Community Partnership Award 2025

Henshaws

The Stockport Visual Impairment Stroke Pathway addresses a long-standing gap in post-stroke care, 72% of stroke survivors experience sight loss, yet few receive structured support. This partnership between Henshaws, Stockport NHSFT and Greater Manchester Stroke Delivery Network has introduced a consistent, system-wide response.

Every stroke inpatient is now screened for visual impairment, both in hospital and in the community. Over 200 patients have already benefited from this joined-up model. Those identified with sight loss are automatically referred to a dedicated ECLO trained in stroke support. They receive a personalised information booklet, regular follow-up and access to emotional and practical guidance. No self-referral is required.

The pathway is aligned to national guidance, embedded into MDT planning, and backed by NHS England Catalyst funding. Clinical and voluntary teams work collaboratively across organisational boundaries to improve both experience and outcomes. Data shows reduced duplication, earlier access to rehabilitation and stronger continuity of care.

Patients report greater confidence, emotional wellbeing and improved understanding of their vision changes and the services available. This model is both replicable and sustainable. It is a clear example of how strategic partnerships can change systems, improve pathways and place people with sight loss at the centre of their recovery.

Sheffield Royal Society for the Blind and Rotherham Sight & Sound 

Our work with local NHS Hospitals and the University of Sheffield began with challenges that needed solving, and quality objectives being met, to improve vision impaired patients’ experiences.

Our clients’ shared their lived experience with hospital staff and researchers, to explore and understand how sight loss impacts on patients’ requirements during a hospital visit or stay. These meetings and discussions were very productive and resulted in several recommendations being implemented, such as a ‘Toolbox’ designed specifically around vision impairment, containing practical equipment and information, that was to be placed on an agreed list of wards.

The research was further enhanced by a series of Visual Impairment Awareness Training delivered bySheffield Royal Society for the Blind/Rotherham Sight & Sound  staff to hospital staff and volunteers, with future sessions currently being planned to ensure that these recommendations stay at the forefront of our clients’ hospital care and requirements.

This training has also opened up further opportunities to work with GP surgeries locally, along with workplace assessments.

The collaboration has resulted in something very powerful that will hopefully make a big difference for many VI people’s healthcare journey, now and into the future, with our ambition being that this training will be considered mandatory throughout South Yorkshire.

Vision Support 

Since it’s launch the Cheshire Sight Loss Information Line has undoubtedly had such a huge positive impact on the communities we serve.

• We have been able to reach parts of Cheshire that do not have a local sight loss charity providing services.
• We have been able to make services more accessible by creating a single point of contact which can be done through email or phone in order to make finding out essential information quicker and easier.
• We have worked with partnership organisations and services to raise awareness of services available to people living with a vision impairment.
• We have networked and joined community events such as Chester Disability Pride and much more to raise awareness about Vision impairment and the importance of good eye health.

In our short time, we feel so proud of what we have achieved. We are reaching people at all stages of sight loss and providing help, support and guidance when it is most needed. Our reputation of providing high quality, timely information and guidance through in person centred approach continues to grow.