Our first Dine in the Dark event for a few years, held on Thursday 21st April at Namaste Delhi, in Aberdeen, was a great success for both raising awareness and fundraising, raising over £425 with ticket sales and the raffle.
Everyone at the event really got into the spirit of it, keeping their blindfolds on for long periods of time, as well as trying some of the sim specs that simulate different sight loss conditions. These always create some discussion as many people are not aware of the different ways that vision is affected by sight loss. A few of the guests took up the offer of being guided by Libby to the bathroom door, offering them greater insight into the difficulties that someone with a visual impairment might face getting out and about.
The event was sponsored by Specsavers Aberdeen, with two members of staff also joining the fun. Their contributions helped the evening’s success, as they chatted with other guests, sharing their experiences of being blindfolded as well as their professional knowledge as Optometrists and Managers at Specsavers. We were also joined by a journalist from the Press and Journal who was charged with filming himself eating with a blindfold. He spent the evening chatting with other guests including our own Ryan Leslie, ICT Officer, who had came to the event with his family. The journalist wrote an really interesting piece in the Press and Journal about his experience of being blindfolded, which took him by surprise.
The food at Namaste Delhi was delicious, in a lovely relaxed environment. The attention from owner Rajesh and wife Stefania really helped to create a welcoming and friendly ambiance that put everyone at their ease.
Everyone left with a much greater awareness of the impact of sensory impairment and the ways in which NESS supports people, some with plans for keeping in touch with NESS to access further information and training, and coming along to future events. With the success of this first one under our belt, we hope to organise other Dine in the Dark events, with support from Specsavers Aberdeen and Namaste Delhi. Keep an eye out on our social media and website for events in the future. Everyone is welcome so please get in touch if you have any questions about coming along or need any support to join in with the event.
