A free service helping people with sight loss access information, advice and guidance has completed its 1000th referral in just 18 months.

The Beacon Centre for the Blind launched its Information and Guidance Service in September 2020 to ensure that people could access support to help them maintain their independence, regardless of what stage in their sight loss journey they were at.  

A team of expert sight loss advisors, some of whom have lived experience, are on hand to help people with a range of issues, from ensuring they can still make themselves a cup of tea to putting on makeup.  

The advisors play a pivotal role in the organisation and can refer people to other Beacon services offered by the charity such as lifestyle day activities, care at home, or employment and skills advice. They can also help people access other support from Beacon’s community partners. Beacon Centre Engagement Manager Becky Green said:

“We launched the service in September 2020, right in the middle of the Covid-19 pandemic. We were expecting a lot of demand as Coronavirus has presented extra challenges for people with sight loss, so we’re delighted to have now completed 1,000 referrals in just 18 months.

“Everyone’s journey is individual, but we often find that people just want to speak to someone who understands what they are going through and it’s wonderful when they realise they can still carry on doing many of the things they love with just a few adjustments. We’re honoured to be able to make a difference in people’s lives.”

If you feel like you would benefit from a free sight loss assessment, call the Beacon Centre on 01902 880 111 or email enquiries@beaconvision.org.