Insights from Torch Trust: Recent Episodes
Linn Davies
Short answers to common questions about sight loss and the church, helping you to welcome and include blind and partially sighted people in your congregation.
This podcast is brought to you by the Sight Loss Friendly Church team at Torch Trust. For more information, call 01858 438260, email slfc@torchtrust.org or visit https://torchtrust.org/sight-loss-friendly-church
In the final episode of the Insights podcast, Matthew Horspool sits down to have a chat with outgoing Torch CEO Tim Jeffery. They talk about Tim's time at Torch, how the organisation has evolved under his leadership and the immediate future of both Tim and Torch. To contact the Sight Loss Friendly Church team at Torch Trust, call 01858 438260, email slfc@torchtrust.org or visit torchtrust.org/sight-loss-friendly-church.
In this penultimate episode of the Insights Podcast, we hear from Reflections Sheila Armstrong and Marilyn Baker what makes good Christmas gifts for the blind and partially sighted people in your life. Marilyn also offers a lovely reflection on how the best gifts aren't things, but relationships.
To contact the Sight Loss Friendly Church team at Torch Trust, call 01858 438260, email slfc@torchtrust.org or visit torchtrust.org/sight-loss-friendly-church.
Christmas cards. You may love them, hate them or feel completely neutral. This week we revisit Linn and Matthew's discussion on this topic.
To contact the Sight Loss Friendly Church team at Torch Trust, call 01858 438260, email slfc@torchtrust.org or visit torchtrust.org/sight-loss-friendly-church.
As Christmas is approaching many churches are probably planning events both online and face-to-face. This episode revisits Linn and Matthew's tips and advice on how to make online events inclusive and why blind people aren't always a fan of keeping the camera on.
To contact the Sight Loss Friendly Church team at Torch Trust, call 01858 438260, email slfc@torchtrust.org or visit torchtrust.org/sight-loss-friendly-church.
Festive online events revisited (Insights Episode 92)
This episode features Becky Davies talking about this year's advent books with Reflections producer Grace Dawson. And if fiction is more your thing, there's also a recommendation for you.
To contact the Sight Loss Friendly Church team at Torch Trust, call 01858 438260, email slfc@torchtrust.org or visit torchtrust.org/sight-loss-friendly-church.
Linn is joined by Torch trustee Sheila Armstrong as they talk about things that might make it harder for sighted people to approach blind and partially sighted people in their church and what can be done to make things easier.
To contact the Sight Loss Friendly Church team at Torch Trust, call 01858 438260, email slfc@torchtrust.org or visit torchtrust.org/sight-loss-friendly-church.
At Torch, we help blind and partially sighted people with their spiritual needs, but how about the practical ones? Linn is joined by Torch volunteer James Hassall who works for The Royal National Institute of Blind People as a community connection officer. They talk about how someone like James can help people in a practical way and how Torch and the RNIB can collaborate to give great support.
To contact the Sight Loss Friendly Church team at Torch Trust, call 01858 438260, email slfc@torchtrust.org or visit torchtrust.org/sight-loss-friendly-church.
Lay preacher Wendy Coxhill is back to share how she celebrated Sight Loss Sunday on 15 October 2023 at her church. She talks about her multi-sensory prayer stations and also gets reflective with Linn about how much of a blanket sense sight is.
To contact the Sight Loss Friendly Church team at Torch Trust, call 01858 438260, email slfc@torchtrust.org or visit torchtrust.org/sight-loss-friendly-church.
Matthew is back for his final regular co-host duties in this episodes. He and Linn discuss whether blind children can join the Scouts or Guides and reflect on presenting Insights together.
To contact the Sight Loss Friendly Church team at Torch Trust, call 01858 438260, email slfc@torchtrust.org or visit torchtrust.org/sight-loss-friendly-church.
In this episode Linn continues her exploration of this topic with ordained Anglican priest Melissa Carter. Melissa shares how she approaches prayers for healing with people who ask her for them and they even get into the theology around what healing may look like in heaven.
To contact the Sight Loss Friendly Church team at Torch Trust, call 01858 438260, email slfc@torchtrust.org or visit torchtrust.org/sight-loss-friendly-church.
This intriguing topic was one of the first to be discussed when Insights came out. But Linn was interested in exploring it with Melissa Carter, an earlier guest on the podcast who is an ordained anglican priest and registered blind. In part one, they talk about why they consider themselves to be healed already and how church could take a more inclusive approach to looking at healing.
To contact the Sight Loss Friendly Church team at Torch Trust, call 01858 438260, email slfc@torchtrust.org or visit torchtrust.org/sight-loss-friendly-church.
