Cullybackey man champions upcoming library events for people with sight loss

Cullybackey man Frank Warwick

Ballymena Central Library will soon host a series of events designed to support people living with sight loss – and local man Frank Warwick is encouraging others to take part.

Frank, 72, from Cullybackey, has been registered blind for most of his life due to congenital cataracts. Despite the challenges, he has remained active in his community and is now highlighting the importance of coming together to share experiences and learn new skills.

“I’ve had limited vision my whole life,” Frank explained.

“I can read some larger print and see better with my left eye than right, so might miss people on the street for example, and struggle with reading small things or handwritten things – not that there’s too much of that these days!”

Frank, who worked for 30 years in banking in Belfast, believes that technology and community connections are key to independence.

“Public transport is a massive thing for blind and partially sighted people in being able to get to work and out and about in general, meeting friends and being independent,” he said.

“Even more importantly you could say for many though, is meeting and talking with others who’ve experienced sight loss – that is often the game changer.”

He praised the upcoming ‘Go ON NI’ technology sessions at Ballymena Central Library as an ideal starting point for those hesitant about using smartphones and tablets.

“That’s why these new ‘Go ON NI’ sessions are such a good first step. It’s not as hard as you think, things are so much more user friendly now. I would encourage anyone who has been a bit hesitant before to come along, keep open-minded, and willing to be pleasantly surprised,” Frank added.

Frank now uses his smartphone to read post through the ‘SeeingAI’ app, check the weather, or plan bus journeys. He has also embraced Libraries NI’s audiobook service, which allows him to listen to books on his phone or tablet.

“Ultimately, I just want everybody to be winners,” he said. “This is largely still a ‘sighted’ world and any opportunities we have to share with others, or find out from others how we can overcome any struggles – and have a bit of craic at the same time – we’ve got to take them. We’re in this together.”

Upcoming events at Ballymena Central Library

• Thursday 18 September, 11am – Introduction to useful technology and one-to-one support sessions with the ‘Go ON NI’ project.

• Thursday 9 October, 11am – Everyday living products demonstration with RNIB’s Louise Kenny.

• Thursday 23 October, 11am – Launch of a new ‘Read Aloud’ group, with short stories, poetry, and discussion over tea.

For more details or to register interest, contact Daniel McCurdy at daniel.mccurdy@librariesni.org.uk or call Ballymena Library on 028 2563 3950.

Further information on RNIB Northern Ireland’s services is available at rnib.org.uk/NorthernIreland or by calling the RNIB Helpline on 0303 123 9999.