Haggeye logo which is a cheeky looking cartoon haggis wearing a red tartan hat and kiltEach week we are going to be saying “Hello” to another organisation in the VI world to learn more about who they are and what they do.

This week, we are chatting to Rachael McMurchy (Policy and Campaigns Officer) from RNIB Scotland.

So, Hi Rachael, please can you tell us about Haggeye: 

Haggeye is RNIB Scotland’s award-winning youth forum that provides a friendly and supportive platform to allow young people to raise awareness of what it’s like to be blind or partially sighted in Scotland today.

The forum enables its members to learn new skills whilst:

  • Campaigning for change
  • Influencing the provision of services
  • Meeting new people and making new friends
  • Taking part in social activities
  • Discussing and sharing issues of concern to them

For example, our ‘Stop for me, Speak to me’ campaign helped raise awareness of sight loss with bus drivers whilst we have also been involved in campaigns linked to mental health and sight loss awareness training.

We also have Haggeye Tots and Haggeye Juniors (for 5 to 12 year olds) that are supported by our Children, Young People and Families Team who deliver a variety of ‘Shape and Share’ events – these are all currently online but will hopefully be face to face again soon.

And there is an opportunity to stand as a Haggeye candidate in the Scottish Youth Parliament (SYP)? 

Yes, we support two Haggeye members within the Scottish Youth Parliament which is the democratically elected voice of Scotland’s young people. Anyone who is blind or partially sighted, living in Scotland, and aged between 14 and 25 can express an interest to stand – but you need to be quick as the deadline is fast approaching. There will then be a range of training available over the summer for candidates including opportunities to speak with former Haggeye members of the SYP about their experiences. Following this, campaigning will start on September 1st with the election taking place from November 8th to 21st.

How can we find out more information?

You can email us or visit our website.

You can also follow us on social media:

Facebook

Twitter