November News and Activities

Hello Everyone,

We hope you’re all well.

October has been a month of fun, creativity and devising. Our young people had a great time working with the Children’s Laureate Wales - Alex Wharton, during the half term to create poetry and learn about creative writing. While our over 18’s  SASI (Self Advocacy for the Sight Impaired) group has been busy preparing for a performance at the Welsh Assembly Eye Care Conference that will take place later this month.  

As always we would like to thank you for all the support our participants, friends and funders provide us so we can continue to deliver creative arts activities.

All the best

UCAN Productions


BIG ANNOUNCEMENT

A fun and festive showcase of the extraordinary talents of blind and partially sighted children and young people. Featuring Rachel Starritt, blind since birth, a celebrated classic and contemporary pianist and long time member of UCAN Productions. With the special appearance of Alex Wharton - Children’s Laureate for Wales.


UCAN Celebrates The Lord Mayors Concert at The Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama

When: 7:30pm Tuesday 19th December 2023

Where: Dora Stoutzker Hall, Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, North Rd, Cardiff CF10 3ER

Tickets available from Box office: 02920391391 or purchase online via the button below!

Book Tickets Here


FACE TO FACE WORKSHOPS


UCAN Friday Nights.

We're still running our creative sound and music sessions, drama and games every Friday evening. If you are aged 7-25 there are opportunities to work towards an Arts Award with Alex, Alys and Hannah. This weekly session is a great chance to catch up with friends old and new while having fun.

Please contact Hannah - hannah@ucanproductions.org / 07393365531 if you want more information on attending, or you can check our social media for updates.

When: Every Friday 5:00pm-7:00pm

Where: School of Optometry and Vision Science, Cardiff University, Maindy Rd, Cardiff CF24 4HQ

Who: All UCAN participants welcome


Maggie’s Club

Founded in honour of UCAN Board Member, Dr Margaret Woodhouse OBE, known to everyone as Maggie. This is held one Saturday a month. With fun, creative activities for sight impaired children and young people with additional needs. These workshops are led by the UCAN team and involve fun games, sound, music and tactile art.

For more information and to join us please contact Enireth Powell-Davies our Maggie’s Club Co-ordinator via email - enireth@ucanproductions.org

When: Saturday 18th November 2023 2:00pm-3:30pm

Where: School of Optometry and Vision Science, Cardiff University, Maindy Rd, Cardiff CF24 4HQ

Who: Children and young people who are vision impaired with additional needs


SASI

This month’s SASI sessions, the group is going to be working on a performance piece that will be showcased at this year's Eye Care Conference.

When: Wednesday 8th and 15th November 11:30am-2:15pm

Where: Sight Life Centre, Jones Court, Womanby Street, Cardiff, CF10 1BR

Who: 18+ years old


UCAN Cwmbran

We will be running after-school drama activities with a group of participants from the local and surrounding area. The sessions use our creative arts methods to continue to build physical and vocal confidence in young vision impaired people, and there are opportunities to work towards different Arts Awards levels. Alex and Alys will be running the sessions with assistance from our volunteers.

When: Wednesday 8th and 22nd November 2023

Where: Sight Cymru, Bradbury House, Park Rd, Pontypool NP4 6JH

Who: ages 7-17


Then and Now Project: Exploring the Lives of Blind People in Wales

Funded by the Heritage Lottery, this is an inter-generational project that explores the history of blind and partially sighted people, and the people and organisations who have been instrumental in improving the lives of blind people in Wales from the early 1800's to the present.

The aim of the Then & Now Project is to build a collection of recorded stories, plays, discussions and interviews that will document people's oral history and historical stories.

If you would like to find out more information, or would like to get involved please contact Alys on alys@ucanproductions.org

A group of our participants on the Then and Now project visited St Fagans Open Air Museum last month to explore some Welsh history. Throughout the visit they were identifying areas of home living that may have been different or difficult for those who are vision impaired. Such a great experience for everyone.


