Testimonials
Sally
I made contact with “Sense Adventures” during a search of the RNIB East Midlands Facebook Page, and following an exchange of details, Dee followed up swiftly with a friendly chat providing information about all the numerous activities that were offered. The activities ranged from talks to fitness; all extremely accessible through Zoom. I expressed an interest in most activities, and found the Cook along sessions, and Yoga extremely fun and informative.
The cook along sessions were really well organized. The cooking instructors were well informed and provided knowledge of the meals, and all in an informal setting. The recipes were sent out in plenty of time beforehand to allow me time to gather ingredients and prepare ready for the Zoom meeting with no pressure. The cooking instructors were really encouraging with recipes easy to follow and a very tasty meal was always made; a lovely social interactive event.
With regards the Yoga, I found this extremely helpful during the stressful lockdown period. The sessions were via Zoom, so again social interaction at all times with a trained instructor who took us through our sessions leaving us refreshed and de-stressed. All sessions are very well coordinated by Dee, who introduces everyone and is always on the end of the phone if required. I have no sight, and have found that all sessions have been extremely easy to follow and every step has been clearly explained. I have found Sense Adventures to be a great social and inspirational group; thank you Dee.
I made contact with “Sense Adventures” during a search of the RNIB East Midlands Facebook Page, and following an exchange of details, Dee followed up swiftly with a friendly chat providing information about all the numerous activities that were offered. The activities ranged from talks to fitness; all extremely accessible through Zoom. I expressed an interest in most activities, and found the Cook along sessions, and Yoga extremely fun and informative.
The cook along sessions were really well organized. The cooking instructors were well informed and provided knowledge of the meals, and all in an informal setting. The recipes were sent out in plenty of time beforehand to allow me time to gather ingredients and prepare ready for the Zoom meeting with no pressure. The cooking instructors were really encouraging with recipes easy to follow and a very tasty meal was always made; a lovely social interactive event.
With regards the Yoga, I found this extremely helpful during the stressful lockdown period. The sessions were via Zoom, so again social interaction at all times with a trained instructor who took us through our sessions leaving us refreshed and de-stressed. All sessions are very well coordinated by Dee, who introduces everyone and is always on the end of the phone if required. I have no sight, and have found that all sessions have been extremely easy to follow and every step has been clearly explained. I have found Sense Adventures to be a great social and inspirational group; thank you Dee.
Deb
I discovered Sense Adventures around three years ago and haven’t looked back. The monthly walks on the Malvern Hills are incredibly well-organised and I felt very comfortable and safe. The volunteers and visually impaired walkers are an amazing and fascinating group of people. There’s always plenty of fun and laughter.
Of course, Covid has put paid to the walks for the time being, but that has only served to widen my horizons. I love the creative writing workshops on Zoom and I’ve met even more amazing people. Sense Adventures has certainly opened up a whole new world of adventure for me and I hope it continues.
I discovered Sense Adventures around three years ago and haven’t looked back. The monthly walks on the Malvern Hills are incredibly well-organised and I felt very comfortable and safe. The volunteers and visually impaired walkers are an amazing and fascinating group of people. There’s always plenty of fun and laughter.
Of course, Covid has put paid to the walks for the time being, but that has only served to widen my horizons. I love the creative writing workshops on Zoom and I’ve met even more amazing people. Sense Adventures has certainly opened up a whole new world of adventure for me and I hope it continues.
Debbie Paine with guide dog Tara
I attended my first event in May and I honestly didn't know what to expect. I've never attended an unknown venue on my own and I was a little nervous. I needn't have worried. I was met off the train by my guide and she took us by car to the venue. Allison, the yoga teacher, was lovely and tailored her session to all levels and abilities. I can't wait to go again.
I attended my first event in May and I honestly didn't know what to expect. I've never attended an unknown venue on my own and I was a little nervous. I needn't have worried. I was met off the train by my guide and she took us by car to the venue. Allison, the yoga teacher, was lovely and tailored her session to all levels and abilities. I can't wait to go again.
Bim Egan with guide dog Adora
Everything was wonderful! The company, the walks and the stay at the Clover Mill were all brilliant. The volunteers deserve a special mention, they're very sensitive to the needs of people with sight impairment but not in any way intrusive. So socially and for the sake of the exercise and clear air it was an extremely well organised and enjoyable few days. Obviously Adora enjoyed it all as much as we did.
Brian and Dawn
We loved the peace and tranquillity at Clover Mill. We enjoyed the walks, the yoga and Julie's amazing food.
