On a sunlit morning at the end of August, members of the InFocus staff and their families arrived…
News
Team InFocus took on Exeter’s Inflatable 5k!
News & Stories
The latest News & Stories from InFocus
Read all the latest InFocus news here – from inspirational real stories to fundraising achievements by our supporters and general charity news.
News
InFocus pool reopens after successful repair project
Some brilliant news! After a long summer of repairs the InFocus pool is back up and running! In…
News
Learning from the latest thinking on CVI: Nic Smith reflects on the Perkins CVI Conference
In July, our Deputy Principal and Head of VI Services, Nic Smith, travelled to Boston, Massachusetts, to attend…
News
InFocus creates Braille visitor guides for Exeter Cathedral
InFocus has worked with Exeter Cathedral to create new Braille Visitor Guides, helping people with vision impairment to…
News
InFocus is taking on the Exeter Inflatable 5k this summer
Later this summer, 27 runners will take on the inflatable 5k in Exeter to raise funds for InFocus…
News
InFocus launches campaign to help repair its specialist pool
Following the discovery of two major leaks in January, InFocus had to close the swimming pool, and it…
Blog
Vision impairment and Autism: how they connect and why it matters
Understanding how vision and autism interact is critical to getting the right support in place. For many young…
News
Spotlight on Helen Jenkins- Head of Health & Therapy
Helen is a nurse by background and is responsible for the health of all young people across the…
News
Sister to run London Marathon in support of life-changing work of InFocus
Delfina Bounsall will take on this year’s London Marathon to raise funds for InFocus Charity, in recognition of…
Blog
Supporting young people with vision impairment in education
Supporting a young person with vision impairment in an education setting can feel complex and, at times, overwhelming.…
News
A special Guide Dogs puppy visit to InFocus
We were delighted to recently welcome six Guide Dogs puppies to InFocus for a very special visit. The…
News
Celebrating Winston: 10 years of movement, confidence and joy at InFocus
Winston, our much-loved riding simulator, is celebrating an incredible 10 years at InFocus, and what an impact he…
News
Local MP visits Exeter charity supporting young people with complex vision impairment
InFocus Charity recently welcomed Steve Race MP for a visit to its services, providing an opportunity to showcase…
News
Local learners take the spotlight as InFocus College joins national campaign
InFocus College is proud to take part in The Power of Specialist FE awareness week, highlighting the essential…
News
A spooktacular way to fundraise!
Last Friday, staff from across InFocus – including College, Therapy, Jigsaw Adult Services and our Senior Leadership Team…
News
Celebrating Student Success at InFocus
In a recent Student Forum, InFocus College came together to celebrate the hard work and dedication of students…
News
Coastal Recycling chooses InFocus as their Charity of the Year
InFocus is delighted to have been chosen by Coastal Recycling as their charity partner of the year. The…
News
Spotlight on Nic Smith – Head of VI Services
Nic Smith is responsible for visual impairment support at InFocus. In this sit-down interview she tells us about…
News
Jigsaw Celebrates 10 Years of Supporting Young Adults
Last week, Jigsaw – our Adult Day Care Services – marked its 10-year anniversary in style. Supporters, parents,…
News
Chris Martin launches new InFocus care home for young adults in Exeter
We were honoured to welcome Chris Martin, lead singer of Coldplay, to officially name and launch our brand-new…
News
The White Stuff Foundation
We are delighted to have been awarded £10,000 by the White Stuff Foundation. To celebrate their 40th anniversary…
News
Meet Rosie and Rupert
Jigsaw, our day service, runs Monday- Friday, 9am-4pm. Every day there are lots of exciting and rewarding activities…
News
How do our gardens grow?
