Grampian Society for the Blind is a charity which provides support and advice to about 2500 people with a visual impairment in Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire and Moray.

Having been based in Bon-Accord Square, Grampian Society for the Blind embarked on an ambitious project to renovate the building at 21 John Street. Princess Margaret formally opened the office at John Street in 1994.

The Society provides a direct social work and rehabilitation service to people within their own homes as well as providing a number of services, groups and resources from the main office at 21 John Street.

The office at 21 John Street is open from 9am – 4pm, Monday to Friday.

This office was purpose built for the organisation and takes pride in its easy access features. There are no steps on the ground floor and there are support rails mounted on the walls. Changes in direction in the building are marked by a change in floor surface. There is also a talking lift for access between floors.

Many of the rooms within the building are fitted with a hearing loop and where there is not one available, there is a portable loop which can be used.

The services at 21 John Street include:
Resource Centre
The resource centre has many items of equipment on display. These include talking clocks, signature guides, big button telephones and items for the kitchen.

HELLO Centre
From this library, people with a visual impairment can access talking books, audio described videos, music CDs and large print books. It is open from 10am – 2pm when a volunteer will be able to help you make selections. There is a one off £5 joining fee for this drop-in service.

Fitness Room
This room is available Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10am–2pm. Trained volunteers are on hand to help people use the equipment, which includes a rowing machine, exercise bike, treadmill and cross trainer. Sessions must be prebooked – phone 625622 or direct line 793968.

Groups
A number of groups operate from John Street. These include a Ladies Club, Mens Club, Dominoes Group, Craft Group, Partnership Group and Discussion Group. Please contact your worker, or pick up a leaflet for further information.

Duty Social Worker
Every afternoon between 2pm and 4pm there is a duty social worker available. Please phone 01224 625622 or ask at reception if you would like to speak with someone.

Grampian Tape Service
Although an independently registered charity, Grampian Tape Service is based within the John Street premises. This service provides a monthly local magazine tape and a taped version of the Leopard magazine. In addition, it has a library of over 500 books, many of which are of a local nature. All of these tapes are sent and returned under a freepost scheme.

High Tech Equipment
Our new high tech area offers you a chance to try out some of the latest computer equipment adapted for visually impaired people. From this you can access talking newspapers and the Internet.
We also have CCTV equipment, which enlarges print and photographs on to a TV monitor.
Clients are able to try out this equipment and/or receive help and advice about using it. Demonstrations can alo be arranged.

Most of the services in this leaflet are run by volunteers. As a registered charity we depend heavily on people becoming volunteers to support our clients and the services. Many people find volunteering enjoyable and rewarding regardless of age or disability.

For further information on any of the above services or on volunteering please visit the office at 21 John Street. Alternatively, contact reception on 0845 27 12345.

What We Do
Founded in 1879 Grampian Society for the Blind is a charity that provides advice and support to over 2500 people with a visual impairment.

The organisation offers a social work and rehabilitation service to people with a serious sight loss within Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire and Moray, an area of over 8742 sq. kms / 3375 sq. miles.

Although our offices are in Aberdeen and Elgin the majority of the work is carried out in peoples’ own homes.

• GSB holds the register of people registered as partially sighted or blind
  GSB can help people to access benefits and services from other organisations
  GSB offers an expert social work, mobility and rehabilitation service to enable people to increase their independence and safety
  GSB staff and volunteers co-ordinate social and activity groups throughout Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire and Moray
  GSB can supply or access newspapers, magazines and books on tape format

Referral
Grampian Society for the Blind welcomes referrals from the Eye Clinic, individuals, professionals, carers and family members.

Although partly funded by the three councils, Grampian Society for the Blind is a registered charity, no SC009537 depends on donations to provide its services.