This exciting project, A History of Blindness in Hull & East Yorkshire, will share the story of how the lives of the blind community of the region have been impacted by legislation, social attitudes and global events throughout the last 150 years. The project includes a touring exhibition around Hull and East Yorkshire, an interactive online resource including website and social media, an Open Day at HERIB, talks and presentations, a book and a drama production at the Northern Academy of Performing Arts.

As well as sharing this unique heritage with the wider community, it is hoped the project will also help to overcome commonly held stereotypes about blind people and raise awareness to the every day problems faced by the blind and partially sighted.

Commenting on the award, Sandra Ackroyd, HERIB’s Chief Executive said: “It’s great that we have been awarded this grant and we can’t wait to get started. Services for people with sight loss, and attitudes to blind and partially sighted people, have transformed since HERIB was founded in 1864 and although we continue to focus on further change and improvements, it is also important to look back and reflect on just how far we have come. We will now be looking to appoint a dynamic project coordinator to drive this project forward and help to develop the planned events, exhibitions and other activities to engage and inform the wider community as well as recruiting volunteers to help with the project.”

Fiona Spiers, Head of Heritage Lottery Fund, Yorkshire and the Humber said: “Sharing Heritage is a wonderful opportunity for communities to delve into their local heritage and we are delighted to be able to offer this grant so that HERIB can embark on a real journey of discovery. Heritage means such different things to different people, and HLF’s funding offers a wealth of opportunities for groups to explore and celebrate what’s important to them in their area.”

Notes to editors

HERIB (Hull and East Riding Institute for the Blind) is a registered charity which aims to improve and enrich the quality of life for people with sight loss in the Hull and East Riding area. Originally established in 1864, the charity now provides support services to almost 2,500 visually impaired people in the Hull and East Riding area. HERIB receives no government funding and relies solely on donations to fund its life enhancing support services.

Further information

Angela Gregory, Income Generation and Marketing Manager at HERIB on 01482 342 297, email: angelag@herib.co.uk.