Everything was wonderful! The company, the walks and the stay at the Clover Mill were all brilliant. The volunteers deserve a special mention, they're very sensitive to the needs of people with sight impairment but not in any way intrusive. So socially and for the sake of the exercise and clear air it was an extremely well organised and enjoyable few days. Obviously Adora enjoyed it all as much as we did.
Brian and Dawn
We loved the peace and tranquillity at Clover Mill. We enjoyed the walks, the yoga and Julie's amazing food.
Bim
Everything was wonderful! The company, the walks and the stay at the Clover Mill were all brilliant.
The volunteers deserve a special mention, they're very sensitive to the needs of people with sight impairment but not in any way intrusive. So socially and for the sake of the exercise and clear air, it was an extremely well organised and enjoyable few days.
Then there's the food … that was another experience in itself. Some of Julie's specialities were so delicious, I can hardly wait for her to finish her cookery book. Obviously my guide dog enjoyed it all just as much as we did, or perhaps even more.
Everything was wonderful! The company, the walks and the stay at the Clover Mill were all brilliant.
The volunteers deserve a special mention, they're very sensitive to the needs of people with sight impairment but not in any way intrusive. So socially and for the sake of the exercise and clear air, it was an extremely well organised and enjoyable few days.
Then there's the food … that was another experience in itself. Some of Julie's specialities were so delicious, I can hardly wait for her to finish her cookery book. Obviously my guide dog enjoyed it all just as much as we did, or perhaps even more.
V
Overall the experience was 100% positive. It was a great idea to have a yoga session before the walks as it really relaxed the muscles, so in spite of a few hours yomping up and down hills, there was no stiffness or discomfort in following days.
The scenery, trees and flowers all gave us plenty of excuses to pause without looking cowardly, and the whole experience was seamlessly organised though it didn't feel regimented.
Overall the experience was 100% positive. It was a great idea to have a yoga session before the walks as it really relaxed the muscles, so in spite of a few hours yomping up and down hills, there was no stiffness or discomfort in following days.
The scenery, trees and flowers all gave us plenty of excuses to pause without looking cowardly, and the whole experience was seamlessly organised though it didn't feel regimented.
Volunteering as a guide with Sense Adventures
Ann
I have been volunteering as a sighted guide for a few months now and I absolutely love it. We have had great days (although not always with great weather!), meeting new people, their dogs and enjoying the Malvern Hills. You don't need to be an expert in sight loss, the person you are supporting will be able to explain how best to assist them. You do need to like dogs as well as people: the guide dogs get 'time off' from their working duties on these walks and they really enjoy their freedom! Add in a picnic lunch or maybe a café for tea and cake . . . why not get your boots on and come with us next time?
Chris
I have thoroughly enjoyed sharing the sights and sounds of the glorious Malvern Hills with visually impaired friends. I only hope they have enjoyed our time together as much as I have.
Julie Dent
My first time as a sighted guide was on a walking holiday, where, naively, I thought the walks would be easy and slow paced if we were with visually impaired walkers - how wrong was I?! They set off at a brisk, excited pace - completely putting their safety in our hands, trusting us to steer them the safest way - quite unbelievable to me.
Looking back it was quite a responsibility but at the time it was just like walking with a friend, chatting to get to know each other and describing the view if appropriate. It was a great holiday with lots of laughs and I made new friends that I still keep in touch with. I was happy going on my own as I soon felt part of the group.
Ann
I have been volunteering as a sighted guide for a few months now and I absolutely love it. We have had great days (although not always with great weather!), meeting new people, their dogs and enjoying the Malvern Hills. You don't need to be an expert in sight loss, the person you are supporting will be able to explain how best to assist them. You do need to like dogs as well as people: the guide dogs get 'time off' from their working duties on these walks and they really enjoy their freedom! Add in a picnic lunch or maybe a café for tea and cake . . . why not get your boots on and come with us next time?
Chris
I have thoroughly enjoyed sharing the sights and sounds of the glorious Malvern Hills with visually impaired friends. I only hope they have enjoyed our time together as much as I have.
Julie Dent
My first time as a sighted guide was on a walking holiday, where, naively, I thought the walks would be easy and slow paced if we were with visually impaired walkers - how wrong was I?! They set off at a brisk, excited pace - completely putting their safety in our hands, trusting us to steer them the safest way - quite unbelievable to me.
Looking back it was quite a responsibility but at the time it was just like walking with a friend, chatting to get to know each other and describing the view if appropriate. It was a great holiday with lots of laughs and I made new friends that I still keep in touch with. I was happy going on my own as I soon felt part of the group.
