Can you help Sadie, a SSW volunteer, with her PhD research?

We have lots of amazing volunteers here at SSW; Sadie is one of them and, when she’s not help us out, she is undertaking PhD research at the University of Brighton. She’s currently looking for people with visual impairments to assist with her research… perhaps you can help?

Sadie. She is smiling and has long brown curly hair.

Hi everyone – I’m Sadie, a sighted guide volunteer with Sight Support Worthing.

I may have joined you for past activities like sailing, kayaking, archery, rambling, or maybe even one of the super yummy pub trips!

I’m also a PhD researcher at the University of Brighton, working on a project that explores how people with visual impairments experience and connect with blue spaces like the sea, lakes, and rivers. While natural water is increasingly recognised as important for wellbeing, we still know very little about how these places are experienced by VI individuals, especially during in-water activities.

This research is all about co-creating understanding through lived experience. Whether you’re a regular sea swimmer, love a paddle, or just enjoy being near the water, I’d love to hear from you.

You can take part however feels comfortable – we could go for a walk along the beach, a sit by the water’s edge, or even a swim in the sea if you’re up for it. I’m arranging one-to-one chats and swim-along interviews throughout July to September, all based in or around Worthing – although I’m happy to go further if you’d like to try somewhere specific.

If you’d like to know more or are curious about taking part, feel free to drop me an email at: s.rockliffe1@uni.brighton.ac.uk

We’re also in the process of building an accessible website for the project, which I’ll share as soon as it’s live.

Thanks so much – hope to hear from you soon!

If you can help Sadie, please drop her a line on the email above or catch her when she’s at the Centre.

three people in the sea at sunset time.