Eye Matter receives a commendation from the GLA
Eye Matter Secures £19,995 National Lottery Community Fund Grant to Support Community Wellbeing
Eye Matter Awarded £5,000 Grant from the Garfield Weston Foundation
Eye Matter Selected as Charity Partner for Proclaim Group’s 25th Anniversary Campaign
Eye Matter nominated for the King’s Award for Voluntary Service
Eye Matter is introducing a membership fee, starting 2026
Eye Matter receives a commendation from the GLA
Hi Suzie,
I wanted to extend my sincere thanks to you and everyone at Eye Matter for such a fantastic Mayor’s Community Weekend fun run and picnic in Hyde Park in September last year.
It was truly an excellent event, welcoming, well-organised, and full of positive energy. The atmosphere throughout the morning reflected the very best of community spirit: inclusive, supportive, and joyful. Events like this do so much more than raise awareness; they bring people together in a meaningful and memorable way.
I was particularly impressed by the contribution of the Mayor’s Team London volunteers. They were enthusiastic, professional, and clearly committed to ensuring everyone had a great experience. It was a brilliant example of how volunteers can be mobilised effectively to support a charity’s mission while strengthening community engagement at the same time.
Please pass on my thanks to everyone involved in planning and delivering the day. It was a great success and my favourite event out of over 200; a real credit to your and your team.
With thanks and appreciation,
We are London. Find out about the work of the Mayor, the London Assembly, and the Greater London Authority.
Eye Matter Secures £19,995 National Lottery Community Fund Grant to Support Community Wellbeing
Eye Matter is thrilled to announce it has been awarded £19,995 in funding from The National Lottery Community Fund, following a successful application to support its work helping communities thrive.
The funding will enable Eye Matter to deliver its project aimed at strengthening community wellbeing, inclusion, and support. Thanks to National Lottery players, this investment will help Eye Matter expand its impact and reach more people who will benefit from its services.
Thank you so much to The Eye Matter trustee team for helping to get this brilliant grant. The National Lottery Community Fund supports projects that bring people together, strengthen relationships, and create positive change at a local level. This grant recognises Eye Matter’s commitment to improving lives and building stronger, more connected communities.
Eye Matter Awarded £5,000 Grant from the Garfield Weston Foundation
Eye Matter is delighted to announce it has been awarded a £5,000 grant from the Garfield Weston Foundation, following a successful funding application reviewed by the Weston Family Trustees.
The grant will support Eye Matter’s ongoing work to benefit its community, helping to strengthen services and ensure continued impact for those who rely on its support.
The Garfield Weston Foundation is one of the UK’s leading grant-making trusts, supporting charities across a wide range of causes. This award recognises Eye Matter’s commitment to positive social impact and sustainable community support.
Eye Matter looks forward to using this funding to further develop its activities and continue making a lasting difference.
We thank the Eye Matter trustees for working so hard to get this grant.
Eye Matter Selected as Charity Partner for Proclaim Group’s 25th Anniversary Campaign
Eye Matter is delighted to announce it has been selected as one of 25 charities supported by Proclaim Group as part of the organisation’s 25th anniversary charity initiative taking place throughout 2026.
Proclaim Group, a UK-wide organisation specialising in physical and vocational rehabilitation and occupational therapy services, is marking its milestone anniversary with a year-long programme of fundraising activities designed to give back to the people and communities that matter most to them. Eye Matter was nominated by a Proclaim Group employee, reflecting shared values around community, rehabilitation, and positive impact.
During the year, Proclaim Group teams across the UK will take part in fundraising events, team challenges, and individual sponsored activities, with funds raised to be shared across the 25 selected charities.
Eye Matter is delighted to announce
In February, we will be launching our first one-to-one counselling programme led by visually impaired people for visually impaired people.
