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British Blind Sport takes its 'First Steps' into Scotland

British Blind Sport is heading to Scotland. Thanks to funding from People's Postcode Trust, the national charity is delighted to announce it will deliver its successful First Steps project north of the border for the first time this year.

British Blind Sport, the national charity that provides visually impaired people with opportunities to take part in sport and physical activity, has received £15,000 of funding thanks to players of the People's Postcode Lottery.

The funding through People’s Postcode Trust will enable British Blind Sport to deliver its ground-breaking First Steps project across Scotland.  

There are 1.86 million people in the UK living with sight loss, and there are an estimated 40,000 people aged 25 or under who have a visual impairment. About 16,000 of them are younger than 16 years old.

Many visually impaired children can find it difficult to engage in  sport and exercise because they face additional barriers to participation, such as a lack of inclusive PE training in mainstream schools, bullying and family income constraints. This can often leave children feeling isolated and not confident to take part in sport.

The First Steps into Scotland project aims to address the barriers visually impaired children face and improve their health and fitness, through the provision of a free activity pack.

British Blind Sport First Steps Activity Pack
The First Steps activity packs will include a bright inflatable ball containing ball bearings, fitness activity booklet suggesting games that children can play with friends and family and a reward chart to encourage long term participation.

Alaina MacGregor, Chief Executive of British Blind Sport said:

"The First Steps pack will often give visually impaired children their first opportunity to try sport or physical activity specifically adapted to them. British Blind Sport knows what a difference playing sport can make to a blind or VI child’s life. It can build confidence, encourage communication, improve health and develop relationships.

"Put simply, First Steps will empower young visually impaired children and their families to have a healthier, more active and fun lifestyle.”


Rebecca Whitley, Trustee Manager of People’s Postcode Trust said:

“We are extremely pleased that British Blind Sport is receiving funding from People’s Postcode Trust, which will enable more visually impaired young people in Scotland to participate in sports through BBS’s innovative First Step sports packs.”


People’s Postcode Trust is a grant-giving charity funded entirely by players of People’s Postcode Lottery. A minimum of 27.5% goes to good causes across Great Britain and internationally.

Alaina added:

“I would like to thank players of People’s Postcode Lottery for helping charities like us help blind and visually impaired children fulfil their potential, get active and play sport. By playing this lottery you really are making a genuine difference to people’s lives.” 


British Blind Sport's First Steps into Scotland project will get underway in the coming months. For more information about the programme and how you can get an First Steps activity pack,  please email British Blind Sport or call 01926 42 42 47.

British Blind Sport provides visually impaired people with opportunities to participate in sport and physical activity.