RURAL RESIDENTS LESS ISOLATED THANKS TO ENCHANTED FOREST COMMUNITY FUND SUPPORT
Over 50 people living with sight and hearing loss across rural Perthshire are now feeling less isolated, more confident and better connected to their communities, thanks to support from The Enchanted Forest Community Fund.
A £5,000 grant awarded in 2025 to VisionPK has enabled the charity to deliver over 50 Sensory Connect Group sessions over the last year in Pitlochry, Kinross, Blairgowrie, Comrie and Bridge of Earn, creating welcoming, accessible spaces for people who might otherwise struggle to access vital support.
The groups, which are continuing to meet monthly, have been such a success that VisionPK is now developing a new group in Crieff, extending its reach to even more people across Perth and Kinross.
May, who attends the Pitlochry Sensory Connect Group every month said: “I enjoy coming to the group as it has given me some new friends, a lifeline and the opportunity to meet some people in the same or similar situation to me. I’ve realised I’m not the only person with eyesight issues and just wish everyone would come along and see what VisionPK can do for them.”
VisionPK is the only sight and hearing loss charity in Perth and Kinross and supports around 1,700 people with sight and hearing loss every year. For many these Sensory Connect gatherings have become a lifeline, offering a safe space where they can meet others who understand their experiences, share advice and reduce feelings of isolation. A 2024 report by Fight for Sight found that 76% of blind or visually impaired people reported feeling lonely some or all of the time.
Sharyn Richie, Community Involvement Co-ordinator at VisionPK said: “For many of the people we support, especially in rural areas, opportunities to connect with others can be very limited. These groups are helping people rebuild confidence, reduce isolation and feel part of their community again. The grant from The Enchanted Forest Community Fund has been vital in making this possible.”
Since 2015, the Enchanted Forest Community Fund has reinvested more than £522,000 into over 185 community projects across Highland Perthshire, supporting initiatives that tackle isolation, poverty, mental health challenges and barriers to opportunity. This has all been made possible by the continued success of The Enchanted Forest, Scotland’s favourite sound and light show.
Barry Fisher, a trustee of The Enchanted Forest Community Trust, said: “The magic of The Enchanted Forest continues throughout the year because of the impact of the funding awarded through the Enchanted Forest Community Fund. Groups like VisionPK’s Sensory Connect Groups are helping people to reconnect, not just with services, but with each other. We’re delighted this funding has made a significant difference to people who struggle with sight and hearing loss in Highland Perthshire.”
“With the deadline fast approaching, we would encourage charities and CICs operating in Highland Perthshire to apply for funding up to £10,000 and make a difference to their own communities.”
The Enchanted Forest Community Fund 2026 is now open for applications. To download an application form, please visit: www.enchantedforest.org.uk. Completed application forms should be returned no later than 27 March 2026. The successful applications will be announced on 30 April 2026.
