The Clayton and Hassocks Contact Clubs have been running for 30 years under the leadership of Dorothy Lazenby. Dorothy is now 88 and ready to retire so we need to find a new club leader.

When Dorothy was nearing 60 she gave up her nursing career and looked for a new role as a volunteer. She heard about 4Sight Vision Support, then known as the West Sussex Association for the Blind, and decided to help. She heard that the Hassocks and Clayton Clubs were losing their leader but was not sure whether the role would suit her. However she visited and was so impressed with the members and the string quartet that had come to play that she took on the job!

“As a new leader I had no experience of sight loss. This comes gradually, one doesn’t need to know much about treatments, each member has medical support.“For volunteer helpers it can give motivation, new community contacts, and the satisfaction of helping to combat loneliness.”

 

The Clubs flourished and expanded under her leadership with many activities, events and outings. Members joined not only from Clayton and Hassocks but from Burgess Hill and Hurstpierpoint. In 2013 Dorothy was awarded the British Empire Medal for her work for 4Sight Vision Support.

The Clubs meet at Clayton Parish Hall and St Francis Parish Hall, Hassocks on alternate Wednesdays from 10 am to 2.15 pm. They provide a good lunch, speakers, quizzes and outings. The majority of people with serious sight loss are elderly, many live alone and cannot easily get out of their homes.  Volunteer drivers provide the essential transport, volunteer club helpers, the leader and a cook all make the day out a memorable event.

The Clubs provide friendship, support, entertainment, outings and a good lunch to elderly blind and partially sighted people. In the future they may merge with the remaining club meeting fortnightly.

Call on: 01243 828 555 or Email at: karen.mclachlan@4sight.org.uk