School girl sends a message of support to blind veterans
Older people in our communities are being shielded from the virus and concerns about isolation have been raised, prompting a kindhearted Brighton schoolgirl to send audio visual messages to them.
Young people across the county have been making friends with older people in our Sussex communities to help everyone get through these difficult weeks and months ahead.
When Roedean School pupil Hettie Hughes found out that there were 30 blind veterans over the age of 75 being shielded at Blind Veterans UK’s rehabilitation centre in Ovingdean, she was eager to make contact.
Hettie wanted to send a message letting them know that the local community were thinking of them.
In her message, Hettie tells the local blind veterans that they are not alone, that there is always someone thinking of them and that millions of people are staying at home to protect people just like them.
Hettie said it was important to support vulnerable people in the community and let them know we are all thinking of them.
She said: “I wanted to send a message and play some music to put smiles on the faces of the blind veterans who live just down the road from us.
“These are difficult times for everyone so I think it’s more important than ever that we’re supporting vulnerable people in the local community.”
Hettie received a video message response from 94-year-old blind Navy veteran Maureen Atkinson, thanking her for her message and expressing gratitude for the way young people were following social distancing guidelines during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Lesley Garven, Blind Veterans UK Brighton Centre manager, said it was important to keep spirits up for the residents that are being shielded from the virus.
She said: “We’re shielding 30 blind veterans with an average age of 90 here in Ovingdean.
“It’s a tough time for our residents and staff alike so we were so grateful to receive such a nice message from Hettie which provided a real positive boost for everyone at the centre.”
Keep updated on Blind Veterans UK’s response to Covid-19 and find out more about the charity at blindveterans.org.uk/ coronavirus