Sources of support, advice and information
A key part of London Vision’s mission is to ensure blind and partially sighted people are able to connect with each other and enable them to access sources of information and support. We are always happy to talk to you, please don’t hesitate to get in touch on 0203 761 3651 or info@londonvision.org
Sight loss organisations in the UK
There are over 200 organisations in the UK supporting people who are blind and partially sighted. These work closely alongside the statutory provision that each local authority provides. Usually the support that local authorities give is from their sensory team or rehab team. You can reach the sensory department in your local authority area by contacting the adult social care number. Most adult social care providers have contact centres who will answer your calls then refer you to the appropriate sensory support. RNIB’s sightline directory will allow you to find you local sensory team.
National Sight Loss Organisations
Blind Veterans UK
Blind Veterans UK provides free services and support to all vision-impaired Armed Forces and National Service veterans, no matter when they served or how they lost their sight. For more information, call 0800 389 7979 or visit www.noonealone.org.uk
British Blind Sport
British Blind Sport enables blind and partially sighted people to have the same opportunities as sighted people to access and enjoy sport and recreational activities in the UK. For more information, call 01926 42 42 47 visit www.britishblindsport.org.uk
Deafblind UK
Deafblind UK provides specialist services to deafblind people and those who have progressive sight and hearing loss acquired throughout their lives. For more information, call 0800 132 320 or visit www.deafblind.org.uk
Esme’s Umbrella (Charles Bonnet Syndrome)
Esme’s Umbrella is a charity working towards a greater awareness of Charles Bonnet Syndrome. For more information, call 0345 051 3925 or visit www.charlesbonnetsyndrome.uk
Guide Dogs
The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association not only provides guide dogs but also offers a range of other mobility services, giving advice and supporting those with sight loss and their families, especially in maintaining or improving a person’s ability to get out and about. For more information, call 0800 953 0113 or visit the website www.guidedogs.org.uk
The Macular Society
The Macular Society provides information and support to people affected by macular conditions, their family and friends. For more information, help and advice, call 0300 3030 111 or visit www.macularsociety.org
National Federation for the Blind
The National Federation for the Blind is an independent, campaigning pressure group. It campaigns to improve the welfare and quality of daily life for all blind, partially sighted and deafblind people. For more information, call 0192 429 1313 or visit www.nfbuk.org
RNIB
RNIB offers practical and emotional support for people living with sight loss. For more information, call the Helpline on 0303 123 9999 or visit www.rnib.org.uk
SeeAbility
SeeAbility supports people with sight loss and multiple disabilities. They provide specialist support and accommodation services as well as raising awareness to help prevent avoidable sight loss for people with learning disabilities. For more information, call 01372 755 000 or visit www.seeability.org
Sense
Sense supports adults and children who are deafblind or have sensory impairments with additional needs. For more information, call 033 330 9256 or visit www.sense.org
Other sources of support
Age UK
Age UK helps older people by providing information, advice and support. For more information, call 0800 169 6565 or visit www.ageuk.org.uk
Carers UK
Carers UK supports people who look after older, ill or disabled family and friends. For more information, call 0808 808 7777 or visit www.carersuk.org
Diabetes UK
Diabetes UK supports people affected by, or at risk of, diabetes. For more information, call 0345 123 2399 or visit www.diabetes.org.uk
MIND
MIND provides information and support to people living with a mental health problem. For more information, call 0300 123 3393 or visit www.mind.org.uk
Relate
Relate counsellors can help people to come to terms with what’s happening now and in the future. Counselling with Relate is open to all. For more information, call 0300 100 1234 or visit www.relate.org.uk
Samaritans
Samaritans is available round the clock, every day of the year. Talk to them off the record about whatever is getting to you. Call 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org or to find your nearest branch visit www.samaritans.org
