Free radios on offer to help blind

VISUALLY impaired people in Lancashire are being invited to see if they are eligible for a free specially adapted radio from a charity.

British Wireless for the Blind Fund (BWBF) provides the equipment to those with sight loss.

Radio is a lifeline to those who are blind or partially sighted as they often lead lonely lives, unable to read or watch the television.

A radio becomes their vital way of keeping in touch with the outside world and also provides companionship.

BWBF issues sets to those who are registered blind or partially sighted, over the age of eight, resident in the UK and in receipt of a means-tested benefit.

The charity supports more than 400 visually impaired people in Lancashire but estimates that there are at least another 1,000 who could benefit from its service.

It has launched a campaign called Reaching Out in Lancashire to try to help more people who are blind.

As part of this drive, the charity is contacting local organisations for help with getting in touch with those people who could benefit from its service.

Local regional development manager Sophie Wheldon said: “We’ve done a lot of research into gathering data about the numbers of people with sight loss across the UK and we know we could be reaching more people in Lancashire.

“We’ve got volunteers ready and willing to distribute our radios so we’re hoping to be able to help the hundreds of people we know are out there and eligible.

“Our radios are vital to someone who cannot see – they provide news, information and entertainment but also, more importantly, companionship and a friendly voice.”

If you live in Lancashire and qualify for a radio, or think someone you know does, contact Sophie at sophie@blind.org.uk or phone 07540 724063.

To find out more about British Wireless for the Blind Fund, go to www. blind.org.uk