CBS Awareness Month Marks 10-Year Milestone for Esme’s Umbrella
In November 2025, Esme’s Umbrella marked its 10th anniversary with a month-long programme of activity, turning Charles Bonnet Syndrome Awareness Day into a full CBS Awareness Month.
Running throughout November was the “10 Years of Thanks” social media campaign. Each day, Esme’s Umbrella highlighted a different individual or organisation that had supported the charity over the years, using either a short video message or a photograph with a personal quote.
The month began on 1st November, with Judith Potts representing Esme’s Umbrella at Low Vision Day at St Thomas’ Hospital in London. There, she helped raise awareness of CBS among patients, professionals and visitors.
A CBS drop-in event at Parliament followed on 13th November. Judith Potts spoke with Members of Parliament about the need for greater recognition and support for people living with CBS. The discussion focused on several clear priorities: a more joined-up NHS response, stronger training for clinicians, more straightforward referral pathways, and wider national awareness work to reduce fear and stigma. The event was made possible with support from Shockat Adam MP.
The following day, Judith also visited Moorfields Eye Hospital. There, she met with Eye Clinic Liaison Officers Julia Muraszczuk and Robert Kwami, recognising the vital role they play in supporting patients and sharing clear, trusted information about the condition.
Then, on 16th November, CBS Awareness Day and Esme’s Umbrella’s official birthday, the charity shared a range of practical resources across social media to support people experiencing hallucinations and help them better understand and manage their symptoms.
Later in the month, Nina Chesworth led a breath and meditation workshop at the Beacon Centre health and wellbeing event on 20th November. The workshop combined lived experience of CBS with sensory breathing and meditation techniques, offering practical ways to help manage the condition.
The anniversary programme continued 24th November with a CBS Information Day at Sight Support Calderdale, delivered by Luke Spink in partnership with Optelec UK. The event featured a screening of the Aspectum documentary, followed by discussion and information sharing around Charles Bonnet Syndrome. Ian from Optelec attended to demonstrate assistive technology and show what can be possible for people living with sight loss.
Together, these events made November a fitting way to mark ten years of Esme’s Umbrella. From hospitals and Parliament to community events and social media, the month reflected both how far the charity has come and the continued importance of raising awareness and improving support for people living with CBS.