Dylan Cheshire is responsible for the incredible grounds that InFocus sits on. In this sit down interview he…
News
Tesco Stronger Starts
Throughout the summer you can vote for us in Tesco stores across Exeter to receive up to £1,500.…
News
A life changing machine
Diabetes requires regular monitoring of glucose levels and with vision impairment, that can mean relying on others for…
News
Reflecting on the 10th ICEVI European Conference
It was a real privilege to represent InFocus at the 10th ICEVI European Conference in Padova last month.…
News
Pride at InFocus: a celebration of love, identity and inclusion
In June, students and staff came together for a vibrant, joy-filled Pride celebration – a day dedicated to…
News
InFocus College students return from life-changing trip to Gran Canaria
Six students from InFocus College have safely returned home after an unforgettable, life-changing adventure in Gran Canaria –…
News
InFocus Charity celebrates opening of brand-new shop in Exmouth
Exmouth’s town centre is getting a new addition this week as InFocus Charity opens the doors to its…
News
InFocus College students gain confidence with GWR’s Try a Train Campaign
Students from InFocus College have recently benefited from Great Western Railway’s (GWR) Try a Train campaign – an…
Blog
Unlocking potential: how InFocus is transforming vision for young people with CVI
Research highlights the ongoing potential for functional vision improvement For many young people with cerebral visual impairment (CVI),…
Blog
Choosing the right specialist college for a child with Cerebral Visual Impairment (CVI)
Choosing the best specialist college for a child with Cerebral Visual Impairment (CVI) is a critical decision. The…
News
InFocus College student represents at the Houses of Parliament
Last week, InFocus College student Luke had the remarkable opportunity to attend a reception at the Houses of…
Blog
How can I support my child with CVI?
Cerebral Visual Impairment (CVI) can present unique challenges for children and their families. If your child has CVI,…
News
Festive fun at InFocus: a magical winter wonderland
It’s been a week filled with festive cheer at InFocus Charity as our Discovery Garden was transformed into…
Blog
What does a CVI diagnosis mean?
A Cerebral Visual Impairment (CVI) diagnosis can feel daunting, but understanding what it means is the first step…
Blog
Learning Braille as a sighted person
Braille has helped millions of visually impaired people access written language, allowing them to read and write independently.…
Blog
How does alt text help with visual impairment?
They say ‘a picture paints a thousand words’, but for young people and adults who are visually impaired…
Blog
What do we mean by complex needs?
Complex needs can have a huge impact on the lives of young people and adults both educationally and…
Blog
What is the difference between blind and visually impaired?
Everyone’s eyes are unique, the same as how people can experience different levels of vision loss. It’s common…
Blog
How to interact with a visually impaired person
Have you ever felt unsure about how to communicate with someone who is visually impaired or blind? It…
Blog
How to make your home vision impairment and complex needs friendly: a guide for young people
For young people with vision impairment and additional complex needs, creating a safe, comfortable, and accessible home is…
News
Inspired by InFocus, university students take to the skies!
Seeing the incredible impact of InFocus Charity first-hand on our shared campus, University of Plymouth’s Exeter School of…
Blog
Using a computer with a visual impairment
Vision impairment doesn’t mean you have to be left out of the digital age. Accessible technology has made…
Blog
Supported housing for young adults at InFocus
InFocus provides housing for young people with visual impairments and other complex needs in Exeter, Devon. Each house…
Blog
What colours are good for the visually impaired?
Colour plays a huge part in daily life, especially when it comes to learning. For people with typical…
Blog
How does visual impairment affect physical development?
Visual impairment (VI) can have a profound effect on the lives of children, young people and adults. Not…
News
InFocus College achieves ‘Good’ rating in recent Ofsted inspection
InFocus College is celebrating after a recent Ofsted inspection awarded us a ‘Good’ rating. Inspectors commended our specialist…
News
Life-Changing Adventure: InFocus College Students Explore Gran Canaria
In a follow-up to last year’s transformative trip to Gran Canaria, six adventurous InFocus College students embarked on…
News
InFocus College Student Shines at Natspec National Conference
Here at InFocus College, we’re brimming with talent. Every one of our students possesses unique abilities that we…
News
Annual fundraising quiz for InFocus
Exeter’s InFocus Charity is hosting its annual fundraising quiz on Tuesday 2nd July. The charity is calling on…
News
InFocus hosts sensory events for Moorvision Charity
InFocus recently held two special sensory events in collaboration with Moorvision, a local charity dedicated to supporting families…
News
InFocus Street Party 2024 celebrates 50 years of Abba
On May 23, 2024, the InFocus Street Party brought together our wonderful community of young people, trustees, staff,…
Blog
Why you should become a trustee for InFocus Charity
In a world where everyone is looking for ways to make a difference, becoming a trustee for InFocus…
Blog
Supported internships: a bridge to employment for young people with SEND
For those who are aged 16 to 24 with SEND, employment can be a daunting prospect. However, supported…
Blog
Types of visual impairment in special education
Visual impairment (VI) affects many young people, including those who require special education needs (SEN). However, not all…
News
A night of jazz legends & generosity: the Joy of Jazz InFocus charity fundraiser swings into success!
