We recently received a heartwarming letter from a trustee of the Banbury SocialEyes charity group, part of MyVision Oxfordshire, to thank us for the generous contributions we made to them this year, and to wish all members a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Attached is their annual report, highlighting what they have been doing this year and the impact of MyVision in this area. You may spot Steve Baker in one of the photos.
Members of SocialEyes would welcome the opportunity to tell you more about living with visual impairment and what the local group means to them. Also, members of Rotary would be welcome to join one of their monthly coffee and chats at the Mill so that the group could personally thank you for your support.
You are thanked for Club's work in raising funds and generosity to Banbury SocialEyes.
Banbury SocialEyes Annual Report 2025
Who?
MyVision Oxfordshire has a social group in north Oxfordshire called Banbury SocialEyes. It was established in July 2021. The membership and attendance figures over the last five years indicates a clear need for a social group.
Average attendance
| 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 |
Clients | 8 | 13 | 14 | 13 |
Volunteers | 4 | 5 | 6 | 6 |
Total | 12 | 18 | 20 | 19 |
The age range is from 30+ to 80+. Several people are working but most are retired or unemployed. There are 13 males and 19 females. Most clients are British but there are small number from ethnic backgrounds.
What?
Banbury SocialEyes meets monthly at Banbury Mill on the first Thursday of the month at 10.30am until approximately 12.30 for a coffee and chat.
Communication?
The majority of members of SocialEyes have email accounts so communication is via email. Janet sends out monthly emails with reminders before events. Several clients do not use email therefore volunteers phone each of these clients individually following all email communications. In March 2023 the Banbury SocialEyes WhatsApp group was set up.
Costs and grants
There are no running or venue costs. Few of the volunteers claim travel or expenses although they know that this is available.For the most part transport is provided by the volunteers, partners and carers.
Local grants and funding
Year | Grant or donation | Total |
2021 | Banbury Rotary | £100 |
| Cherwell District Council | £750 |
2022 | Banbury Rotary | £200 |
| Banbury Charities | £1,000 |
2023 | Banbury Rotary | £576 |
| Tooley’s Boat Yard Trustees for boat trip | £175 |
2024 | Banbury Rotary | £430 |
| Banbury Rotary | £500 |
2025 | Banbury Charities | £500 |
| Banbury Rotary | £830 |
| Total | £5,061 |
The current balance is £323
Fundraising
A SocialEyes tombola stall at the Town Major’s Funday has become an annual event. This year we raised £400. Some members of the group take on individual fundraising challenges. This year one member walked 10 miles at the Walk Oxford event and raised £390 for MyVision.
Recent survey results showing the impact of MyVision support in the Cherwell area
In September MyVision carried out a survey to help the charity better understand the experiences of people living with sight loss and to shape its strategy going forward. A key overall finding was the differences between people accessing MyVision services and support and those who do not. There were more positive responses from MyVision users in relation to:
- Doing regular exercise
- Loneliness
- Belonging to their local area
- Confidence in getting out and about in their local area
- Confidence in using the internet and being connected online.
Next year, SocialEyes will be five years old. This will provide an opportunity to celebrate the group, thank all those who have contributed to its success, and to ensure that it continues to effectively support people in the local area with visual impairments.
