Leisure

Home based leisure activities

Summary: Information about leisure activities you can enjoy around the home, including gardening, reading and watching TV.

• Gardening
• Radio
• Television, DVD and Video
• DIY
• Cookery
• Puzzles and games
• Reading
• Sewing and knitting
• Further information

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There are many activities you can enjoy in and around your own home, sometimes with a little adaptation or special equipment available from RNIB or elsewhere.

Here are some examples of popular pastimes and ways in which we can help you to continue them.

Gardening

Gardening is a popular and relaxing pastime. There are many ways to still enjoy your garden if you have a sight problem. RNIB work closely with Thrive to make gardening more accessible.

RNIB, in conjunction with Thrive have developed the Getting on with Gardening project. This provides national services to gardeners with sight problems. Aspects of the project include:

• Roadshows - These practical workshops are aimed at people with sight problems who are interested in learning some new gardening techniques, or who once enjoyed gardening but have lost their confidence due to recent sight loss. Interactive and informative roadshows will also be run for those wishing to assist people with sight problems to garden. Roadshows last half a day or a day. Activities include seed sowing, composts, taking cuttings, techniques and equipment for outdoor planting, and many others.
• Accessible information - All experiences, advice and information that Thrive produces will be available in accessible formats. Two new publications have been produced to make gardening more accessible for blind and partially sighted gardeners, Getting on with gardening Volumes 1 and 2 and are available from RNIB Online shop and Thrive for just £7.50 each.
• Come Gardening magazine - This quarterly magazine for gardeners with sight problems has a range of interesting features and information. The magazine is available in large print, cassette, braille, floppy disk or email. The annual subscription is £15, or, for those in receipt of benefits, £5.
• Residential courses - Friendly and relaxed three day courses throughout the UK encourage people to develop or maintain their gardening skills, and to find out more about their special gardening interests. There is plenty of opportunity to learn and share experiences, and to talk about gardening. Participants do practical activities to learn basic skills, and find out about equipment and techniques. A team of experienced staff provide a stimulating course, run in a relaxed manner. We plan to have longer sessions for the more experienced or ‘hardy perennial’ group. Escorts are provided where necessary, guide dogs are welcome and we cater for you whatever your needs. For more information, telephone 0118 988 5688 or email: lucym@thrive.org.uk.

Other projects include:

• National Blind Gardeners Club
• Blind Gardener of the Year award
• Tactile and Tape Library.

Radio

Digital radio, or Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB), provides a growing number of services such as more stations, text and data information. The sound quality is very good with no interference, crackle or hiss. You can hear stations such as BBC World Service and BBC 5 Live, normally only available on AM, with crystal clear, CD-quality sound. The receivers now available on the market include tuners that you connect to your hi-fi system, portable / pocket radios, PC add-ons and in-car sets.

Prices start from £99 for a portable radio. You can get a tuner for less than £150. There are some informative websites you can visit for the latest product information, for example the Digital radio development bureau or the BBC.

Alternatively, please contact the RNIB Media and Culture Department, telephone 020 7391 2398 or email broadcasting@rnib.org.uk

Television, DVD and Video

If you have a sight problem, activities such as watching television or a DVD can be very frustrating.

Much of the meaning of a TV programme or film can be lost if you can't see the action or facial expressions.

Please visit our audio description homepage to find out more about access to television, video and DVD at home.

DIY

If you are a DIY enthusiast or want help with simple household tasks such as changing a fuse, then our publication, "Do it for Yourself – An Introduction to DIY for people with sight problems", is just for you.

This contains helpful hints about doing DIY safely and effectively. It also gives pointers on how to organise work space and tools.

For more information or to buy a copy please contact RNIB Customer Services, telephone 0845 702 3153 or 01733 37 53 50, email cservices@rnib.org.uk or visit our online shop.

Cookery

If you enjoy cooking but find it difficult, we can help. Making simple changes to the equipment you use can make a big difference. This could include using brightly coloured utensils, talking scales and timers and tactile markings on buttons. It may also help to improve the lighting in your kitchen to improve the contrast.

Our online shop sells many practical kitchen utensils and gadgets.

Puzzles and games

We produce and sell puzzles and crosswords in braille or large print. We also have a wide range of adapted games and toys for everyone to enjoy! Popular family favourites include Scrabble, Snakes and Ladders, Connect 4 and Monopoly.

For information on our wide range of toys, games and puzzles, please contact RNIB Customer Services, telephone 0845 702 3153 or 01733 37 53 50, or visit our online shop.

Reading

• Many books are available in large print or on tape from local libraries.
• Become a member of the popular RNIB Talking Book Service, which can supply a huge range of books in audio format. Telephone 0845 762 6843 for more information.
• The National Library Service can lend books in either large print or braille.
• Talking Newspaper Association of the UK (TNAUK) produces a wide range of magazines and journals on cassette.

Visit our reading section to find out more.

Sewing and knitting

Needlecraft and knitting can be made more accessible through a range of gadgets and accessories such as large print patterns, needle threaders or knitting gauges.

Many local societies run knitting or needlework groups where you can get support and advice.

For more information on needlecraft accessories please contact RNIB Customer Services, telephone 0845 702 3153 or 01733 37 53 50.

Further information

For more information on anything listed here, or any other home-based leisure activities, please contact us:

RNIB
105 Judd Street
London
WC1H 9NE
Telephone RNIB Helpline: 0845 766 9999 or 020 7388 2525
Email: helpline@rnib.org.uk

Content author: helpline@rnib.org.uk

Last updated: 20/11/2008 11:13