The Manx Blind Welfare Society is to introduce a ‘community action team’ later in the year.
It will help members in practical ways in and around their homes, the society’s chief executive, Ian Cooil, told the society’s annual general meeting.
He added: ‘The team will be created from amongst the 250+ volunteers who deliver so many of our wide range of services.’
Deemster Jack Corrin CBE presided over the meeting and chairman Charles Fargher began by paying a tribute to the society’s previous chief executive Doreen Wilson, who died in December.
Mr Cooil reported: ‘This past year has seen a significant growth in work with younger people and we have formed a strong relationship with the new St Ninian’s lower school [which is close to the MBWS headquarters in Onchan].
He added that the society had developed strong relationships with the RNIB, the Guide Dog Association and the Macular Society.
Mr Cooil paid a tribute to the soon-to-retire welfare officer, Sally Quayle.
He said: ‘Sally is a tenacious fighter for the blind and visually impaired. She has made a wonderful contribution to the work of the Manx Blind Welfare Society and we wish her well when she steps down later in 2013.’
The treasurer Lionel Kelly gave praise to the members of the Isle of Man Fund for the Blind who form the principal fund raising arm of the society on a voluntary basis.
He said: “Their work is so important given that Manx Blind Welfare Society relies exclusively on the generosity of the Manx public.’
The MBWS helps 600 people of all ages living with serious sight challenges.