As Alex prepares for the next stage of his life, the skills he has developed are proving invaluable. The transition to university can be daunting, but Alex feels better prepared thanks to the support he’s received.
“Berkshire Vision has helped me become more confident using public transport and asking for services if I need them,” he explains. “That’s going to make the next stage of my journey a lot easier for me and everyone involved.”
Alex is a thoughtful, imaginative, and quietly determined young person who has faced challenges from the very beginning of his life. Born without vision in his right eye, he was immediately referred for specialist care. What followed were weeks of uncertainty, medical examinations, and early interventions to support his development.
“When he was born, one of his eyes was completely closed,” his mum explains. “It was hard at first. The specialists said his right eye was much smaller than average and couldn’t be examined properly until further tests were done. It was all a bit overwhelming at the time.”
Despite these early hurdles, Alex grew up with a natural curiosity and a gentle sense of humour. But with limited vision and social confidence, making friends didn’t come easily. He often preferred to play alone, finding comfort in his own world rather than socialising with others.
That all began to change when Alex’s mum received an email from Vanessa at the Slough Consortium. The message introduced her to Berkshire Vision, a charity supporting children and adults with sight loss across the region. It mentioned activities, accessible outings, and a supportive community, and it sounded like exactly what they needed.
Discovering Berkshire Vision
“We got an email from Vanessa a couple of years ago,” Alex’s mum recalls. “She told us about Berkshire Vision and how they run activities for children during half terms and the summer holidays. I filled out the form straight away, and soon after, Alex was signed up as a member.”
Since then, Alex has participated in a wide range of Berkshire Vision activities designed to support visually impaired children in developing confidence, social skills, and independence.
These have included:
• Tandem cycling – an activity he now looks forward to every term
• Try-a-train and try-a-bus sessions – helping build travel confidence and familiarity
• Farm visits and outdoor adventure days at Thames Valley Adventure Park
• Swimming sessions and other physical activities
• And most memorably, a residential trip to Ufton Court
“The residential was definitely his favourite,” his mum says. “There was archery, water games, shelter-building, it was in the forest, so it really felt like an adventure. Something new. Something different. He loved it.”
Alex says “The Ufton Court residential is definitely my favourite activity as it allowed for me to be independent and away from home and learn and refine skills.”
A Space to Belong
Before joining Berkshire Vision, Alex found it hard to make friends with others his age. His mum explains how he often preferred sitting alone, sometimes unsure of how to join in or start conversations.
“Since joining Berkshire Vision, I’ve seen a change,” she says. “He’s still quiet and likes his own space, but now he has a WhatsApp group with others from the charity. They message each other, sometimes about silly things, just to chat. He’s got people now.”
These friendships have helped Alex a great deal. Being around others who understand his experiences has built a sense of belonging that simply wasn’t there before.
Support That Reaches the Whole Family
It’s not only Alex who’s benefited. Berkshire Vision has also supported the wider family by ensuring activities are fully accessible and inclusive, thanks in part to a dedicated minibus transport service.
“I work during the half terms, so it’s not always easy to get out to things,” his mum shares. “But Berkshire Vision’s transport for trips like the theatre has made such a difference. It means families like ours don’t have to miss out.”
By offering minibus pickups and accessible transport, Berkshire Vision removes one of the most significant barriers to participation. Even when parents are busy or travel is challenging, children like Alex can still enjoy enriching experiences with their peers.
Building Confidence and Independence
Through his time with Berkshire Vision, Alex has gained more than just memorable experiences, he’s developed valuable independence and life skills that will support him into adulthood.
Berkshire Vision has helped Alex build confidence in understanding what support is available to him as a visually impaired person. From learning about accessible services to practising real-life travel scenarios, these opportunities have had a lasting impact.
Activities like try-a-train and try-a-bus sessions have played a key role in this, giving Alex the chance to practise navigating journeys and speaking with staff in a supportive environment.
Education and Ambitions
Alex has recently completed his final school exams and is preparing to take an exciting next step, university. He will be studying 3D Game Art at Buckinghamshire New University in High Wycombe, combining his creativity with technical skills.
His ambitions for the future are clear:
“I’d like to get a job in the games industry, it’s quite competitive, as either a game artist or a concept artist.”
Preparing for Independence
As Alex prepares for the next stage of his life, the skills he has developed are proving invaluable.
The transition to university can be daunting, but Alex feels better prepared thanks to the support he’s received.
“Berkshire Vision has helped me become more confident using public transport and asking for services if I need them,” he explains. “That’s going to make the next stage of my journey a lot easier for me and everyone involved.”
He has also benefited from transition support into Berkshire Vision’s adult services, guided by Martina.
“The transition has been smooth,” Alex says. “She’s helped by providing more insight into what I can access as a partially sighted adult.”
This tailored guidance ensures that Alex continues to receive the support he needs as he moves into adulthood.
Looking Ahead
As Alex steps into this new chapter, he has learnt not just practical skills, but confidence, friendships, and a stronger sense of independence.
“It will definitely provide some support with the next stage of my journey,” he reflects.
When asked what advice he would give to someone just starting to receives support from Berkshire Vision, his answer is simple but powerful:
“Don’t be afraid to try something new and outside of your comfort zone, it might turn into something you really enjoy later down the line.”
A Lasting Impact
From early uncertainty to growing confidence and independence, Alex’s journey with Berkshire Vision highlights the powerful difference the right support can make.
“Berkshire Vision has given him the chance to try things he wouldn’t have done otherwise,” his mum says. “And it’s not just the fun stuff it’s being around others like him, knowing he’s not alone.”
“We’re so grateful. It’s made such a difference, not just for Alex, but for all of us.”