Call for drivers to spare a few hours to help veterans with sight loss

BLIND Veterans UK have today issued an urgent appeal for volunteer drivers to support blind veterans in Bromley, Uxbridge, Sutton and Worcester Park.

It’s a sad fact that many blind veterans suffer from social isolation. It happens as we get older and our families leave us, and partners pass away. For people with sight loss, that isolation is all the more painful to bear.

Volunteer drivers provide a crucial lifeline for blind veterans by helping them get out and about in their local communities, transporting them to social events and essential appointments.

Volunteer drivers not only improve blind veterans’ quality of life, but also help rebuild their selfconfidence and self-esteem by reducing social isolation.

Blind Veterans UK are in urgent need of volunteer drivers in Bromley, Uxbridge, Sutton and Worcester Park. Just a few hours a month could make a huge difference to the life of someone who gave everything for their country.

One such veteran in need support is a 94-year-old RAF veteran, based in Bromley. She is in very high spirits but unable to walk long distances and requires support to get her from her care home to the shops and cafes in her local area on Friday mornings.

Thais Curia, Volunteer Coordinator for Blind Veterans UK in London, says: “We have blind veterans in the Bromley, Uxbridge, Sutton and Worcester Park who are in desperate need of a volunteer to help them pick up medicine, get them to doctor’s appointments, and join friends for social events.

“Things that you and I take for granted but become a real challenge when you’ve lost your sight.

“No matter how much time you have to give, it’ll have a huge impact on the lives of our blind veterans.

“Even just a few hours a month could change someone’s life for the better. We provide thorough training on guiding those with a vision-impairment, and all out-of-pocket expenses are reimbursed.”

Visit volunteer.blindveterans.org. uk to find out more and sign up to become a volunteer driver today.

Blind Veterans UK supports thousands of blind veterans across the country, but knows there are up to 50,000 more who still need its support to rebuild their lives after sight loss.

If you, or someone you know, served in the Armed Forces, including National Service, and are now struggling with sight loss, then please get in touch. Call 0800 389 7979 or visit blindveterans.org.uk/ support