A new way of seeing: How digital support at MySight York is transforming lives

Sometimes, when you visit a community organisation, it’s not the statistics or the activities that stay with you, it’s a single conversation. One person. One moment that captures the true impact of their work.

Meeting Glynis at MySight York was exactly that.

Glynis has lived with sight loss for more than 30 years. For much of that time, her guide dog was her constant companion, helping her navigate the world with confidence. But recently, Glynis found herself stepping into a new chapter, one shaped by a pair of glasses.

But not just any glasses. Her Meta Ray-Bans.

These clever AI-enabled glasses have opened up a world she thought she’d lost. Now, Glynis can walk into Marks & Spencer and shop independently. She can pick up a tin and hear instantly whether it’s beans or peas. She can navigate through York city centre and have her glasses read out shop names as she passes, helping her choose exactly where she wants to go next.

“It’s like having a new lease of life,” she told me, smiling in a way that made the whole world feel that bit better.

What’s more, thanks to the digital confidence she’s gained through MySight York, Glynis now volunteers as part of their Tech Buddy mentoring scheme, helping others with sight loss learn to use the tools that have transformed her own independence.

The power behind the progress

This kind of change doesn’t happen by accident. It happens because organisations like MySight York have the resources to innovate. And that’s where the QFUTURES Community Fund, a partnership between Quickline Broadband and Two Ridings Community Foundation, comes in.

With their grant, MySight York is delivering accessible digital support for blind and partially sighted people across the city. For many, everyday technology is still a barrier; poorly designed apps, inaccessible devices, and a lack of tailored support can make the digital world feel out of reach.

Their programme is changing that through:

• One-to-one tech support

• Monthly drop-in sessions

• A technology loan scheme

• A peer-led “Tech Buddy” mentoring initiative

All delivered from their fully accessible city-centre hub

It’s practical. It’s personal. And it’s making a real difference.

“It can’t be one size fits all” — Scott Jobson, Chief Executive

Scott Jobson, MySight York’s Chief Executive, summed up the impact of the funding beautifully:

“This project has made a huge difference to the people we support, and to us as an organisation. We’ve been able to buy various items of technology that our 1700 members can loan or try out. Before, people only heard about these things in brochures, now they can try them for themselves.”

He went on to explain why this matters so much:

• There are more than 200 different sight conditions

• Each person needs something slightly different

• Technology moves fast, and now MySight York can keep up

And the ripple effect has been huge. Their progress through the QFUTURES Fund helped them secure a four-year National Lottery grant focused on bridging the digital divide after sight loss — a major step forward for the organisation and the people they serve.

“Glynis is a wonderful example of our Tech Buddy initiative,” Scott added. “She’s helping others on their journey to more freedom, more confidence, and essentially living well with sight loss.”

Driving independence, one person at a time

Thanks to the QFUTURES Community Fund, MySight York is moving forward with energy and purpose. People like Glynis are gaining independence, confidence, and the tools to live well, and then passing that empowerment on to others.

It’s community support at its very best: practical, personal, and profoundly life-changing.