In part two of Linn's interview with Ella, Ella shares how her faith saw her through transitioning to a life with sight loss, how sight loss has impacted her interractions in church and some advice on how churches can support people in her situation.
To contact the Sight Loss Friendly Church team at Torch Trust, call 01858 438260, email slfc@torchtrust.org or visit torchtrust.org/sight-loss-friendly-church.
Many people associate sight loss with being elderly, but it can happen at any age. In this episode Linn talks to torch client ella Abel who lost her sight in her 30s and what impact that has had on her life.
To contact the Sight Loss Friendly Church team at Torch Trust, call 01858 438260, email slfc@torchtrust.org or visit torchtrust.org/sight-loss-friendly-church.
In the second part of Linn's conversation with Colin Dowling from Compass Braille, they talk about how the merge with Torch came about and how it can potentially benefit both organisations.
To contact the Sight Loss Friendly Church team at Torch Trust, call 01858 438260, email slfc@torchtrust.org or visit torchtrust.org/sight-loss-friendly-church.
Over the next two episodes Linn is interviewing Colin Dowling from Compass Braille, an organisation which provides Braille bibles in over 60 languages to blind people world wide. They are also in the process of merging with Torch. In part 1, Colin talks about how he got involved with Compass Braille and what impact the Braille bibles are having on the recipients lives.
To contact the Sight Loss Friendly Church team at Torch Trust, call 01858 438260, email slfc@torchtrust.org or visit torchtrust.org/sight-loss-friendly-church.
Making your church more sight loss friendly doesn't have to cost much and even little things can make a huge difference. Linn chats to Gill Bradley from St Frideswides Church and Jane Sellers from Spurgeons Baptist church, who share a church building, about the steps they have taken to improve their building's accessibility. This has benefitted more than the people with sight loss.
To contact the Sight Loss Friendly Church team at Torch Trust, call 01858 438260, email slfc@torchtrust.org or visit torchtrust.org/sight-loss-friendly-church.
Why is Sight Loss Sunday important? With Wendy Coxhil
15 October sees Torch marking the third Sight Loss Sunday which celebrates and raises awareness of blind and partially sighted people in church. Linn talks to lay preacher Wendy Coxhill who reflects on why Sight Loss Sunday is important to her and suggests a few different ways churches can get involved.
To contact the Sight Loss Friendly Church team at Torch Trust, call 01858 438260, email slfc@torchtrust.org or visit torchtrust.org/sight-loss-friendly-church.
First broadcast on Reflections, this is the incredible story of Emma Meade whose life was turned upside down when her flat caught fire. Talking to Marilyn Baker, she recounts the moment she felt something was off while cooking and how her church family came to the rescue in more ways than one until she was back on her feet. You can listen to Reflections on RNIB Connect radio, on our website, or anywhere else you get podcasts.
To contact the Sight Loss Friendly Church team at Torch Trust, call 01858 438260, email slfc@torchtrust.org or visit torchtrust.org/sight-loss-friendly-church.
First broadcast on Reflections, this is an interview with David Arthur who leads the Torch Fellowship Group (TFG) in Southwark in London. He talks about how he got involved with the group and how the group is thriving today. It's also currently the most ethnically diverse TFG out there. You may listen to Reflections on RNIB connect radio, our website, or wherever you get your podcasts.
To contact the Sight Loss Friendly Church team at Torch Trust, call 01858 438260, email slfc@torchtrust.org or visit torchtrust.org/sight-loss-friendly-church.
Linn talks to colleague Becky Davies about how the Torch together holidays are going one year after they launched. What has changed, what has stayed the same and how they have had a positive influence on both participants and volunteers.
To contact the Sight Loss Friendly Church team at Torch Trust, call 01858 438260, email slfc@torchtrust.org or visit torchtrust.org/sight-loss-friendly-church.
In this episode, Marilyn Baker talks to Linn Davies about how and why she got in to journalism. This interview was originally broadcast on Reflections, Torch's radio show on faith and disability in today's world which can be found on our website, smart phone or smart speaker. It's also broadcast on RNIB Connect Radio every Sunday morning at 9AM.
To contact the Sight Loss Friendly Church team at Torch Trust, call 01858 438260, email slfc@torchtrust.org or visit torchtrust.org/sight-loss-friendly-church.
there are many ways in which blind and partially sighted people can actively participate in church ministry. However, there might be questions around whether they can safely carry out certain types of work. Using practical examples ans scenarios,Matthew and Linn unpack the different types of risks and how best to address them.
To contact the Sight Loss Friendly Church team at Torch Trust, call 01858 438260, email slfc@torchtrust.org or visit torchtrust.org/sight-loss-friendly-church.
