A CARLISLE charity have shared their delight after landing £10,000 of ‘vital’ funding.

Brunswick Street-based Carlisle Society for the Blind - which also operates under the name of Carlisle Sight Support - is celebrating after collecting the National Lottery funding to support their work with residents in and around the city who live with sight problems.

The charity will use the cash to support its home support service.

The scheme, provided mainly to older people, was developed to help them read mail, write letters, be a source of information and offer befriending support.

It was set up with the aim of helping people to live as independently as possible in their own homes.

Following its launch in 1992, the group currently has three part time staff.

They include chairman Barry Carter, homes support officer Brenda Bell and secretary Angie Robson.

The dedicated team are supported by regular volunteers Mark Costello and Rebecca Mullins, alongside trustee Colin Glover.

As well as the home support service, Carlisle Sight Support also display specialist equipment at their city centre base.

The tight-knit trio open their doors to the public three days a week to provide advice and guidance.

Their office is open between 11am and 3pm on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.

The windfall couldn’t have arrived at a better time for the group, who have plans to take forward the development of their services.

It means that more than 70 vulnerable people in Carlisle and beyond will continue to be visited regularly in their own homes at least once a month as a result of the money.

Angie Robson from Carlisle Sight Support said: “We’re delighted that the National Lottery Community Fund has recognised our work in this way.

“Now, thanks to National Lottery players, we will be able to ensure we are delivering a vital local service.

“This is important because the loss of sight increases a person’s feeling of isolation and having regular visits helps to ensure individuals feel more connected.”

In addition to its core services, aspects such as home support, plus assistance with attendance allowance or disability living allowance applications, are also provided by the team.

Angie added: “We also run several social groups, including dominoes, macular disease group, dual sensory loss group and a computer class.

“We run a couple of outings during the summer months and provide a newsletter twice a year in either large print or on tape.”

The society also offers support to those who are deaf and blind - also known as dual sensory loss.

Practical training courses can also be provided for anyone who has an interest in working with visually impaired people or their families.