As a parent or carer of a visually impaired child, you already navigate unique experiences, challenges and milestones. When you are doing that independently or as part of a co-parenting arrangement, there can be additional emotional, practical and financial pressures to manage too.
LOOK and VICTA are partnering to deliver a dedicated session specifically for single parents and carers raising a visually impaired child.
Whether you are parenting solo full-time or balancing shared parenting arrangements, this workshop offers a welcoming and understanding space to connect with others who truly understand the realities of raising a visually impaired child independently.
You are not alone
From managing ongoing challenges to celebrating important milestones, doing it without the consistent support of another adult can sometimes feel overwhelming and isolating.
This session aims to create a safe and supportive environment where parents can hear from speakers who are single parents themselves, sharing their own experiences and journeys. Together, we’ll explore how parenting experiences can differ from those within a partnership and open honest conversations around some of the unique realities single parents can face.
Topics we’ll explore during the session include:
- Differences in parenting opinions and approaches not always aligning
- Feelings of isolation, particularly when comparing experiences with parents of sighted children or two-parent households
- Continually advocating to ensure your child’s needs are understood and met
- Managing shared contact arrangements and missing out on important moments or experiences
- The additional pressures of raising a medically complex child without someone to share the day-to-day responsibilities
A chance to connect with others who understand
Above all, this workshop aims to remind parents that they are not alone.
This is an opportunity to:
- Connect with other single parents and carers within the vision impairment community
- Share experiences in a safe and supportive space
- Learn from others who understand the realities of raising a visually impaired child
- Gain reassurance, encouragement and practical insight
- Build connections and support networks with families who “get it”
No one should feel like they have to navigate this journey alone.
Meet the Event Facilitators
The session will be led by the LOOK Project Assistant, Joanne Lomas, and Charlotte Mellor, expert parent and Head of Parent Services at VICTA.
Joanne Lomas – Project Assistant
Jo is parent to a visually impaired teenager and is also visually impaired herself, bringing both personal experience and unique insight to the session. Jo also hosts the LOOK monthly Parent Support Group chat sessions, where she enjoys helping parents come together to talk openly with others who understand the unique journey of caring for a visually impaired child.
Charlotte Mellor – Head of Parent Services at VICTA
Charlotte is Head of Parent Services at VICTA and brings both professional expertise and lived experience to this session. She is a parent to her wonderful 15-year-old child, who has optic nerve hypoplasia, autism and a learning disability, with no useful vision or light perception.
Through both her personal journey and her work supporting families, Charlotte is passionate about creating supportive spaces where parents feel heard and connected.
The panel discussion includes plenty of time for a Q&A, so please be sure to include your questions in the registration to be addressed by our panel of experts.
You’ll need to register for the session before 11 am on the day of the event. This deadline is in place to help safeguard our online events. If you miss this deadline, please contact info@look-uk.org on the understanding that we cannot guarantee your participation.
Don’t miss this chance to gain expert advice, ask questions, and connect with other parents and carers! Sign up today!
LOOK offers a wide range of resources to support parents and carers as they navigate their child’s sight loss journey. From mental health support and self-advocacy skills to money management and more, our extensive database provides practical guidance every step of the way.