Blind people are just as capable as anyone else of being on the church council. However, there are ways to ensure they are fully included which are being discussed on this episode. Matthew and Lin also talk about how to cope with any challenges both the blind person and other council members might face and the best ways to address them.
To contact the Sight Loss Friendly Church team at Torch Trust, call 01858 438260, email slfc@torchtrust.org or visit torchtrust.org/sight-loss-friendly-church.
In case you've ever wondered whether there are different types of Braille, you will get this question answered in this episode. Matthew and Linn discuss the differences between grades 1 and 2 and their merrits as well as diving into what Unified English Braille, or UEB is and why it's slightly controversial.
To contact the Sight Loss Friendly Church team at Torch Trust, call 01858 438260, email slfc@torchtrust.org or visit torchtrust.org/sight-loss-friendly-church.
In the final Insights Live episode, on this occasion, church elder Anthony croft asks how he can make the screens as easy to read as possible for those in the congregation who have low vision and who prefer to use the screens. As well as answering this, Matthew and Lin also talks about how sight loss can fluctuate which can mean that what someone can see clearly one week, might be harder to see the next.
To contact the Sight Loss Friendly Church team at Torch Trust, call 01858 438260, email slfc@torchtrust.org or visit torchtrust.org/sight-loss-friendly-church.
In the second instalment of Insights Live, Minister Mike Payne asks how he can spread the word about sight loss friendly church, particularly in South Wales, and help make churches more inclusive.
To contact the Sight Loss Friendly Church team at Torch Trust, call 01858 438260, email slfc@torchtrust.org or visit torchtrust.org/sight-loss-friendly-church.
Please click here to learn more about our Pathway bible players.
In the first of the Insights Live episodes, lay minister Wendy Coxhill, who is herself blind, asks what can be done about churches telling some people that their visual impairments and the tools they use to lead a service are too distracting for the congregation. And as a consequence, they're told to step down
To contact the Sight Loss Friendly Church team at Torch Trust, call 01858 438260, email slfc@torchtrust.org or visit torchtrust.org/sight-loss-friendly-church.
In this episode, we revisit church building accessibility. It's a lot easier and cheaper than you may think. And Paul puts his sighted spin on it.
To contact the Sight Loss Friendly Church team at Torch Trust, call 01858 438260, email slfc@torchtrust.org or visit torchtrust.org/sight-loss-friendly-church.
Please click here to register for Insights Live.
You may have been wondering whether churches have any legal obligation to make their services accessible to blind and partially sighted people. Linn and Paul discuss what churches have to do and what they ideally should be doing to provide an inclusive environment.
To contact the Sight Loss Friendly Church team at Torch Trust, call 01858 438260, email slfc@torchtrust.org or visit torchtrust.org/sight-loss-friendly-church.
Please click here to register for Insights Live.
By law, you can't deny a guide dog in church, but what do you do if the guide dog poses a health and safety risk because it's ungroomed and the hair gets everywhere? Linn is joined by colleague and former sight loss friendly church advisor Paul Rhodes to unpack this scenario.
To contact the Sight Loss Friendly Church team at Torch Trust, call 01858 438260, email slfc@torchtrust.org or visit torchtrust.org/sight-loss-friendly-church.
Please click here to register for Insights Live.
In this episode Matthew and Linn discuss what to do if you have a blind person in your congregation who won't accept any practcal help, perhaps because they have yet to come to terms with their sight loss, or because they're finding the subject difficult for any other reason.
To contact the Sight Loss Friendly Church team at Torch Trust, call 01858 438260, email slfc@torchtrust.org or visit torchtrust.org/sight-loss-friendly-church.
Please click here to register for Insights Live.
In the second part of the conversation with Ordained priest Melissa Carter, Melissa and Linn talks about the spiritual side to studying theology as well as Melissa's passion for children's spirituality.
To contact the Sight Loss Friendly Church team at Torch Trust, call 01858 438260, email slfc@torchtrust.org or visit torchtrust.org/sight-loss-friendly-church.
Please click here to register for Insights Live.
In this episode, Linn chats to Melissa Carter who is an ordained priest for The Church of England. and registered blind. Melissa talks about her calling to the priesthood at the age of 17, how working in conveyancing prepared her for the role and then the practical aspects and challenges of the training itself.
To contact the Sight Loss Friendly Church team at Torch Trust, call 01858 438260, email slfc@torchtrust.org or visit torchtrust.org/sight-loss-friendly-church.
Please click here to register for Insights Live.
On this weeks episode, Linn is joined by Jean Kerr from Thy Kingdom Come. They talk about its history, what Thy Kingdom Come done to include blind and partially sighted people and how they're hoping to further improve their accessibility. Please email jean.kerr@lambethpalace.org.uk with your feedback and suggestions.">
">To contact the Sight Loss Friendly Church team at Torch Trust, call 01858 438260, email slfc@torchtrust.org or visit torchtrust.org/sight-loss-friendly-church.
