Stephen’s Story

Our Activity Coordinator, James, is waving to the camera on the lake windsurfing.

‘Galloways has given me the confidence to achieve anything I want to achieve and since receiving their support I don’t feel alone anymore.’

They are the words of Stephen, a young man in his 20s, who suffers complex nystagmus – a condition of involuntary eye movement which can result in reduced or limited vision.

Stephen, who also has mild additional needs, has been living in supported living since he was 18.

And the guidance from Galloways has come at the perfect time as he starts out on a catering course at the Hugh Baird College in Liverpool.

Stephen said: “Galloways has made me feel more independent and given me the confidence to get involved with people who have the same condition as me.

“I feel now that I can do anything I want to do and am so pleased that I know Galloways is out there to support me.

“The team at Galloways has encouraged me to take part in as many activities as possible and the support they are offering as I start on my catering course is good comfort.”

Stephen’s rapid development enabled him to be referred to the Get Active team where he took part in a residential trip to the Water Park Lakeland Adventure Centre in Coniston.

He was later guided through using apps on his phone by the Digital Inclusion team and has now been referred back into Sefton Rehab Service for training with his cane and mobility.

Stephen’s Shared Live carer Marianne reached out to Galloways at the beginning of 2023 after being pointed in their direction by St Paul’s Eye Unit at Royal Liverpool Hospitals.

Stephen said: “At first, I was really nervous because I had never mixed with people with sight loss before but from the first day I loved the involvement. Taking part in the activities provided by Galloways has been amazing. For once, I felt as normal as everyone I mixed with was suffering the same issues.

“The staff have made so much possible – things I thought I would never be able to do because of my sight loss.”

And it’s not only Stephen who has benefited from the advice sessions. His Shared Live carer Marianne has also taken part so that she can give as much support as possible to him.

She said: “We have been on a learning curve together. I have not supported anyone with sight loss before and I am delighted with what Galloways has offered.”

If you are the loved one of someone living with sight loss and need advice on how to support them, take a look at the Support for loved ones section of our Digital Hub.