The air crackled with anticipation at the Heavitree Social Club last Friday night, as the Joy of Jazz…
News
InFocus partners with Stagecoach to empower visually impaired young people using public transport
InFocus has teamed up with Stagecoach to offer the opportunity for our young people, with visual impairments, to…
News
Voluntary work for charity shops – a great way to give back
At InFocus, we believe that volunteering is a great way to give back to society. We offer opportunities…
Blog
What happens after special school?
What support is available to young people with SEN once they leave education? Young people with Special Educational…
Blog
Empowering futures: the impact of Supported Internships
Supported Internships are structured workplace study programmes tailored for 16-24 year-olds with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)…
Blog
Encouraging independence in visually impaired young people
Visually impaired young people face unique challenges, and it’s up to parents and educators to help them navigate…
Blog
Fun and accessible gaming for people with visual impairment
Have you ever wondered how visually impaired individuals can enjoy gaming? With the rise of technology and innovative…
Blog
Benefits of forest schools
Nature has long been regarded as a powerful facilitator of learning and growth for children. However, the benefits…
News
Sailing Club experiences for young people
Over the past 16 years, the Exe Sailing Club in Exmouth has been extending a warm welcome to…
Blog
Tips for parents of children with CVI vision impairment
The impact of visual impairment on a child can be difficult to understand, especially when it is caused…
News
Fresh perspective: Harry’s insights from working at InFocus
New Fundraising Relationship Officer, Harry Evans, recently joined the InFocus team, and shared with us his experiences during…
News
Volunteers needed for Outdoor Learning Centre
InFocus Charity is seeking enthusiastic volunteers with a passion for gardening to assist in the upkeep of its…
Blog
What is Devon’s SEND Local Offer?
Devon’s SEND Local Offer details support, services and activities available to children and young people with special educational…
News
11-year-old Izzy completes 20-mile walk for Charity
Young philanthropist Izzy Rutter, an 11-year-old from Exeter, recently accomplished an impressive 20-mile charity walk to raise money…
News
College & life: helping students with learning disabilities
Learning disabilities can present unique challenges for young adults trying to navigate college and daily life. As of…
Blog
Rewarding career opportunities at InFocus Charity
InFocus is on the lookout for dedicated individuals to join their team and make a meaningful impact on…
News
Celebrating Pride
This week, the InFocus community came together in a vibrant display of unity and celebration to honour Pride.…
Blog
Life for Deaf-Blind Students
Living with deaf-blindness presents unique challenges that profoundly shape the way individuals experience the world. For deaf-blind students,…
News
Celebrating the King’s Coronation at InFocus
InFocus recently hosted a spectacular street party to commemorate the King’s Coronation. The event brought together volunteers, supporters,…
News
Empowering students: InFocus College’s life-changing trip to Gran Canaria
In a remarkable display of determination and resilience, six intrepid students and six dedicated staff members from InFocus…
News
Embarking on a sensory virtual holiday adventure with InFocus Charity
Last week, a group of young people from InFocus Charity had the opportunity to embark on an extraordinary…
News
InFocus sets up shop in Ottery St Mary
InFocus has announced the opening of its latest shop in Ottery St Mary. The shop, located in Mill…
Blog
Benefits of supported living accommodation for young people
Every young person deserves the chance at life, regardless of disability. But what happens if they are no…
Blog
7 Reasons to Consider a SEN Independent College
As a parent with a child who has Special Education Needs (SEN), have you considered all your options…
Blog
Occupational therapy in schools: a guide for parents
As a parent, you may be concerned about your child’s progress in the classroom. Occupational therapy (OT) can…
News
Charity shop volunteer, Gareth, celebrates 15 years at InFocus
Honiton charity shop volunteer, Gareth Richards, this week celebrates a fantastic 15 years at InFocus. Gareth started with…
Blog
What is supported living accommodation?
