Campaigning for Equality : Eye Matter [NI]
Age Group: 16-25yrs
Specific Intereset Group: Blind & Partially Sighted Young People
Description: Campaigning for Equality is Eye Matter’s 3 year project funded by the Big Lottery. Group members will campaign on the six issues they have decided affect young visually people living in NI. These include transport, education , employment, access to information, youth services and independent living. The group will also have the opportunity to avail of training. For example, OCN Community Youth Work, Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme, specialist ICT, and assertiveness to name but a few.
How are Children and Young People Involved?
Eye Matter is completely youth led. They decided the campaigns issues themselves through a series of consultation. The training which has been organised was done so at the request of members. They are involved in every aspect of the project.
What did or what has the project/initiative achieved in terms of positive change for the organisation or/and the children and young people?
Eye Matter has been in existence since 2004. In that time the group has developed a solid member base. Members have been encouraged to aim high in relation to their goals and plans for the future, and not to be held back by other’s interpretation of what they can or can’t do.
AOB: Throughout the project the young people will also have the opportunity to avail of training in the following areas: preparation for employment and further education, campaigning workshops, and delivering visual awareness training.
Contact Details
Bernie Jenkins
Eye Matter Campaigns Officer
RNIB Northern Ireland
40 Linenhall Street
Belfast
BT2 8BA
Tel: 028 90329373 Fax: 028 90278119
Email: bjenkins@rnib.org.uk
