Foyle Arena hosts successful taster day for blind and partially sighted users
21 February 2025
Derry City and Strabane District Council’s Leisure Services team have hosted a group of blind and partially sighted members of the public at the Foyle Arena to allow them to sample the centre’s services and activities.
The group were part of the Royal National Institute of Blind People NI (RNIB) who offer services, support and information to anyone affected by sight loss in Northern Ireland.
The taster day allowed the group to experience the gym facilities at the centre and some of the classes on offer before they gave their feedback to the team about their experience.
Leisure and Sport Operations Manager at Council, Steve Setterfield, said the day was designed to demonstrate how accessible the Foyle Arena is to everyone and to gain direct user feedback to best meet the public’s needs.
“We were delighted to host this group from the RNIB to allow them to experience some of the activities and classes we host at the Foyle Arena,” he said.
“As a Council we are committed through our Strategic Growth Plan to promoting positive attitudes towards disability and encouraging participation by creating accessible and user-friendly environments for everyone to enjoy.
“A crucial element of the taster day was a feedback session at the end where we received constructive advice from the users about how we can enhance their experience and tailor our services to meet the needs of blind and partially sighted users in the future,”
Community Connection Manager at RNIB, Elaine Manson added:
“We welcome opportunities like this to both enable and encourage local and blind and partially sighted people to access leisure facilities in their area, and raise awareness amongst staff of how best to communicate with people with sight loss and help them get the most out of their service or facilities.
“Getting out and about is so important for people’s mental as well as physical health. “Thanks to this event and the staff’s friendly, approachable attitudes, several group members now hope to use the Foyle Arena’s facilities, particularly the gym, on a regular basis.”
Full details of all Council’s Leisure Services are available at derrystrabane.com/leisure where you can book activities and classes, view timetables and learn more about how you can improve your health and fitness.