From the very beginning, the charity felt like more than just a service provider. “She calls Berkshire Vision her family,” Stacey says. “That’s how safe and connected she feels.”

Lux, a bright, curious, and creative child, faces the unique challenge of living with both sight loss and autism. Her mum, Stacey, describes her as someone with a big personality who thrives when she feels safe and understood. However, finding spaces where Lux could truly be herself, free from judgment or anxiety, wasn’t always easy.

Stacey first heard about Berkshire Vision through the Berkshire Sensory Consortium, which suggested a list of local organisations that might support Lux’s needs. After exploring a few, they discovered that Berkshire Vision stood out. It wasn’t just about the activities on offer, but about the sense of community and the tailored support that came with them. This is not just a charity, but a community of support and understanding.

From the very beginning, the charity felt like more than just a service provider. “She calls Berkshire Vision her family,” Stacey says. “That’s how safe and connected she feels.”

Confidence in Every Experience

Since joining, Lux has taken part in a wide range of Berkshire Vision activities designed specifically for children with sight loss. From skiing and cooking classes to accessible adventure parks like Thames Valley Adventure Playground, every outing has been a chance to explore her interests and grow in confidence.

“She’s done so much,” Stacey explains. “But I think the cooking sessions stood out. That’s something we were always too nervous to try at home. The sessions taught her how to cook in a safe environment—and showed me that it’s possible. It gave her confidence, and it gave me confidence too.”

During the sessions, Lux learned to make vegetable samosas and cheese straws, proudly bringing her creations home to share. It wasn’t just a cooking class; it was a breakthrough moment for both mother and daughter.

A Safe Place to Grow

New environments and changes to routine can be challenging for Lux due to her autism. Anxiety often holds her back from joining in, even when she wants to. But Berkshire Vision’s team, especially Carol, have a unique and deep understanding of how to support children like Lux. Their approach is not just about providing a service but about creating a safe and supportive environment where Lux can thrive.

“Carol is incredible,” Stacey says. “She doesn’t push, but she knows just how to gently encourage. When Lux was anxious about skiing, Carol literally got on the skis with her, and that completely changed the day. She joined in and ended up loving it.”

This thoughtful, personalised approach has made all the difference. Lux now looks forward to each event, knowing that the staff understand her needs and that she’ll be surrounded by people who support her without judgment.

The Power of Friendship

For the first time, Lux has found a friend who mirrors her own lived experience—someone with the same visual impairment, the same autistic traits, and even the exact dietary requirements. This connection has been profound.

“She finally met someone who just ‘gets’ her,” Stacey says. “That kind of friendship is so rare for her. But through Berkshire Vision, it’s become part of her life.”

Friendships like this help Lux come out of her shell. The social element of Berkshire Vision’s activities allows her to build relationships at her own pace, in an environment where everyone is accepted and included.

Supporting the Whole Family

While Berkshire Vision has transformed Lux’s life, the support extends to the whole family. Stacey has been able to access resources and advice.

“They don’t just help Lux—they help us as a family,” 

Inspired by this support, the family recently bought a touring caravan to make holidays easier for Lux, who finds flying overwhelming and needs a consistent space when travelling. Berkshire Vision helped them understand how consistency and familiarity can reduce anxiety, even on the road.

“Since we got the caravan, her confidence has skyrocketed,” Stacey says. “She trusts that when we say something will be fun and safe, it will be—because that’s been her experience with Berkshire Vision time and time again.”

Looking Forward

With summer approaching, Lux is already counting down the days to upcoming trips. She’s eager to try new things, revisit favourite places, and reconnect with friends.

“She always wants to know when the next event is,” Stacey laughs. “For her, Berkshire Vision is part of her life. She sees it as her extended family.”

Stacey is passionate about ensuring the charity gets the recognition and funding it deserves. “They’re massively underfunded,” she says. “But the work they do is extraordinary. We try to give back however we can, Lux’s Godmother is even running the London Marathon for them.”

Why It Matters

From her very first activity to each new adventure, Berkshire Vision has played a pivotal role in Lux’s journey, helping her grow into a more confident, resilient, and joyful young person. She’s discovering independence, building friendships, and learning that her differences are not barriers, but simply part of who she is.

“They’ve made a huge difference—technically, emotionally, and socially,” Stacey reflects. “They listen, they care, and they deliver. We’re just so thankful.”