In 2023, there were just under 350,000 registered blind and partially sighted people in the UK. However, sources at the RNIB put this figure much higher as registration is not mandatory. The inconsistency of local rehabilitation provisions and the demand for more interactive counselling opportunities have often been highlighted by Eye Matter members. Suzie Simons (Eye Matter’s founder) created the initiative to not only provide vital support for members but opportunities for visually impaired trainee counsellors.
Nick French who formerly worked for Action for the Blind, has been engaged as a Volunteer Manager to oversee the project. He said about the opportunity, “I have known and worked with Suzie Simons for approximately 15 years and was delighted when she asked me if I would like to manage a counselling project that Eye Matter was developing. I have watched Eye Matter grow into the fantastic organisation that it has become and am really looking forward to working with the team and to be managing such an important and much needed service.”
Nick explained the importance of engaging visually impaired people within all levels of this project, “I feel that nobody understands sight loss and the difficulties associated with it more than visually impaired people themselves. Losing some or all of one’s vision is life changing in so many ways and I feel that it is crucial that, if you have lost vision, you get support and understanding from others who have been or are going through the same journey.”
In December 2025, six finalists were selected from 16 applicants by a panel consisting of Joanna Barnard, Jules Sander, and Suzie Simons, concluding, “We are very pleased with the strength and diversity of the shortlisted candidates.” This programme will match service users to a specific counsellor for 8 weeks. All counsellors will receive supervision to guide their interactions with members within a confidential relationship.
This project is conducted on Zoom at a mutually agreed time. If you would like to register your interest to receive counselling, please email: suzie@eyematter.org.uk with the reference ‘Counselling’.
A small charge will be asked for each session. This will be £10 per session or £7 if you are on a means-tested benefit.
Hello wonderful members and supporters,
We are absolutely delighted to start the year with some truly brilliant news.
First, some of our lovely members have come together and nominated Eye Matter for the King’s Award for Voluntary Service. This is a huge honour, and we are incredibly proud. Just being nominated is a massive achievement and a real recognition of the dedication and hard work of our many volunteers.
Over the next couple of weeks, you may be asked to contribute to the application. This is very much a team effort, and we will be inviting as many volunteers as possible to share their experiences. We will let you know exactly what is needed as and when.
The second piece of fantastic news is that we have just received a grant from the National Lottery Community Fund to support many of our core services. We are extremely grateful to the National Lottery Community Fund for their continued support, which makes such a positive difference to our work.
Thank you all for being part of Eye Matter and for everything you do. What a wonderful way to begin the year.
Eye Matter is introducing a membership fee, starting 2026
£5 per person covers your membership from 1st January to 31st March 2026.
Eye Matter membership has been free for 7 years but to ensure income streams, Eye Matter’s trustees have taken the difficult decision to introduce a membership fee/donation towards the charity’s work. This will come into effect as of 1st January 2026.
£5 per person covers your membership from 1st January to 31st March 2026. £15 will then be payable to cover your membership from 1st April 2026 until 31st March 2027.
2025 has been an exciting year for Eye Matter. We are delighted that our membership has grown to 480 of you lovely people, with many of you regularly enjoying our range of online and in-person events.
We have delivered two holidays for more than 50 members to Sicily and Sussex, attended numerous Westend shows including “The Devil Wears Prada”, “Stranger Things” and we’ve also visited the Harry Potter studios. Members have enjoyed exclusive tours to art exhibitions including The Henry Moore Studios and Gardens and the immersive experience of London’s “Frameless”. Our online events have included ‘Poetry Appreciation’, cathartic writing, twice monthly grief counselling, “Bookworms”, our monthly audiobook club, a music production workshop, drama improvisation sessions, quizzes, socials, Chair Yoga, audio-described Zumba, “Neurobics” (brain aerobics) and the Eye Matter Singers, our fun, inclusive choir, who recently gave a terrific Christmas concert. We have listened to a variety of Inspiring speakers from the visually impaired community and enjoyed concerts performed by visually impaired singers and musicians.
To ensure your continued membership, please click the following JustGiving link to pay your membership fee ticking the gift aid option if applicable.
https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/eyemattermembershipfee
Alternatively, please pay by bank transfer, using “MEMBERSHIP” as your reference.
