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Kirklees

  • Icon for Deafblind service type Deafblind
  • Icon for Sight loss service type Sight loss

Update: August 2025

Kirklees Vision Impairment Service Update

Kirklees Vision Impairment Service; currently called Sight Kirklees Independent Enabling Services (SKIES); is commissioned by Kirklees Metropolitan Borough Council (KMBC). The current service contract is with BID Services (BID) and ends on August 31st 2025.  After this date BID will no longer manage and deliver the service, as it will transfer to KMBC and local charity Outlookers.

KMBC will manage the Vision Rehabilitation Service themselves as of 1st September 2025. You can contact the KMBC team on 0300 304 5555. The team will triage your call and ensure you are connected with the appropriate staff.

Peer to peer support and assistive technology demonstrations will continue to be delivered by local sight loss charity Outlookers who have delivered the service on behalf of BID Services for a number of years.  Outlookers can also provide information, advice and guidance.  Outlookers can be contacted on 01924 445222, or via email at info@outlookers.org.uk.  You can find out more by visiting their website, www.outlookers.org.uk. 

If you currently access either of these services, we want to reassure you that you will not experience any significant changes to your service. If you need support after 31st August 2025, please contact either Outlookers or KMBC directly.

If you need to contact SKIES during the handover period, you can do so via this number 01484 823198 or support@skies-bid.org.uk.

Kirklees Services

Sight Kirklees Independent Enabling Services (SKIES) is our service in Kirklees which supports adults with a visual impairment and those who are deafblind living in Kirklees. The service provides resources and practical support to enable people with a visual impairment and deafblind people to live as independently as possible in their own homes.

Our Services

  • Information, advice and guidance
  • Specialist assessments of needs
  • Rehabilitation support
  • Orientation and mobility training
  • Provision of equipment where eligibility requirements are met
  • Signposting to other services
  • Help in establishing personal safety and security
  • Support to access community opportunities

Services can be provided in your own home or in the community by appointment. We also run a number of drop-in sessions in North and South Kirklees. Please contact us for details or check for updates in the Kirklees Talking Newspaper.

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Kirklees

Opening hours
Monday to Thursday, 9am – 5pm. Friday, 9am – 4:30pm
Phone
01484 823198

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A boy with a hearing aid is sitting at the table playing a game, carefully removing bricks from a stack. A member of staff/volunteer is smiling as she watches.