The Manx Blind Welfare Society is inviting the Isle of Man to show its support for blind and visually impaired people by going ’Bright for Sight’ this September.

Residents and businesses are being asked to get involved with the special day, on Friday, September 13, by wearing something bright, decorating the workplace in bright colours or bringing in some tasty, colourful treats.

It’s all part of Vision Awareness Week 2019, an annual campaign aimed at raising awareness of the society, the importance of good eye health and the challenges faced by those with visual impairments.

This year it will take on the theme of ’Making the Island Accessible’, with a different focus every day on how simple changes can be made in public places to help blind and visually impaired people in our community.

To celebrate Bright for Sight Day, the Manx Blind Welfare Society is holding a coffee morning at its headquarters in Corrin Court, Onchan, where everyone is welcome to come along wearing their brightest clothes and enjoy some tea, coffee, biscuits and friendly chat.

Stalls will also be open offering a selection of home-baked goods.

MBWS events organiser Debbie Thomson said: ’Bright for Sight Day has evolved into one of our favourite aspects of Vision Awareness Week, and always receives overwhelming support from the local community.

’Through events like this, we’re able to raise awareness on how we can help the blind and visually impaired community live more comfortably but do so in a really fun and positive way.

’We’re grateful to everyone that gets involved with this fun day, dressing up in your brightest clothes, baking colourful cakes and often finding even more creative ways to join in the fun!

’If you are going Bright for Sight this September, be sure you share your colourful photos with us.

’The main message that we want to get across this year is how we can make the Isle of Man more accessible for vulnerable individuals, so it would be great to see old and new supporters from across the island getting involved.’

Vision Awareness Week will run from September 8 to 13, starting with the Coast to Coast Walk which runs from Douglas to Peel via The Heritage Trail.

To find out about Vision Awareness Week and how you can get involved, call 674727 or email [email protected].