Information and advice sessions
For many people, the news that they have a problem with their sight comes as a great shock, and they often just need to talk to someone and be reassured that it is not the end of the world – that there is help available to enable them to function independently despite deteriorating vision.
We are able to provide residents with information and advice relating to living with a sight loss; we also have a small range of equipment to demonstrate. We have close links with other local voluntary groups, the Sensory Team at Social Services, and the Eye Clinic Liaison Officers (ECLOs), at Queen’s Hospital.
Some of the topics we can help with include:
- Information on different eye conditions
- Benefits and concessions for vision impaired people
- Leisure options – for example: audio book and newspaper services, holidays, sport and so on.
- Strategies for safe daily living
- Communication options
- Assistive Technology
- Local and national support groups and services
Living Well with Sight Loss – Confidence Building Programme
We are currently working with RNIB, a national charity for people with a vision impairment, to deliver their Living Well with Sight Loss programme in our local area. This has been specifically designed to provide advice, information and practical solutions to help people remain independent following their sight loss diagnosis.
Sessions include information about aids and equipment available to help you stay safe and independent; getting out and about; daily living tips; welfare benefits you may be eligible for; access technology available and information about local and national services. You will also get the opportunity to talk to other people who are experiencing sight loss. These sessions are also open to family members, friends and carers.
Yew Tree Resource Centre
We work closely with the Partially Sighted Society (Havering Branch), and the Havering Macular Society group, both of which meet at Yew Tree Resource Centre in Romford.The Centre also has a fully equipped resource room containing examples of specialist equipment to aid daily living – providing an opportunity to try out items before buying.
some of the equipment in the resource room