ZOOM WORKSHOPS

UCAN with Alys

Have fun and learn new skills through drama. A popular group with lots of drama games, creative and storytelling activities. Alys is one of our trained workshop leaders and has worked with UCAN for many years. Her workshops are all about making new friends and having tons of fun through activities including storytelling and improvisation.

When: Every Tuesday 5:00pm-6:30pm

Who: ages 13-18


HOW TO JOIN

If you’ve previously filled out the registration form you won’t need to do it again.

If you are a parent who would like your child to join some FREE and FUN workshops, please complete our online registration form by clicking here!

If you are 18 years and older please complete the form by clicking here!

Once completed, you will then be contacted by a member of the team, who can talk you through our activities and what you would like to get involved in.

Alternatively call or text Hannah on 07393 365531 or email hannah@ucanproductions.org

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UCAN CREATIVE FUN THIS HALF TERM

This October Half Term we will be running some great activities for our young people. Across two days we will have full days of fun, drama, sound and creativity.

We also have a very special opportunity as part of our half term activities.

We are going to be joined by Alex Wharton – who is the Children’s Laureate of Wales. Along with the UCAN Team he is going to be running workshops on creative writing and storytelling. We are excited for this opportunity and finding out what the young people involved will create.

Below are details of the dates and venues that we will be running our fun days, and how to sign up for them.

Monday 30th October 2023

Venue: Sight Life, Jones Court, Womanby Street, CF10 1BR

Time: 10:00am-3:00pm

Who: Participants aged 7-17 years.

Wednesday 1st November 2023

Venue: Sight Cymru, Bradbury House, Park Rd, Pontypool, NP4 6JH.

Time: 10:00am-3:00pm

Who: Participants aged 7-17 years.

THE CHILDRENS LAUREATE WALES

The Children’s Laureate Wales is an ambassadorial role that uses literature to empower children and young people across Wales. This is a project that is overseen by Literature Wales

Every 2 years a new ambassador is chosen to take the role, and they will spend their time visiting places such as schools and libraries to work with children and young people. Alex Wharton was chosen this year during an event at the Hay Festival in June. He will work in this role over the next 2 years.

If you would like to read more on the role of the Children’s Laureate and How Literature Wales is working to improve access to literature across the nation then click HERE to access the website.

If you would like more information or to book a place, please contact Hannah – our Peer-to-Peer Engagement Officer via:

Email – hannah@ucanproductions.org

Phone – 07825368384

MAGGIE’S CLUB OCTOBER

Hello everyone,

Last month was the return of our staple monthly workshop - Maggie’s Club, which was founded in honour of UCAN Board Member, Dr Margaret Woodhouse OBE, known to everyone as Maggie. Everyone had a great time as always, and we were so happy to once again be able to run these sessions in person after our Summer break.

We would like to showcase Maggie’s Club and invite you to join us this month for fun, games, creativity and to make friends. Alongside our UCAN Team running different activities, we will have our wonderful group of volunteers on hand for support and to chat with.

When: Saturday 14th October 2023 - 2:00pm-3:30pm

Where: School of Optometry and Vision Science, Cardiff University, Maindy Rd, Cardiff CF24 4HQ

Who: Individuals with sight impairments and additional learning needs

If you would like to join us this month or would like more information on Maggie’s Club please contact Enireth via email: enireth@ucanproductions.org

Finally, we would like to thank all those who help to make Maggie’s Club a success every month, and a special thank you to BBC Children in Need who help to support this activity.

All the best,

UCAN Productions

October Activities and Updates

Hello everyone

We hope you are all keeping well.

September has been a month of getting back to our usual routine after a busy time over the summer. We’ve also had the launch of our new Heritage Lottery funded project - Then and Now, Exploring the Lives of Blind People in Wales.

This new project has already brought out some interesting discussion and research that we are looking forward to digging into more and creating some great resources. It’s not too late to get involved, just contact Alys via email alys@ucanproductions.org.

Last but not least we would like to say a huge congratulations and thank you to the amazing team of runners who took part in the Cardiff Half Marathon yesterday. They ran for UCAN and have raised over £8k that will go towards the provision of activities for our participants. Well done Team!

We hope you all have a lovely month!

