight loss.
“By combining our strengths with RAB, we can have an even greater impact on our community.”
Bob Bristow of Reading Association for the Blind said that the group was pleased to be joining forces with Berkshire Vision.
The celebration reception will take place at Walford Hall, Carey Street, from 7pm-9pm on Thursday, February 8, next year.
Full details and RSVP via: info@BerkshireVision.org.uk, or by calling 0118 987 2803
