The Manx public are being urged to show their support for blind and visually impaired people in the Isle of Man this month by going ’Bright for Sight’.

It’s part of Vision Awareness Week 2018, the Manx Blind Welfare Society’s annual campaign aimed at raising awareness of its work.

Taking place on Friday, September 14, schools and businesses are encouraged to get involved in Bright for Sight Day by wearing something bright for a donation, decorating the workplace in bright colours or by bringing in some colourful treats to sell.

The Manx Blind Welfare Society will also hold a coffee morning at its headquarters in Corrin Court, Onchan, where everyone is welcome to come along wearing their brightest clothes and enjoy some coffee, biscuits and friendly chat. Stalls will also be open offering a selection of home-baked goods.

MBWS volunteers coordinator aand events organiser Debbie Thomson said: ’Bright for Sight Day has evolved into one of our favourite events of Vision Awareness Week - educating members of the community on what it means to be blind or visually impaired, but doing so in a really fun and positive way.

’It couldn’t go ahead without the support of the local community, so we are very grateful to everyone that gets involved, dressing up in their brightest clothes, baking the most beautiful, colourful cakes and often finding even more creative ways to join in the fun, spread the message and raise funds so we can continue the vital work we do in the island.

’The main message of Vision Awareness Week that we want to get across this year is the importance of regular eye examinations for children, so it would be great to see lots of the island’s schools getting involved in Bright for Sight too!’

The MBWS looks after the interests of and provides services to almost 600 blind and visually impaired people in the Isle of Man, relying entirely upon fundraising, donations and legacies.

Vision Awareness Week will run from September 9 to 15, starting with a Coast to Coast Walk and ending with a blind driving event at Onchan Raceway.

To find out about Vision Awareness Week 2018 and how you can get involved, visit: http://www.mbws.org.im/.