Please click here to register for Insights Live.
Saturday 6 May sees the coronation of King Charles III and for many, this is the first and in some cases the only coronation they will witness. in this episode, Linn talks to Keren Mallinson, head at client services at Torch about two coronation related resources Torch has produced to mark the occasion.
To contact the Sight Loss Friendly Church team at Torch Trust, call 01858 438260, email slfc@torchtrust.org or visit torchtrust.org/sight-loss-friendly-church.
Please click here to register for Insights Live.
One of your congregation members are blind and would like to take on a leadership role and they have all the skills required except technology skills. In this episode we discuss why that might be, ways they can get training and workarounds that can still insure their full inclusion and participation.
To contact the Sight Loss Friendly Church team at Torch Trust, call 01858 438260, email slfc@torchtrust.org or visit torchtrust.org/sight-loss-friendly-church.
A new blind or partially sighted person has just started coming to your church. You have a very helpful congregation member who goes out of their way to welcome them and give them all the help they need. However, the help seems to be more of a hindrance to them. In this episode we discuss how to deal with this scenario.
To contact the Sight Loss Friendly Church team at Torch Trust, call 01858 438260, email slfc@torchtrust.org or visit torchtrust.org/sight-loss-friendly-church.
You are an SLFC and a blind or partially sighted person came to visit, only to complain that their access needs weren't properly met. In this episode we discuss how a church can be proactive so that this is less likely to happen as well as how visitors can prepare to get the best possible experience.
To contact the Sight Loss Friendly Church team at Torch Trust, call 01858 438260, email slfc@torchtrust.org or visit torchtrust.org/sight-loss-friendly-church.
Imagine if you're running a prayer group and one of your members who happens to be visually impaired, is taking over the group with their personal issues and this having a negative effect on other group members as well as the leaders. In this episode we discuss what may lead a person to behave like that and how to deal with it effectively, yet tactfully so everybody in the group gets heard.
To contact the Sight Loss Friendly Church team at Torch Trust, call 01858 438260, email slfc@torchtrust.org or visit torchtrust.org/sight-loss-friendly-church.
With several platforms offering easy tools and templates, building a website has never been easier. In this episode we offer up some tips and tricks to make sure your church website is as user friendly as possible.
To contact the Sight Loss Friendly Church team at Torch Trust, call 01858 438260, email slfc@torchtrust.org or visit torchtrust.org/sight-loss-friendly-church.
In this episode we discuss challenges and top tips for making palm crosses if you have little or no sight. We also give tips on how to include blind and partially sighted people in your Palm Sunday parade.
To contact the Sight Loss Friendly Church team at Torch Trust, call 01858 438260, email slfc@torchtrust.org or visit torchtrust.org/sight-loss-friendly-church.
All age services happen across many churches and because they tend to be different to regular ones, there are things to keep in mind when making them inclusive for all. You'll also get to hear how Linn and Matthew feel about Action songs.
To contact the Sight Loss Friendly Church team at Torch Trust, call 01858 438260, email slfc@torchtrust.org or visit torchtrust.org/sight-loss-friendly-church.
Easter bonnets, arts and crafts and Easter egg hunts are popular activities associated with Easter. Listen to this episode to learn how to make these activities inclusive to blind and partially sighted children.
To contact the Sight Loss Friendly Church team at Torch Trust, call 01858 438260, email slfc@torchtrust.org or visit torchtrust.org/sight-loss-friendly-church.
Many churches include drama in their activities and may even have a dedicated drama group. We talk about ways to make this inclusive so that everyone can enjoy it to the fullest.
To contact the Sight Loss Friendly Church team at Torch Trust, call 01858 438260, email slfc@torchtrust.org or visit torchtrust.org/sight-loss-friendly-church.
In this episode we discuss how communion varies in different churches and how this impacts both giving and receiving communion as a blind or partially sighted person.
To contact the Sight Loss Friendly Church team at Torch Trust, call 01858 438260, email slfc@torchtrust.org or visit torchtrust.org/sight-loss-friendly-church.
Services like Lent and Mourn day Thursday often have periods of silence within them, be it in the middle or at the end. This episode discusses how to effectively help blind and partially sighted people so that they too can enjoy these periods of silence, knowing their practical needs are met.
To contact the Sight Loss Friendly Church team at Torch Trust, call 01858 438260, email slfc@torchtrust.org or visit torchtrust.org/sight-loss-friendly-church.
Prayer activities can be a great way to make it easier to engage with prayers. In this episode we discuss how to make them as inclusive as possible so that all congregation members can enjoy them regardless of visual acuity.
