People with visual impairments in the Armagh area are coming together for events and activities and forging new friendships, thanks to a grants boost from the Big Lottery Fund.

Orchard Social club has received a £4,306 grant from our Awards for All programme. It is part of last week’s announcement of £693,133 to 82 groups across Northern Ireland.
Orchard Social Club for Visually Impaired People in Armagh provides a social venue for local people with visual impairments. They are using the grant to run a programme of activities including theatre outings, day trips and group dinners to bring people together and improve well being. The club meets every other Tuesday for games, speakers, events and socialising in the Dobbin Street Community Centre in Armagh, and transport is provided if needed.
The Orchard Social Club has been running for 26 years. Anna Beamish, a member of the club and a past Chair said: “The grant funding from Awards for All has opened a whole new world to many of the members and a happy atmosphere has developed in the club. The members are extremely grateful to Big Lottery Fund for the support.”