In today’s world, there are many solutions for housing and support for people who need extra help to…
Blog
Educational programmes for students with vision impairment and complex needs
Children and young adults with visual impairments and complex needs often face challenges with learning. For example, they…
Blog
A guide to SEN support in college
College can be a challenging time for students with special educational needs (SEN). Many colleges offer support services…
Blog
Supporting young adults with cerebral palsy
Children and young adults with cerebral palsy often struggle with self-care, mobility, communication, and social skills. They also…
Blog
Specialist physiotherapy services
Physiotherapists specialise in the diagnosis, prevention or treatment of disorders that affect movement and muscle function. They work…
Blog
Aids for people with visual impairment
The use of assistive technologies is becoming more common, with many people now using them to support their…
Blog
How to get work experience in speech & language therapy
Speech and language therapy is a crucial support service for our young people. That’s why at InFocus, we…
News
A fond farewell to the Riding for the Disabled Association
This week we said cheerio to the lovely volunteers at the Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA), who…
Blog
Occupational Therapy for Autism
What is occupational therapy? Occupational therapy is a branch of occupational science that focuses on the use of…
Blog
Why choose specialist colleges over mainstream?
Choosing a specialist college for young people with special education needs can be an important decision. Specialist colleges…
Blog
What is an Acheeva bed?
The Acheeva bed is designed to help children and adults with special needs learn how to move independently.…
Blog
What to expect from attending a special educational needs college
Special educational needs colleges – like the InFocus College – offer invaluable services for young people with special…
News
See things differently and join us for a spectacular Christmas
Fancy doing something a little different this Christmas? Then why not swap the sweater for something better and…
News
Former pupil’s classic car art exhibition
Former pupil Auboné Braddon recently visited InFocus to tell us how he turned his love of classic cars…
News
Princesshay’s Charity Christmas Trees
Our young people from Jigsaw have once again decorated the InFocus Christmas tree as part of Princesshay’s annual…
Blog
What is Augmentative and Alternative Communication?
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) is a set of tools or strategies that an individual may use to…
News
5k-a-Day for InFocus supporter Pete
One month into his yearlong 5k-a-day challenge, InFocus supporter Pete Andrews is finding his stride. Having not run…
News
Former InFocus pupil completes a Route 66 challenge to help support charity
Former pupil, Glenda Benger MBE, completes her amazing 2,280 mile – Route 66 themed – challenge by walking…
Blog
Braille Technology For People with Visual Impairment
Being able to read Braille can give someone with a vision impairment access to information that many of…
News
Monday 19th September 2022
On Monday 19th September we will be observing the Bank Holiday out of respect for Her Late Majesty…
News
Ant’s London Marathon
Exmouth fundraiser Antony 'Ant' Clark is getting ready for the run of his life as he prepares to…
Blog
What do we mean by vision impairment?