To contact the Sight Loss Friendly Church team at Torch Trust, call 01858 438260, email slfc@torchtrust.org or visit torchtrust.org/sight-loss-friendly-church.
Putting our foot in our mouth is something we all do at some point. In this episode we discuss what to do when that happens as well as things to avoid saying that can be difficult to swallow, or offensive for blind and partially sighted people.
To contact the Sight Loss Friendly Church team at Torch Trust, call 01858 438260, email slfc@torchtrust.org or visit torchtrust.org/sight-loss-friendly-church.
We always talk about ways churches can support blind and partially sighted individuals whether they're newcomers or members. But today we're taking a look at what visually impaired individuals can do to make it easier for churches to support them.
It's a brand new year and you may have decided on some new year's resolutions. If they involve spiritual growth, or reading more interesting books, Torch has you covered.
To contact the Sight Loss Friendly Church team at Torch Trust, call 01858 438260, email slfc@torchtrust.org or visit torchtrust.org/sight-loss-friendly-church.
For the final episode of 2022 Linn talks to Sheila Armstrong, former Torch employee and guide dog owner about what to do if a church isn't happy about someone bringing a guide dog.
To contact the Sight Loss Friendly Church team at Torch Trust, call 01858 438260, email slfc@torchtrust.org or visit torchtrust.org/sight-loss-friendly-church.
Have you ever wondered what blind people really think about Christmas cards? We give you our views and also discuss tips on making them more accessible.
To contact the Sight Loss Friendly Church team at Torch Trust, call 01858 438260, email slfc@torchtrust.org or visit torchtrust.org/sight-loss-friendly-church.
Online events are a valuable supplement to in person ones. And around Christmas times, there might be many good reasons why your church might like to do them. We talk about things to remember in order to make it accessible to visually impaired paticipants and also have a discussion about why some blind people prefer to stay off camera.
To contact the Sight Loss Friendly Church team at Torch Trust, call 01858 438260, email slfc@torchtrust.org or visit torchtrust.org/sight-loss-friendly-church.
Knowing how to guide is essential when working with blind and partially sighted people. But what's the most effective way of doing it? We unpack the dos and don'ts on guiding sprinkled with funny anekdotes.
To contact the Sight Loss Friendly Church team at Torch Trust, call 01858 438260, email slfc@torchtrust.org or visit torchtrust.org/sight-loss-friendly-church.
In this episode we talk about how churches can effectively co-operate with schools for special services like Nativity and Christingle to include children with sight loss.
To contact the Sight Loss Friendly Church team at Torch Trust, call 01858 438260, email slfc@torchtrust.org or visit torchtrust.org/sight-loss-friendly-church.
It's that time of year when churches are starting to plan for carol services and we discuss the most important things to think about. Spoiler alert, the song words. And if you need Braille or large print, Torch has got you covered.
To contact the Sight Loss Friendly Church team at Torch Trust, call 01858 438260, email slfc@torchtrust.org or visit torchtrust.org/sight-loss-friendly-church.
More and more churches use social media to communicate. In this episode we give hints and tips on how to make sure any visual content can be enjoyed by blind and partially sighted people.
To contact the Sight Loss Friendly Church team at Torch Trust, call 01858 438260, email slfc@torchtrust.org or visit torchtrust.org/sight-loss-friendly-church.
In this episode Linn is reunited with former co-host Matthew Horspool. They talk about things to keep in mind for remembrance service, including having a reminder to buy a poppy and how to assist visually impaired people who'd like to remember someone special.
To contact the Sight Loss Friendly Church team at Torch Trust, call 01858 438260, email slfc@torchtrust.org or visit torchtrust.org/sight-loss-friendly-church.
In this episode Linn is in conversation with Alan Inger who is both a church elder and a home group leader. Alan has severe sight loss and shares his tips for succeeding in both roles.
To contact the Sight Loss Friendly Church team at Torch Trust, call 01858 438260, email slfc@torchtrust.org or visit torchtrust.org/sight-loss-friendly-church.
In this episode Linn talks to Janice Tillett who is part of the worship team and an admin at her church Christian Celebrations. Janice is also deaf-blind and talks about how the attitude of the church leadership was key to getting her involved.
To contact the Sight Loss Friendly Church team at Torch Trust, call 01858 438260, email slfc@torchtrust.org or visit torchtrust.org/sight-loss-friendly-church.
In this episode Linn talks to Rev Chich Hewitt about how he adapted to continuing as aminister after he lost most of his vision and the various ways he has adjusted his approach.
To contact the Sight Loss Friendly Church team at Torch Trust, call 01858 438260, email slfc@torchtrust.org or visit torchtrust.org/sight-loss-friendly-church.