Name: Eye Matter
Sort Code: 20-92-63
Account number 83521087
Business bank account
In the home of champions for our Eye Matter visually impaired champion Richard Simpson.
The 42nd Authentic Athens Marathon took place, November 9, 2025, with over 70,000 people. Although specific numbers for disabled participants were unavailable it would seem that there was only one blind marathon winner – Richard Simpson and his guide Theo.
It took place under a changeable sky, upon a dual carriageway (closed from traffic) and marked by a blue line, from marathon to the Stadium in Athens (26.2miles). A time limit of 8 hours was allocated for medal qualifiers. Evidently, although this is a standard length in some African marathons it is shortened to 4 hours to create a more competitive event.
Unlike most blind runners Richard wasn’t tethered to Theo as he felt confident enough using his white cane and remaining sight (out of only one eye) yet, did need a sighted guide for some aspects of safety. Theo was able to warn Richard of the many cables taped to the surface which monitored each participant, frequent appearances of pot holes, uneven surfaces,water stations and ensuring he was safe when runners were coming too close. Richard explained how some participants insisted on pushing between them or barging past him oblivious of Richard’s white cane much to the annoyance of other runners. The two men first met (April 2023)whilst completing the 500 miles Camino de Santiago which is a network of ancient pilgrimage routes that stretch across Europe, all leading to the shrine of the apostle Saint James in the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in north-western Spain.
Richard confessed that although he was used to long distance walking,he found the first stage very demanding due to the gradual incline. The Athens Marathon’s challenging Hill begins around the 18 km mark and continues until approximately the 31 km mark, covering a distance of about 13 km. During this section, runners ascend approximately 210 meters, reaching a peak elevation of 247 meters above sea level. Richard added once accomplished he was ecstatic and they were able to continue downhill at a brisk pace for the last 10miles into the Stadium. With an average of 4miles an hour and only two calls of nature breaks, they achieved this magnificent challenge, in around 7 hours. Throughout the marathon Richard and Theo received so much encouragement from fellow participants,crowds lining the route and a standing ovation once they entered the stadium.
Over the past year, Richard has been involved in various activities, not only to improve his over -all fitness, but also his stamina. He has walked alongside the Thames Pathway (starting in Greenwich and reaching Buckinghamshire), several Park Runs and a strict gym regime. He said after completing the marathon “I have never felt better and am looking forward to my next challenge!”
On behalf of Eye Matter we would like to sincerely thank Richard for his time, money and determination put into this amazing achievement. We have nearly raised £2000 so please continue to dig deep and show your appreciation to Richard’s achievement as the one an only blind man to conquer the 2025 Athens Marathon.
Delight at Eye Matter as Mike Brace announced as the charity’s patron
Eye Matter is delighted to welcome Mike Brace CBEDL, as the charity’s patron.
Suzie Simons, Eye Matter’s founder said of Mike’s involvement “Mike was one of our first inspiring speakers and his supportive, caring, can do attitude and wealth of experience is amazing. We couldn’t be prouder to have him as our new patron.”
Mike first rose to prominence as a blind cross-country skier at the inaugural Winter Paralympics in Sweden in 1976. Mike’s participation, alongside other visually impaired (V.I.) athletes led to V.I. athletes being invited to compete at the summer Paralympics, beginning 50 years of visually impaired Paralympians.
During his own illustrious sporting career, Mike has represented Great Britain at six Paralympics, three world and two European championships. Mike has also been a champion race walker and still holds many records for a totally blind walker amongst his many achievements, Mike is especially proud to have run two London Marathons, completed two ski marathons as well as the gruelling, 125-mile Devizes to Westminster ultramarathon.
Mike was elected Chairman of the British Paralympic Association in 2001 and has been a successful manager of V.I. athletics and cricket teams preparing them for world and European competitions.
Eye Matter is delighted that Mike will meet members and start our Hyde Park “Fun Run, Walk, Wheel, Dance” event on Saturday 13th September.
