Living with Disability
Knowsley Talking News
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For the past 9 years the members of Knowsley Talking News have been providing a local talking newspaper service for blind and partially sighted residents of Knowsley.
The service, based at the Knowsley Disability Concern Centre on Tarbock Road, reaches almost 100 people every month. The tapes include news and features in a magazine format, read by local volunteers.
The service is free to any Knowsley resident who has a visual disability. All they ask is that all tapes are returned using the freepost service provided.
The organisation’s chairman, Jack Skillicorn, told Huyton Today, “We started with funds from the Mayor’s Charity, and still rely on donations from listeners and organisations, like the Prescot Rotary Club.”
Like all voluntary organisations, Knowsley Talking News are always on the look out for new volunteers. “We are particularly short of male readers,” says Jack. “We don't like to have any one person talk for more than 5 minutes for each recording.”
Unfortunately, much of the equipment used to produce the tapes is now showing signs of wear and tear and is in need of replacement, but with a potential outlay running into the thousands of pounds, Knowsley Talking News will have to look for outside help to find the funds.
To receive copies of the talking newspaper, or to volunteer help with reading or equipment, contact Chris Roderick at Knowsley Disability Concern on 0151 480 4090.