In this episode Linn is joined by Torch's newest trustee, Dr. Ifeolu Akintunde. They talk about some of the differences between British and Nigerian churches, how church leaders from black and other ethnic minority backgrounds can make their churches more welcoming to disabled people and Ife also shares thoughts on his blind heros in the bible.
To contact the Sight Loss Friendly Church team at Torch Trust, call 01858 438260, email slfc@torchtrust.org or visit torchtrust.org/sight-loss-friendly-church.
This episode features the second part of Linn's fascinating conversation with Marilyn Baker. They discuss navigating makeup and appearence as professional blind female singers. And Marilyn shares funny anecdotes from being on tour including running her ministry with a deaf person.
To contact the Sight Loss Friendly Church team at Torch Trust, call 01858 438260, email slfc@torchtrust.org or visit torchtrust.org/sight-loss-friendly-church.
In this episode, Linn is joined by Torch Trustee Marilyn Baker, a professional composer and singer. Marilyn shares her story of how she came to faith, became a composing and performing musician and she also talks about her ministry.
To contact the Sight Loss Friendly Church team at Torch Trust, call 01858 438260, email slfc@torchtrust.org or visit torchtrust.org/sight-loss-friendly-church.
Have you ever wondered how Torch Trust is financed? Join Linn for an interview with Suzy James, supporter development coordinator to learn about the different ways Torch receive money, how it's spent and how you could help.
To contact the Sight Loss Friendly Church team at Torch Trust, call 01858 438260, email slfc@torchtrust.org or visit torchtrust.org/sight-loss-friendly-church.
Did you know that Torch Trust actually evolved into the organisation it is today from one fellowship group? But although Torch today focuses on accessible Christian Literature, the felloship groups around the United Kingdom contiunes to play an important role for Torch as well as the clients. Join Linn for an interview with Leonard Campbell, TFG coordinator to learn about the fellowship groups and befriending services offered by Torch.
To contact the Sight Loss Friendly Church team at Torch Trust, call 01858 438260, email slfc@torchtrust.org or visit torchtrust.org/sight-loss-friendly-church.
In this week's episode, Linn is joined by Niall Geddis from the finance department at Torch, who is himself visually impaired, to discuss the joys and challenges of being young, visually impaired and Christian.
To contact the Sight Loss Friendly Church team at Torch Trust, call 01858 438260, email slfc@torchtrust.org or visit torchtrust.org/sight-loss-friendly-church.
This week, Linn is joined by Mike Townsend, the chair of Torch trust who has many years experience in preaching locally, nationally, internationally and on BBC Radio4 to talk about how to successfully preach and lead a church as a blind person.
To contact the Sight Loss Friendly Church team at Torch Trust, call 01858 438260, email slfc@torchtrust.org or visit torchtrust.org/sight-loss-friendly-church.
Did you know that Insights is not the only podcast that Torch produces? Grace Dawson joins Linn on this episode of the podcast to tell us about Reflections, our weekly radio programme on RNIB Connect Radio, and Torch Tales, a podcast about the history of Torch.
To contact the Sight Loss Friendly Church team at Torch Trust, call 01858 438260, email slfc@torchtrust.org or visit torchtrust.org/sight-loss-friendly-church.
While we wait for a new co-host to join the Insights team, Linn sits down with her colleague Becky Davies. In addition to being the Sight Loss Friendly Church co-ordinator, Becky is also responsible for planning and delivering Torch's holiday offering, Torch Together. We find out more about this aspect of Torch's ministry, how it has gone so far this year and what to look forward to in 2023.
To contact the Sight Loss Friendly Church team at Torch Trust, call 01858 438260, email slfc@torchtrust.org or visit torchtrust.org/sight-loss-friendly-church.
Following Matthew's conversation at the Methodist Conference, he sits down with Linn to compare both of their experiences of children's ministry. They share how this aspect of church life could have been made better for them and reflect on what they would have done differently if they knew then what they know now.
To contact the Sight Loss Friendly Church team at Torch Trust, call 01858 438260, email slfc@torchtrust.org or visit torchtrust.org/sight-loss-friendly-church.
On 27 June 2022, Becky Davies, Sight Loss Friendly Church Coordinator, interviewed Matthew Horspool about growing up as a blind person and his Christian faith. The event was held in front of a live audience as a fringe event at the Methodist Conference in Telford, and recorded for this podcast.
In part 2, we hear questions from the audience. Matthew talks about Sunday school, why he doesn't own a guide dog, and what advice he would give to church leaders encountering a person with sight loss for the first time.
To contact the Sight Loss Friendly Church team at Torch Trust, call 01858 438260, email slfc@torchtrust.org or visit torchtrust.org/sight-loss-friendly-church.