For more information and to book please email suzie@eyematter.org.uk with the subject “Hyde Park”.
We can’t wait to welcome you.
Frameless receives award as a result of working with Eye Matter
June 2025
Suzie Simons (Eye Matter’s founder) announced in Eye Matter Matter’s issue 28,
‘As a result of Eye Matter’s involvement with this exhibition the organisers of ‘Frameless’ have received an award for their accessibility provisions.
This was shared by Elle Andrews, the Learning & Access Programme Manager for Frameless:
It’s been an absolute pleasure working with Suzie and Eye Matter over the past couple of years. Suzie has clearly cultivated a strong and supportive sense of community within the organisation, and it’s always a joy to welcome her group.
We’re consistently impressed by the incredible turnout for our Audio Described tours when Eye Matter visits. Suzie takes great care to consider the needs of every individual—participants, companions, and the group as a whole. Her thoughtful approach extends to every detail, including the arrangement of furniture to help reinforce a sense of inclusion and connection during events.
We were especially honoured when Suzie wrote a statement on behalf of Eye Matter in support of our nomination for the 2025 Blue Badge Award for Most Accessible Venue. Her kind words and endorsement played a key role in helping us secure the award, and we were both delighted and humbled by her support.
Her ongoing commitment to accessibility and creating meaningful shared experiences is both inspiring and deeply appreciated by our team.
Hope to have Eye Matter back soon!’
Click here to read the full article:
£2000 received from the Mayor’s Community Weekend London 2025 fund
On Monday 9th June Eye Matter received the fantastic news that their fun run and picnic, taking place in Hyde Park on Saturday 13th September will be supported by the Mayor’s Community Weekend London 2025.
This particular funding (from the National Lottery Community grants) has only been available to small community projects twice since 2023 and our board of trustees were delighted that Eye Matter’s impact has been recognised.
Suzie said, “I would especially like to thank our secretary Rachel for all her hard work with this application, enabling our members to take part in our largest fundraising event to date.”
Over 40 people are expected to participate in this 1 or 5 km run/walk/wheel/dance to raise money for Eye Matter’s extensive range of, both on-line and in-person, activities for the proceeding years. As well as participants, Eye Matter will be seeking a large team of volunteers to ensure support throughout the day.
Thank you,
Suzie
Eye Matter Receives £2000 Grant from the Ronson Foundation to Support 2025 Activities
Eye Matter is thrilled to announce the receipt of a generous £2000 grant from the Ronson Foundation, which will be instrumental in supporting the organisation’s expanding activities throughout 2025.
In 2023, Eye Matter successfully delivered 33 in-person activities, and this number grew to 44 in 2024. To meet the increasing demand, our volunteer numbers also grew, enabling us to offer a wider range of opportunities for our members, including visits to theatres, art galleries, museums, sports activities, therapy sessions, and drama workshops. Alongside this, our Zoom sessions have flourished, with a growing variety of content, such as regular concerts, therapy sessions, technology support, drama workshops, chair yoga, Lindy Hop dance, poetry appreciation, and our Bookworms (book club).
This vital funding will ensure the continuation of activities like our mental health provision, which has been a key part of supporting the well-being of our members.
Suzie Simons, Eye Matter’s Founder and Co-ordinator, expressed her gratitude for the grant: “So many members have told me how accessing activities with Eye Matter and our dedicated team of volunteers has boosted their confidence and made them feel truly part of a community once again. Without the support of grants and donations, Eye Matter would not be able to continue its important work, and we are incredibly thankful to the Ronson Foundation for making this opportunity possible.”
The team at Eye Matter looks forward to continuing its work and expanding its offerings with the support of this generous funding.
Eye Matter just returned from our first PGL activities holiday in Sussex last week (Monday 26th to Thursday 30th August). We took 31 people with us, with 21 VIs and 10 guides. Subsequently they took part in disc golf, archery, rifle shooting, problem solving, aero ball, ab-sailing, giant swinging, axe throwing, rock climbing, buggy making and canoeing. Along with a pool party, a quiz, campfire, a disco and lots of laughs. 100% of those asked would go again next year and Suzie has already started negotiations for August Bank holiday to do it again in 2025.
