A SOMERSET Charity organised a trip to Teignmouth last month for a group of sight impaired service users.

The two-night trip, organised by Somerset Sight, provided participants with the opportunity to socialise, make new friends and enjoy a late summer break.

Guests enjoyed a visit to Dartmouth, a cruise accompanied by seals, trips to the beach, sightseeing in Dawlish and of course - ice cream and fish and chips.

Anna, who is from Ilminster, said the trip was 'wonderful'.

"I felt like it was a much longer trip, we packed so much in,"she said.

"All the staff and volunteers were so kind and didn’t stop caring for us the whole time.

"It wouldn’t have been nearly as enjoyable without them.

"All of us are in the same boat with our sight loss, so you don’t have to keep explaining things, everyone understands.

"I can’t wait until the next trip!”

Somerset Sight provides practical and emotional support for all people with sight loss.

Heidi Linegar, rehab officer at the charity, added: “I feel very proud that Somerset Sight was able to provide such a wonderful opportunity.

"To embrace the smells and sounds of the seaside was a magnificent experience for the group in a safe and inclusive environment.

"Most of the group had never met anyone with a sight impairment before.

"It felt as though we were facilitating the process towards acceptance and adjustment, and the opportunity to form friendships with people who have a mutual understanding of sight loss was the icing on the cake!”

Chard & Ilminster News: TRIP: Somerset Sight hosted a day out for their service users in Teignmouth