EBS offers a choice of activities and a range of opportunities to meet people and make new friends. Our volunteers are essential for these activities to happen and we are always interested in hearing from anybody who might have some time to spare. 

The social groups are important to members as they experience friendship and laughter. They can talk and be listened to by the sympathetic ears of volunteers, staff and other members. This is particularly valuable to those who live alone. We want members, who may be feeling isolated by their visual impairment to leave a session feeling happier and buoyed up from their experience with us. 

One of our members (S.M.) told us that: "attending an EBS Social Club has helped rebuild my confidence and has helped me to accept my situation and condition. I realise there is still a good life to be lived." 

Clubs

Tuesdays and Fridays

EBS members can attend social afternoons on Tuesdays and Fridays from 2.00pm until 4.00pm, when they can enjoy a selection of activities (such as bingo, Scrabble, cribbage and dominoes), enjoy a chat and a cup of tea. Cakes do make the occasional appearance!

The afternoons encourage members to engage with others and offer opportunities for friendship and peer support. They have proved to be hugely effective in combatting social isolation. 

Transport to and from the Centre is provided, at minimal cost, using our minibuses. Some people do prefer to make their own way to the activity and this is not a problem, however, we do need to know if someone is coming or not. 

 

Arts & Crafts

The Art Group, which happens on Monday afternoons, is well-supported by wonderful volunteers and led by our Artists, Grace and Jane.  

It is suitable for all levels of artistic skill or none. It is a fun and relaxing member-centred activity where new creative skills can be experienced with help, either individually or as part of a group project, in a non-judgemental environment. Participants can learn to use old skills in a new way and enjoy the fun of using a variety of materials and techniques. 

Examples of the work is displayed around the Centre. This not only brightens up the building, but helps to make every participant feel valued and appreciated. 

 

Knitters and Natters

A small group of enthusiastic knitters and very enthusiatic natterers also meet on Monday afternoons, to exchange patterns and ideas. They create items from baby cardigans to jelly babies some of which appear in our Annual fund-raising sale. We are extemely keen to get more volunteer support for this small group. 

 

More `energetic` activities

Bowls Club

The Society has a thriving Bowls club. Members play both home and away matches and have regular, non-competitive roll-ups. The EBS bowls club displays enormous care and mutual support. Players can be novices or be experienced players who are now more challenged in the game because of deteriorating sight. All are welcomed, mobility permitting. 

In summer, the Bowls Club play on grass; our home ground is Gildredge Park, but matches are also played around the County. In winter, we move indoors to play short mat bowls at our Centre in Longstone Road and at other venues around East Sussex.

A minibus provides transport for the players at a small cost. 

A bowls club membership fee applies. 

 

Sound Tennis

Sound Tennis is played indoors on a shortened tennis court, using a larger and softer than normal tennis ball which has a bell inside it. There are different categories of play depending on the degree of sight loss. 

EBS sponsors Defiant Sports to provide the Sound Tennis sessions which are currently held every Friday at Eastbourne Sports Park from 10.30pm - 12.00pm.  These sessions are run by a qualified coach with the support of volunteers and are fun and friendly (but with an edge of competitiveness!). 

Bring a racket, balls and other equipment supplied. 

Contact Loretta for more details:

07887 755856

email: info@defiantsports.org.uk

 

Seated Yoga

A Seated Yoga class is held every Tuesday from 10:15am to 11:15am. There is no charge for members to take part in this activity. 

The Yoga exercises are gentle but effective and are designed to improve strengtyh and flexibility as well as to improve balance. 

Those wishing to take part should be able to make their own way to the Eastbourne Blind Society Centre in Longstone Road and be able to walk unaided.   

Several of the particpants stay on after the session to enjoy a cup of coffee and a chat together. 

 

Walking Group

The group meets monthly and is a opportunity for people who like to walk and talk together.

The walk usually starts at 10.30 outside Pierre Bistro on the Sea front by the Wish Tower .

Please see the following dates below:

Dates for 2023 

Thursday 13th April

Thursday 11th May

Thursday 8th June

Thursday 13th July

Thursday 10th August

Thursday 14th September

Thursday 12th October

Thursday 9th November Lunch (Venue to be decided)

If you would like more information on, or wish to register you interest in volunteering  with any of the above activities, please  telephone Kayla Chiaro on  07720162450 or call office on :01323 729511