All the best,

UCAN Productions


HALF TERM CREATIVE FUN

We are very excited to have the opportunity to work with Alex Wharton - who is the Children’s Laureate Wales. UCAN have partnered with Alex to deliver some creative days that have a focus around audio and creative writing.

We will be delivering two dates for this workshop in two different locations. An update on the venues and times will be posted in another mailout and on our social media platforms soon.


FACE TO FACE WORKSHOPS

UCAN Friday Nights

We're still running our creative sound and music sessions, drama and games every Friday evening. If you are aged 7-25 there are opportunities to work towards an Arts Award with Alex, Alys and Hannah. This weekly session is a great chance to catch up with friends old and new while having fun.

Please contact Hannah - hannah@ucanproductions.org / 07825468384 if you want more information on attending, or you can check our social media for updates.

When: Every Friday 5:00pm-7:00pm

Where: School of Optometry and Vision Science, Cardiff University, Maindy Rd, Cardiff CF24 4HQ

Who: All UCAN participants welcome

 

SASI

Come and join Alys every fortnight at the wonderful Sight Life Centre, Cardiff, CF10 1BR. Sessions aim to develop confidence, vocal and self-advocacy skills whilst making friends and having fun.

When: Wednesday 11th and 25th October 11:30am-2:15pm

Where: Sight Life Centre, Jones Court, Womanby Street, Cardiff, CF10 1BR

Who: 18+ years old

 

UCAN Cwmbran

We will be running after-school drama activities with a group of participants from the local and surrounding area. The sessions use our creative arts methods to continue to build physical and vocal confidence in young vision impaired people, and there are opportunities to work towards different Arts Awards levels. Alex and Alys will be running the sessions with assistance from our volunteers.

Start date and venue are awaiting confirmation

Who: ages 7-17

 

Then and Now Project

We would like to welcome participants, aged 18 and over, to contribute to the project by participating in drama, creative writing and sound recording sessions, contributing stories and lived experiences and exploring heritage items and memorabilia to bring to life the history, stories and memories of people with sight loss in Wales. You do not need to be a UCAN member to participate and no experience is necessary, there are also volunteer opportunities for the project.

When: Wednesday 4th and 18th October 11:00am-1:00pm

Where: Sight Life Centre, Jones Court, Womanby Street, Cardiff, CF10 1BR

Who: Anyone who is Blind or Vision Impaired aged 18+


ZOOM WORKSHOPS

UCAN with Alys

Have fun and learn new skills through drama. A popular group with lots of drama games, creative and storytelling activities. Alys is one of our trained workshop leaders and has worked with UCAN for many years. Her workshops are all about making new friends and having tons of fun through activities including storytelling and improvisation.

When: Every Tuesday 5:00pm-6:30pm

Who: ages 13-18


JOINING INFORMATION

If you’ve previously filled out the registration form you won’t need to do it again.

If you are a parent who would like your child to join our FREE and fun workshops, please complete our online registration form by clicking here!

If you are 18 years and older please complete the form by clicking here

Once completed, you will then be contacted by a member of the team, who can give you further details about our in person workshops, or assist with using Zoom, either by audio using a mobile, landline, a tablet or computer.

Alternatively call or text Hannah on 07825 468384 or email hannah@ucanproductions.org

September Activities and Updates

Hello Everyone,

Here at UCAN, we hope you’ve all had a lovely Summer.

It’s been super busy for us, delivering different activities and having the opportunity to try new experiences – such as our tours of BBC Cymru Studios, which was very engaging and exciting for our participants who attended.

September sees the restart of our regular workshop program along with the introduction of a new project, please read further for more information on what’s coming up.

As always, we want to say a big thank you to our funders for their continued support and thank you to all of you who are part of the UCAN Family for continuing to engage with us and support our work.

All the best,

UCAN Productions.


FUNDRAISING WITH UCAN

We are continuing to keep you updated on our journey this year as The Lord Mayor of Cardiff’s Chosen Charity 2023/24. This month we’re highlighting the wonderful team that has assembled to run in the Cardiff Half Marathon, which takes place on 1st October 2023, waving the UCAN flag. They are all training hard and raising funds. A big thank you to all those who will be running!

