Insights from Torch Trust

In the final episode of the Insights podcast, Matthew Horspool sits down to have a chat with outgoing Torch CEO Tim Jeffery. They talk about Tim's time at Torch, how the organisation has evolved under his leadership and the immediate future of both Tim and Torch. To contact the Sight Loss Friendly Church team at Torch Trust, call 01858 438260, email [email protected] or visit torchtrust.org/sight-loss-friendly-church.

In this penultimate episode of the Insights Podcast, we hear from Reflections Sheila Armstrong and Marilyn Baker what makes good Christmas gifts for the blind and partially sighted people in your life. Marilyn also offers a lovely reflection on how the best gifts aren't things, but relationships.

To contact the Sight Loss Friendly Church team at Torch Trust, call 01858 438260, email [email protected] or visit torchtrust.org/sight-loss-friendly-church.

Christmas cards. You may love them, hate them or feel completely neutral. This week we revisit Linn and Matthew's discussion on this topic.

To contact the Sight Loss Friendly Church team at Torch Trust, call 01858 438260, email [email protected] or visit torchtrust.org/sight-loss-friendly-church.

As Christmas is approaching many churches are probably planning events both online and face-to-face. This episode revisits Linn and Matthew's tips and advice on how to make online events inclusive and why blind people aren't always a fan of keeping the camera on.

To contact the Sight Loss Friendly Church team at Torch Trust, call 01858 438260, email [email protected] or visit torchtrust.org/sight-loss-friendly-church.

Festive online events revisited (Insights Episode 92)

This episode features Becky Davies talking about this year's advent books with Reflections producer Grace Dawson. And if fiction is more your thing, there's also a recommendation for you.

To contact the Sight Loss Friendly Church team at Torch Trust, call 01858 438260, email [email protected] or visit torchtrust.org/sight-loss-friendly-church.

Linn is joined by Torch trustee Sheila Armstrong as they talk about things that might make it harder for sighted people to approach blind and partially sighted people in their church and what can be done to make things easier.

To contact the Sight Loss Friendly Church team at Torch Trust, call 01858 438260, email [email protected] or visit torchtrust.org/sight-loss-friendly-church.

At Torch, we help blind and partially sighted people with their spiritual needs, but how about the practical ones? Linn is joined by Torch volunteer James Hassall who works for The Royal National Institute of Blind People as a community connection officer. They talk about how someone like James can help people in a practical way and how Torch and the RNIB can collaborate to give great support.

To contact the Sight Loss Friendly Church team at Torch Trust, call 01858 438260, email [email protected] or visit torchtrust.org/sight-loss-friendly-church.

Lay preacher Wendy Coxhill is back to share how she celebrated Sight Loss Sunday on 15 October 2023 at her church. She talks about her multi-sensory prayer stations and also gets reflective with Linn about how much of a blanket sense sight is.

To contact the Sight Loss Friendly Church team at Torch Trust, call 01858 438260, email [email protected] or visit torchtrust.org/sight-loss-friendly-church.

Matthew is back for his final regular co-host duties in this episodes. He and Linn discuss whether blind children can join the Scouts or Guides and reflect on presenting Insights together.

To contact the Sight Loss Friendly Church team at Torch Trust, call 01858 438260, email [email protected] or visit torchtrust.org/sight-loss-friendly-church.

In this episode Linn continues her exploration of this topic with ordained Anglican priest Melissa Carter. Melissa shares how she approaches prayers for healing with people who ask her for them and they even get into the theology around what healing may look like in heaven.

To contact the Sight Loss Friendly Church team at Torch Trust, call 01858 438260, email [email protected] or visit torchtrust.org/sight-loss-friendly-church.