Introducing a new lived experience peer support programme for Visionary member and partner organisations
We are excited to share that Visionary is launching A Space of Our Own – a brand-new peer support programme for people working in the sight-loss sector who have lived experience of visual impairment.
Made possible thanks to generous funding from Fight for Sight (opens window), this programme will create dedicated spaces for connection, reflection and shared learning across our sector.
A Space of Our Own is exactly what many colleagues have told us they’ve been missing: a supportive, understanding environment to connect with peers. The programme will bring people together to share experiences, explore challenges and build confidence – whether you’re navigating day-to-day work, managing people or both.
Launch event, 12 March 2026
Join the launch event of A Space of Our Own which takes place on 12 March 2026, 1 PM to 2 PM to find out more and take part from the very beginning to help shape session themes. Register here for the Visionary Launch of A Space of Our Own. | Zoom.
Peer support
The Space of Our Own programme will include:
- Monthly peer support sessions, running from 1–2pm on the second Thursday of each month, starting on Thursday 9 April 2026. Register here for the Lived Experience Peer Support Forum | Zoom.
- Quarterly lived-experience leadership sessions from 1–2pm on the second Wednesday of every third month, starting on Wednesday 8 April 2026, for colleagues with line-management responsibility. Register here for the Lived Experience Leadership Forum | Zoom.
We are delighted to be delivering the project in partnership with MyVision Oxfordshire and Vision Support, with Andy Smith and Nia Greer helping to shape and facilitate the sessions. Both bring deep sector knowledge, lived experience of sight loss and a real passion for creating safe, inclusive spaces where people can be open, honest and supported. Andy and Nia have taken some time to introduce themselves:
Nia Greer smiling has brunette hair with a fringe.
Nia Greer, North Wales Services Manager at Vision Support
"Hello, my name is Nia and I am North Wales Services Manager for Vision Support, a charity providing services in North-East Wales, Chester and Cheshire West and Halton. I live in Conwy, North Wales with my husband and twin boys who are six years old. I have been vision impaired since birth and have been lucky enough to have worked in the vision impairment sector for over 12 years in various roles. I am over the moon to be involved in this project having had the privilege to work alongside colleagues with a vision impairment throughout my career whom I not only learnt from but also felt a sense of comradeship. This project provides us with an amazing opportunity to speak to peers with lived experience to create a space of our own – a space that understands and a space of support I am really looking forward to meeting you all soon."
Andy Smith smiling, has red hair that is spiked up at the front, a beard and mustache and is wearing glasses and a blue shirt.
Andy Smith, Services Manager at MyVision Oxfordshire
Hi, I’m Andy I am the Services Mmanager at MyVision Oxfordshire. I have been in the role for nearly 3 years. I have been visually impaired since birth, but I have lived a lot of my life in denial and hiding my sight loss from people. Now I am very open to share my situation and find it quite liberating. I am a keen runner and run with my guide runner at various events. When this opportunity to work alongside Visionary and Vision Support came about I jumped at the opportunity as a peer support group for people with sight loss in the sector is in my opinion a vital tool to strengthen people’s skills and resilience. I am looking forward to meeting you and creating a group that is vibrant and worthwhile.
We look forward to seeing you at our launch and new lived experience forums.
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