On 27 June 2022, Becky Davies, Sight Loss Friendly Church Coordinator, interviewed Matthew Horspool about growing up as a blind person and his Christian faith. The event was held in front of a live audience as a fringe event at the Methodist Conference in Telford, and recorded for this podcast.
In part 1, Matthew talks about school, early memories of church and the valuable part that music plays in his Christian faith.
To contact the Sight Loss Friendly Church team at Torch Trust, call 01858 438260, email slfc@torchtrust.org or visit torchtrust.org/sight-loss-friendly-church.
The word "blind" has many conotations. The Biblical meaning is not nnecessarily the same as the cultural meaning, and some people may not respond well emotionally to being referred to as "blind". However, this is not the case for everyone, and in many cases, "blind" is the best description. Join us this week as we reflect on this topic.
To contact the Sight Loss Friendly Church team at Torch Trust, call 01858 438260, email slfc@torchtrust.org or visit torchtrust.org/sight-loss-friendly-church.
Matthew and Linn both sing. Other blind and partially sighted people may play instruments. This is a wonderful way in which people with sight loss can contribute to the worshipping life of the church. This episode shares some personal experiences of doing this and some tips on how churches can integrate blind and partially sighted musicians.
To contact the Sight Loss Friendly Church team at Torch Trust, call 01858 438260, email slfc@torchtrust.org or visit torchtrust.org/sight-loss-friendly-church.
With the use of screen readers and magnification software, they can! They can also use smartphones, tablets and smart speakers. We explain all of this in this episode.
To contact the Sight Loss Friendly Church team at Torch Trust, call 01858 438260, email slfc@torchtrust.org or visit torchtrust.org/sight-loss-friendly-church.
How do I get there? Can I introduce myself to anyone? What will the hymns be? What will the service order be? How will I find my way around the building? How will I get home afterwards?
These are all questions that a blind or partially sighted person might ask when thinking about attending a new church. Some of them are for the person to answer. In other cases, the church may be able to help. This episode discusses these issues in more detail.
To contact the Sight Loss Friendly Church team at Torch Trust, call 01858 438260, email slfc@torchtrust.org or visit torchtrust.org/sight-loss-friendly-church.
Torch, of course! In addition, however, there are a few other major braille producers which mostly produce secular material, but which also offer a few Christian titles. Furthermore, some churches may wish to produce their own braille resources, especially if they are single use. This episode offers an introduction to all of these topics and describes the size of braille relative to print.
To contact the Sight Loss Friendly Church team at Torch Trust, call 01858 438260, email slfc@torchtrust.org or visit torchtrust.org/sight-loss-friendly-church.
In theory, whichever one they like best, or whichever one your church usually uses. However, it's true that some translations are more easily accessible than others. We talk about the various ways in which people with sight loss can access the Bible, including braille, large print, audio and online, and we explain which translations are available in which formats. We also introduce Operation Pathway, a new way in which people who are losing their sight can obtain an audio Bible for free.
To contact the Sight Loss Friendly Church team at Torch Trust, call 01858 438260, email slfc@torchtrust.org or visit torchtrust.org/sight-loss-friendly-church.
Homegroups can be daunting for people with sight loss because, unlike church, someone's home is often an unknown location. We unpick this issue on this episode, and we also talk about how to effectively plan and prepare the resources in use.
To contact the Sight Loss Friendly Church team at Torch Trust, call 01858 438260, email slfc@torchtrust.org or visit torchtrust.org/sight-loss-friendly-church.
Where is the coffee? Who is here? Who is available to talk to?
These are questions which people with sight loss ask on a weekly basis at coffee time. However, there are some simple things that you can do to make it more enjoyable for them. Join us on this episode to find out more.
To contact the Sight Loss Friendly Church team at Torch Trust, call 01858 438260, email slfc@torchtrust.org or visit torchtrust.org/sight-loss-friendly-church.
People with sight loss have unique gifts and abilities just like everyone else, and this episode explores how churches can encourage them to be used.
For registered Sight Loss Friendly Churches, this topic will be discussed in more detail as part of our "Focus On ..." series, on Monday 6 June 2022 at 1:30 PM.
To contact the Sight Loss Friendly Church team at Torch Trust, call 01858 438260, email slfc@torchtrust.org or visit torchtrust.org/sight-loss-friendly-church.
Torch Trust is pleased to be partnering with Thy Kingdom Come, the global prayer movement, to offer the prayer journal in braille. Keren Mallinson, Client Services and Resources Team Leader at Torch Trust, joins us to tell us more.
Matthew and Linn then share their own experiences of using and obtaining accessible Christian literature.