If you would like to donate in support of our Cardiff Half Marathon runners please visit our fundraising page by clicking on the button to the right.

Click Here to go to our Just Giving Page


NEW PROJECT! THEN AND NOW - EXPLORING THE LIVES OF BLIND PEOPLE IN WALES

UCAN are pleased to announce that we have received a grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund for our exciting new project; Then and Now: Exploring the Lives of Blind People in Wales.

This is an inter-generational project that explores the history of blind and partially sighted people, and the people and organisations who have been instrumental in improving the lives of blind people in Wales from the early 1800's to the present day.

The aim of the Then & Now Project is to build a collection of recorded stories, plays, discussions and interviews that will document people's oral history and historical stories.

We would like to welcome participants, aged 18 and over, to contribute to the project by participating in drama, creative writing and sound recording sessions, contributing stories and lived experiences and exploring heritage items and memorabilia to bring to life the history, stories and memories of people with sight loss in Wales. You do not need to be a UCAN member to participate and no experience is necessary, there are also volunteer opportunities for the project.

For further information please contact Alys Jenkins atalys@ucanproductions.org or 07806 715446.

UCAN would like to thank The National Lottery Heritage Fund and players of the National Lottery for this opportunity.


FACE TO FACE WORKSHOPS

UCAN Friday Nights

We're still running our creative sound and music sessions, drama and games every Friday evening. If you are aged 7-25 there are opportunities to work towards an Arts Award with Alex, Alys and Hannah. This weekly session is a great chance to catch up with friends old and new while having fun.

Please contact Hannah - hannah@ucanproductions.org / 07825468384 if you want more information on attending, or you can check our social media for updates.

When: Every Friday 5:00pm-7:00pm.

Where: School of Optometry and Vision Science, Cardiff University, Maindy Rd, Cardiff CF24 4HQ.

Who: All UCAN participants welcome.

 

SASI

Come and join Alys every fortnight at the wonderful Sight Life Centre, Cardiff, CF10 1BR. Sessions aim to develop confidence, vocal and self-advocacy skills whilst making friends and having fun.

When: Wednesday 13th and 27th September11:30am-2:15pm.

Where: Sight Life Centre, Jones Court, Womanby Street, Cardiff, CF101BR.

Who: 18+ years old.

 

Kidwelly Group

Thanks to the Community Foundation Wales we are able to deliver workshops with an amazing group in Carmarthenshire. Working with a the local habilitation officer we are running sound and drama workshops to two different age groups and developing their physical and vocal confidence.

When: Set sessions over the academic calender year.

Where: John Burns Centre, Kidwelly.

Who: Two groups working with the local habilitation officer within Carmarthenshire.

 

UCAN Cwmbran

We will be running after-school drama activities with a group of participants from the local and surrounding area. The sessions use our creative arts methods to continue to build physical and vocal confidence in young vision impaired people, and there are opportunities to work towards different Arts Awards levels. Alex and Alys will be running the sessions with assistance fromour volunteers.

Start date and venue are awaiting confirmation.

Who: ages 7-17.

 

Then and Now Project

We would like to welcome participants, aged 18 and over, to contributeto the project by participating in drama, creative writing and sound recording sessions, contributing stories and lived experiences and exploring heritage items and memorabilia to bring to life the history, stories and memories of people with sight loss in Wales. You do not need to be a UCAN member to participate and no experience is necessary, there are also volunteer opportunities for the project.

When: Wednesday 6th and 20th September.

Where: Sight Life Centre, Jones Court, Womanby Street, Cardiff, CF10 1BR.

Who: Anyone who is Blind or Vision Impaired aged 18+.


ZOOM WORKSHOPS

UCAN with Alys

Have fun and learn new skills through drama. A popular group with lots of drama games, creative and storytelling activities. Alys is one of our trained workshop leaders and has worked with UCAN for many years. Her workshops are all about making new friends and having tons of fun through activities including storytelling and improvisation.

When: Every Tuesday 5:00pm-6:30pm.

Who: ages 13-18.