Vision impairment can happen to anyone at any time. Whether it’s because of aging, injury, genetics, or you…
News
InFocus at the Sidwell Jumble 2022
InFocus is pleased to be taking part in the September 2022 Sidwell Jumble! It takes place on 1st…
Project
Fundraising support: therapy & rehabilitation steps
We recently purchased a set of therapy and rehabilitation steps, all thanks to the support of our donors…
News
Specialist college hails success of students
Students at Exeter’s “InFocus College” celebrated another year of amazing achievements at last month’s annual Achievement and Celebration…
News
Taking the train with GWR
Young adults with vision impairment learned all about GWR’s railway station in Exeter and found out how to…
News
Exeter Chiefs win award for work with VI students
Exeter Chiefs’ Community Coaches won the InFocus Partner of the Year Award at this year’s end of year…
News
Vintage look for Exeter charity shop
The InFocus charity shop in Exeter has gone vintage! Our Sidwell Street store has been stocking new “vintage…
Expertise
Mobility training for young people with complex needs
For young adults with complex needs, mobility can be a challenge. They may require assistance with everyday tasks,…
News
Corporate volunteering: Inviron
Last month we welcomed staff from Inviron, working here in Exeter, to our main site for a day…
Expertise
How we help: young people’s speech & language therapy
Many young people with vision impairment can develop speech and language skills, often through using other senses. They…
Blog
Student Blog: Creative Writing
My names Danny and I’m a student at InFocus College. I wanted to talk about a story I’m…
News
Thank you KMJ Restorations
Earlier this month we visited a classic vehicle gathering hosted by KMJ Restorations in aid of InFocus. Lots…
Blog
Danny’s charity shop work experience
My names Danny and I’m a student at InFocus College. I did some work experience at the Sidwell…
Blog
The future of education at InFocus College
Jane Bell (Chief Executive Officer) looks to the future of education at InFocus College. Our charity’s vision is…
News
Plant sale and open garden this weekend
A 10 acre paradise in the East Devon countryside is opening to the public this weekend, offering a…
News
How supported living residents use their free time
InFocus supports Adam, Jordan and Zoe who live in our Supported Living houses. They’ve all finished College, and…
News
Volunteers Week 2022
If you follow InFocus’ work on the website or our social media channels then you’ll be aware of…
News
The Platinum Jubilee starts now!
Young people at InFocus College, residents of St David’s House and InFocus Supported Living, and adults who attend…
Blog
Services for young adults with vision impairment & complex needs
Living with sight loss requires a helping hand as well as expert support. At InFocus, we provide specialist…
News
My first Pride experience
My name is Danny and I’m a student at InFocus College. On the 16th of May I went…
Blog
International Nurses’ Day 2022
On International Nurses Day 2022 we’re celebrating the amazing nurses who go above and beyond to deliver outstanding…
News
“Work with young people at InFocus is exceptional” – Ofsted
We’re delighted to announce that our residential education provision has been rated “Good” by Ofsted, less than three…
News
Fitness studio staff take to the skies
Two personal trainers from an Exeter studio are getting ready for a 15,000ft leap of a lifetime to…
News
Offering services to people with vision impairment
We are keen to expand our services and to understand how we could use our skills, buildings, and…
News
A day in the life of a Support Worker at InFocus
For Support Workers at InFocus, every day is truly different. We caught up with Hazel, who works as…
News
George’s Weston-Super-Mare adventure
One of our Supported Living residents has shared his photos of a recent trip to Weston-Super-Mare. George was…
News
Will’s Story
Will achieves his ultimate goal of independent travel.
News
Enriching lives at Riding for the Disabled Association
InFocus students have been enjoying sessions with RDA for over 30 years.
News
Guide dog etiquette: 5 things you should know
April is National Pet Month! National Pet Month celebrates and raises awareness of responsible pet ownership. At InFocus, we…
Blog
Our response to the SEND Review
The Government published its long-awaited review into SEND provision earlier this week. I am encouraged by proposals to…
News
Sight Loss Survey
Please complete the Retina UK Sight Loss Survey to help those with inherited sight loss.
News
Welcome back to former “West of England” pupils
InFocus can trace its origins back to 1838-9 when an institution for blind was founded on St David’s…
Blog
Devon: my journey of being LGBTQIA+
My Story Hello, I’m Devon and I’m going to talk about my journey of being LGBTQIA+, the things…
News
Transformative Vision Table for InFocus Students
Thanks to supporters who have helped raise vital money, InFocus are delighted to introduce a transformative Vision Table…
Case Study
Charlotte’s Story
Charlotte is a student at Exeter College and a supported intern at InFocus Charity Shop.