We hope you can all join us there.
Thanks to the National Lottery Community Fund
Suzie Simons, Eye Matter Founder and Coordinator (RNIB See Differently Awards 2024 – Winner, “Volunteer of the Year”) said, “I wanted to give a massive thank you to the National Lottery Community Fund for this incredible grant which will enable us to continue helping so many visually impaired people. We’re so proud to have received this grant for the second time and look forward to our ongoing work together in the future.”
Eye Matter has over 200 blind and partially sighted members who will benefit from this award. In 2023 Eye Matter delivered 36 in-person outings including theatre trips, visits to art galleries and even a comedy club night! In addition, the team also delivered over 200 Zoom events such as; concerts, comedy nights, drama sessions, cookery, book clubs, counselling and technology advice sessions. In 2023 Eye Matter ran their first sports day for over 60 blind and partially sighted people (in Islington) and celebrated their Winter Extravaganza along with 50 members.
National Lottery funding will enable access to various health and wellbeing projects including our, “Living Well with Sight-Loss” course (in partnership with the RNIB) which is now in its eleventh series. Additionally, this massive boost, from the National Lottery Community Fund, will enable Eye Matter to continue to deliver another sports day in 2025, a number of confidence boosting workshops, drama improvisation sessions, our Christmas concert and subsidy for our Winter Extravaganza in December.
We would like to thank Rachel Bowden-Waterson and Kinnari Patel for all their hard work and support, in assisting with this application.
If you would like to know more about our opportunities, please email: suzie@eyematter.org.uk
Eye Matter is delighted to announce that Suzie has been nominated for an award. Please see the RNIB press release below.
RNIB PRESS RELEASE
March 2024
Charity founder from London shortlisted for RNIB See Differently Award
A woman has been shortlisted for an RNIB See Differently Award in recognition of an organisation she founded to provide multi activity, peer support and social inclusion for blind and partially sighted people.
Suzie Simons, who has sight loss and lives in London, has been shortlisted in the Volunteer of the Year category. This award recognises people who have dedicated their time, skills and energy within their community or organisation to have a positive impact on the lives, health, and wellbeing of blind and partially sighted people.
Suzie is the founder and CEO of Eye Matter; she volunteers full-time with the organisation and facilitates hundreds of online and in-person events each year. In 2023, Eye Matter secured a charitable status.
Founded five and a half years ago, Suzie set up Eye Matter after volunteering as a facilitator at RNIB’s Living Well with Sight Loss (LWWSL) courses and seeing firsthand the difference peer support can make for blind and partially sighted people, like herself. Suzie has also trained other Eye Matter volunteers to deliver RNIB’s LWWSL course.
She organises and hosts four online sessions every week for members and the sessions include VI cookery, audio-described chair yoga, poetry appreciation and concerts performed by artists with sight loss.
Since its inception, Suzie has led on raising funds for Eye Matter and has raised more than £30,000 since it began.
https://www.justgiving.com/page/eyematter
In response to being shortlisted, Suzie said: “It’s an honour to be shortlisted for an RNIB See Differently Award. I’m so proud Eye Matter, it’s grown into a community which supports its participants by educating, empowering, and giving confidence through its work and to enable its members to help each other do things which previously seemed out of reach.”
Last year, Suzie organised 36 face-to-face events, including Eye Matter’s inaugural sports day which saw over thirty members come together with sighted guides to take part in a range of VI sports, as well audio described theatre, museums and two Eye Matter Choir concerts.
The RNIB See Differently Awards will bring together a host of people across the UK and aims to shine a spotlight on the excellent work happening every day across the UK to support people with sight loss. They will recognise and reward individuals and organisations taking positive action to help break down barriers and make the world a better place for blind and partially sighted people.