To order the Thy Kingdom Come prayer journal in braille, call 01858 438260 or email info@torchtrust.org. For large print and audio versions, visit thykingdomcome.global.
To contact the Sight Loss Friendly Church team at Torch Trust, call 01858 438260, email slfc@torchtrust.org or visit torchtrust.org/sight-loss-friendly-church.
Whilst not technically sacraments, funerals are nonetheless key life events in the Christian religion and present unique challenges for people with sight loss in terms of funeral planning, following and playing a part in the service, grieving and participating in the wake.
To contact the Sight Loss Friendly Church team at Torch Trust, call 01858 438260, email slfc@torchtrust.org or visit torchtrust.org/sight-loss-friendly-church.
Weddings can be stressful occasions for anyone, especially the people getting married! For people with sight loss, there is even more to consider. However, with careful planning, people with sight loss can maintain their dignity when getting married and participate fully in the wedding services of others. In this episode, Linn shares her own experiences of getting married as a blind person, and Matthew shares his experiences of singing in weddings in the Cathedral choir.
To contact the Sight Loss Friendly Church team at Torch Trust, call 01858 438260, email slfc@torchtrust.org or visit torchtrust.org/sight-loss-friendly-church.
Confirmation usually takes place in teenagers and adults, and often marks the point at which a Christian can begin to receive communion. In this episode, we discuss confirmation classes, the confirmation service and receiving communion for the first time.
To contact the Sight Loss Friendly Church team at Torch Trust, call 01858 438260, email slfc@torchtrust.org or visit torchtrust.org/sight-loss-friendly-church.
If you are christened as a baby, chances are you won't remember it! However, many people are baptised later in life, and we discuss this from the perspective of a person with sight loss. We also talk about people with sight loss attending the baptism of a friend or family member, especially as they may not be familiar with church.
To contact the Sight Loss Friendly Church team at Torch Trust, call 01858 438260, email slfc@torchtrust.org or visit torchtrust.org/sight-loss-friendly-church.
On this Good Friday, we talk about how to include people with sight loss in the vigils which lead up to Easter, and look ahead to Easter services. We share experiences of reading braille in the cold, handling candles, walking in procession and, of course, Easter breakfasts!
To contact the Sight Loss Friendly Church team at Torch Trust, call 01858 438260, email slfc@torchtrust.org or visit torchtrust.org/sight-loss-friendly-church.
Most church buildings are more sight loss friendly than people realise: steps do not exclude people with sight loss! In this episode, we explain why and offer some practical advice around tactile markings, colour contrast, lighting and signage.
To contact the Sight Loss Friendly Church team at Torch Trust, call 01858 438260, email slfc@torchtrust.org or visit torchtrust.org/sight-loss-friendly-church.
This is a potentially controversial question, and many people with sight loss have strong personal opinions about it. Many people do, but equally many people don't. We explore both sides of the question in this episode, and discuss how to appropriately pray for people with sight loss who do not wish for their sight to be healed.
To contact the Sight Loss Friendly Church team at Torch Trust, call 01858 438260, email slfc@torchtrust.org or visit torchtrust.org/sight-loss-friendly-church.
If no one has an order of service, people with sight loss might not seem to be at a disadvantage. However, perhaps there is content on a screen, or perhaps people know to stand up and sit down by following the leader at the front. In this episode, we discuss some straightforward approaches to ensuring that people with sight loss do not miss out on these cues.
To contact the Sight Loss Friendly Church team at Torch Trust, call 01858 438260, email slfc@torchtrust.org or visit torchtrust.org/sight-loss-friendly-church.
Orders of service can be made available in braille or large print. We talk about this, and the nuances of following them. “Turn to face the west screen as the cross passes” is easy enough to understand, but hard for people to do when they can't see the cross!
To contact the Sight Loss Friendly Church team at Torch Trust, call 01858 438260, email slfc@torchtrust.org or visit torchtrust.org/sight-loss-friendly-church.
“We don't have anyone with sight loss in our church.” If you agree with this statement, this episode is for you.
There are many people with sight loss in churches who go unnoticed. In this episode, we offer some tips on how to determine whether someone has sight loss, how to approach them and the most polite ways to offer them help.
To contact the Sight Loss Friendly Church team at Torch Trust, call 01858 438260, email slfc@torchtrust.org or visit torchtrust.org/sight-loss-friendly-church.
The short answer: loss of vision which cannot be corrected by spectacles or contact lenses.
In this episode, we explain this in more detail and discuss the connotations of the terms sight loss, blindness, partial sight and visual impairment.
To contact the Sight Loss Friendly Church team at Torch Trust, call 01858 438260, email slfc@torchtrust.org or visit torchtrust.org/sight-loss-friendly-church.