Blog
Celebrating International Women’s Day
Today is International Women’s Day and we are celebrating all of the fantastic women at InFocus Charity. At…
News
How vision impairment students read on World Book Day
Local author and illustrator Tracy Shambis visits InFocus
News
Sidwell Jumble this February Half Term!
InFocus and other charities are taking part in the first "Sidwell Jumble" event in Exeter.
News
Mental Health Awareness at InFocus
This Children’s Mental Health Week, we caught up with InFocus’ Pastoral Lead, Jane Beveridge, on how we tackle…
News
Musical “residency” at InFocus College
STUDENTS from Exeter’s InFocus College have taken part in a live performance at the end a mini-residency by…
News
Ottery school’s fundraising for InFocus
Pupils from The King's School in Ottery St Mary have donated £172.55 to InFocus during a recent visit…
News
Return of the Exeter Chiefs Community Coaches
The Exeter Chiefs Community Coaches return to InFocus for VI rugby sessions.
News
Craig’s Story
From InFocus student to skilled hospitality worker.
News
Exeter’s Lord Mayor visits InFocus
The Right Worshipful the Lord Mayor Councillor Trish Oliver visited InFocus yesterday to find out about the inspirational…
News
Former student Jeff’s Kickstart opportunity
Congratulations to former InFocus student Jeff who is about to start a six-month paid role under the Kickstart…
News
The Princesshay Charity Christmas Tree Festival
The Princesshay Charity Christmas Tree Festival is an annual event held in Exeter that this year, we were…
Case Study
Isaac’s story
Isaac has recently independently secured another work opportunity, as a Covid volunteer at a vaccination centre.
News
Delivering produce to the Jack in the Green
A delegation from InFocus visited the Jack in the Green last week with a fresh delivery of vegetables…
News
Ofsted Monitoring visit (September 2021)
Ofsted’s report of their monitoring visit to InFocus College at the start of the autumn term has been…
News
Exeter Chiefs Community Coaches at InFocus
The Exeter Chiefs Community Coaches visit InFocus ahead of delivering some VI rugby sessions to our young people…
News
How to create a Facebook Fundraiser for InFocus
A Facebook Fundraiser is an easy way for people to raise money for a wide range of good…
Expertise
Gamifying therapy
Gamified vision therapy can engage young people with partial visual field loss to see measurable effects in their…
Expertise
Batten disease and Education Research
InFocus were involved in a project to investigate education from a lifelong perspective for students with Batten disease…
News
Eyelander: a therapeutic video game
Eyelander is an online game for children and young people with visual field loss caused by problems with…
Blog
Skydiving – what to expect
Have any questions about our charity skydive? Read Skydive Buzz’s FAQs.
Expertise
Visual impairments, disability, and quality of life
The relationship between visual impairments caused by brain injury and measures of quality of life.
News
APOS till developed by InFocus and BMc Azurri
The APOS till allows users with visual impairments to work or volunteer in a retail environment.
Case Study
Jeff’s story
A journey from quiet newcomer to confident young man.
Project
New accessible bathroom for students
Thanks to a long-term supporter we are thrilled to install a new accessible bathroom in our student village.
Project
Northbrook Community Trust funds kitchen for InFocus Students
A new adapted kitchen for , thanks to a generous donation from the Northbrook Community Trust.
Expertise
Sensory support for students with Cerebral Vision Impairments
CVI can affect one in thirty children, yet it can be hard to identify in a classroom
News
Social enterprise at InFocus highlighted as European good practice
Praise for InFocus Social Enterprise from the Interreg-Europe funded E-COOL Project
Project
Home from Home
An ambitious project to redevelop accommodation for our inspirational students.
Project
Sensory Room Fundraising Project
A valuable resource, made possible thanks to Morrisons Foundation
News
Welcome to our new name and new website
Introducing the next chapter in our charity's long history.
Blog
How to complete the InFocus application form
Our guide to applying for a job at InFocus
Case Study
Jacob’s story
Upon completing his education, Jacob started work experience within InFocus’s Estates department and has been an amazing asset.
Case Study
Cassie’s story
A transition from College to Jigsaw, our community day service for young adults.