Listen to the audio version of our bulletin here:
EYECAN’s March News Bulletin
What’s coming up:
- You and EYE: Our next monthly drop-in session is on Friday 10th of April from 12:00 pm – 1:15 pm, all welcome. You and EYE is held at Windward House, Route de La Liberation, St. Helier.
The following You and EYE will be on Friday the 1st May.
- Swimming and Cycling: Members can enjoy swimming at Jersey Cheshire Home on the 13th of April, and cycling (subject to weather) at Les Quennevais on 17th of April. Please get in touch if you’re interested in trying our swimming or cycling sessions.
- EYECAN’s 140th Anniversary: On the 26th of June, we’ll be celebrating 140 years of EYECAN, formerly The Jersey Blind Society. We’ll be hosting a Conference, Dining in the Dark experience, Exhibition and EYECAN Solutions. For more information or to purchase tickets, please get in-touch or visit our website (details below).
- Save the date: On Monday the 18th of May, 12 – 1pm, the States Greffe team are going to be offering an election session to our clients. This will be an opportunity for people to come and find out how they can vote and what support will be available to enable independent voting. There will also be audio manifestos available at this session. This will take place at Windward House, Route de la Liberation, St. Helier.
- Postal Voting: Islanders can now apply for postal voting in the next election to the States Assembly, which takes place on Sunday, 7 June 2026. Postal voting offers a convenient and flexible option to all voters. For more information on how to apply for postal voting, visit Vote.je or contact your parish hall.
March Round Up:
- Eisteddfod: We’re incredibly proud to share that we won The Premier Award for Adult Craft, for the amazing ‘held in memory’ paper flowers & ‘tie a yellow ribbon round the old oak tree’. We also won the Visitor Choice Award Seaford Trophy, a big thank you to everyone who voted for us! Our clients’ achievements include individual Diamond, Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Bronze awards.
- Connect Me – Carers’ event: The event was very well attended. We had a table in prime position and spoke with many attendees, charities, and Government. 12 EYECAN clients attended (including cared for people). Carers enjoyed activities and peer support and found it very helpful to have so much carer information available in one place.
- Voucher Scheme Relaunch: Last month we relaunched our Children’s Voucher Scheme, which allows parents to seek Charity funding of up to £150 towards one pair of prescription glasses for children under 12 years old. With help from a generous legacy donation in memory of Edith Margot Baumgarten, EYECAN can continue to help families who may experience financial barriers to secure glasses for their children.
- Road closure impact: The last few weeks we’ve had a lot of ongoing roadworks around Westlea, which has caused disruption to our usual activities. Thank you to everyone for their patience and understanding while this has been going on.
- 300 club winners: Congratulations to the winners of March’s 300 club draw. 1st Prize of £150 – No. 20, 2nd Prize of £75 – No. 159, 3rd Prize of £50- No. 247. (Winners have been contacted).
140th Anniversary Celebrations
When: 26th June, 2026
Where: Radisson Hotel
We’re really excited for everything we’ve got planned for our 140th anniversary. 2026 marks an extraordinary milestone, and we’ll be celebrating at the Radisson Hotel, with events including:
- A conference with Keynote speakers.
- Dining in the Dark experience.
- Exhibition of Historical Items & Client Art. (FREE)
- EYECAN Solutions. (FREE)
CONFERENCE
26th June, 8:45 – 4pm
Open to professionals, inclusion partners, charities, clients and anyone with an interest in sight loss. Keynote speaker secured – Dave Steele, The Blind Poet, alongside Gordon Bowler, consultant ophthalmologist, and others. Panel discussions, presentations, and workshops exploring advances in eye care, treatment, technology and health, and the role of the Jersey Blind Society and EYECAN through the years.
Tickets cost £25 per person.
DINING IN THE DARK
26th June, 7pm – late
A unique sensory experience where guests wear eye coverings and are guided by staff and trained volunteers. Guests enjoy a 3-course dinner, offering insight into the daily challenges faced by those living with visual impairment. Hosted by DJ Nelson and featuring a live performance by Dave Steele of a poem written for EYECAN. Includes a ‘blind auction’ of client artwork, conducted with eye coverings and bids based on descriptions of the pieces.
Tickets cost £100 per person with tables seating 10
EXHIBITION OF HISTORICAL ITEMS AND CLIENT ART
26th June, all day
Featuring images and items that detail EYECAN’s 140-year history, researched with support from Jersey Heritage. Includes artwork created by EYECAN clients, which will form part of the lots available during the evening auction.
FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
EYECAN SOLUTIONS
26th June, all day
Our annual showcase where clients and individuals can access new technology for individuals living with visual impairment, with opportunities to meet UK specialist providers and explore available products through our services. This will include the latest technologies experienced at Sight Village.
FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
Donations
Donations are vital to EYECAN’s ongoing ability to support islanders living with sight loss. Continued demand for our services and the rising cost of delivery means that sustainable fundraising is essential.
Every contribution helps us maintain and grow the free or low‑cost services that we provide to those who need them most. All donations stay on the island, directly benefiting our local community and enabling EYECAN to make a meaningful impact.
Thank you for your support. Please head over to our Donations page for donation options.