Views International

LOOK is the full member of VIEWS International representing England and Wales.

If you are from England or Wales and would like to participate in VIEWS International activities or would like to become a VIEWS subscribing member in your own right please contact Vicky Boyfield, Youth Development Officer, LOOK

Youth Exchange with LOOK

The youth exchange was organised in England by LOOK National in partnership with VIEWS.

The exchange took place in England from 22 July to 12 August, with 40 young Europeans participants. They were hosted at RNIB New College Worcester (close to Birmingham), a location that is tailor made for young people with a visual impairment : a rehab kitchen for daily living activities, audio described TV, rooms with wireless connection for young people bringing laptops and also relaxation areas with pianos, a pool table and ... a swimming pool. The theme chosen by the young participants themselves through questionnaire was voted as: 'Over Coming Barriers' which is something the young people embraced through; daily living and mobility support, educational visits and intercultural sharing of food and culture. Locations visited include; Stratford Upon Avon (William Shakespare locations), Birmingham (accessible tour of the city) , London (RNIB visit plus audio described theatre performance) and the Wye Valley, Wales (camping, canoing, kayaking).

European Voluntary Service (EVS) with LOOK

Aliénor, a French young blind girl will spend the summer in England through the European Voluntary Service Scheme.
Her focus will be on communication and networking:

• She worked to assist with project management during the summer camp/youth exchange: she will be responsible for PR and the day to day organisation and communication with staff, volunteers and participants - under the supervision of mentors and staff.
• She ensured that VIEWS participants from all camps (past, present and future) communicate on a regular basis in order to develop links and organise camps.
• She also networked with the local Visual Impairment community within the UK: parents, professionals, organisations and companies.
• She worked alongside the LOOK Youth Project on the creation of an audio CD magazine distributed to children and young people with a visual impairment across the UK. She will have the opportunity to experience all stages of production : interviewing children and young people with a visual impairment, editing mixing and mastering, designing cover sleeve and distribution.

Besides developing her language skills by speaking English on a daily basis, she was given the opportunity to develop autonomy/independence regarding daily living and mobility as well as IT skills, including working with specialist resistive equipment and softwares for people with a visual impairment.