SIR – With the prospect of new teachers and reunions with classmates looming ever closer, local children are preparing to pack their bags and return to school. Unfortunately Action For Blind People has found that blind and partially-sighted youngsters often aren’t given a sporting chance, many finding themselves left out of PE.

Without the right support and equipment, visually-impaired youngsters are unable to fully engage in school sports, finding themselves pushed to the sidelines.

We know that school budgets are stretched, but it’s really important that youngsters with sight loss are given a level playing field when it comes to sport and social activities.

That’s why we’ve set up multi-activity clubs to give blind and partially-sighted young people opportunities to take part in activities they may not otherwise have access to.

Our goal is to help them to build friendships, boost their confidence and increase their independence – all important life-skills they can take back to school.

Action For Blind People’s services for children and young people include access to information, residential activity trips, support groups for parents, help with assistive technology and Actionnaires – multi-activity clubs open to blind and partially-sighted children, aged from four to 16.

We’re committed to giving children access to the same sporting and leisure opportunities as their sighted peers. The Actionnaires clubs are accessible, equipped with adapted sports equipment and run by trained and caring staff. With sports like climbing, archery, football, swimming and horse riding on offer, Actionnaires is the perfect place for young people with sight loss to gain confidence, make friends and have fun!

For further information, e-mail karen.boyes@actionforblindpeople.org.uk or phone 0113 386 2800.

Karen Boyes, Action for Blind People, Fairfax House, Merrion Street, Leeds