Devon blind community to benefit from specially adapted radios
Visually impaired people in Devon 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 across the UK to meet its criteria.
Radio is a lifeline to those who are blind and 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 currently supports almost 280 visually impaired people in Devon but estimates there are at least another 450 in the county who could benefit from its service.
British Wireless is launching its Reaching Out campaign in the area to try and increase referrals for its sets and 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.
Regional Development Manager for the South West, Bradley Samuels, 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 Devon.
“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 Devon and qualify for a set, or think someone you know does, please contact Mr Samuels at brad@blind.org.uk or phone 07540 724064.
To find out more about British Wireless for the Blind Fund, follow us on Twitter @BritishWireless, like us on Facebook or go to www.blind.org.uk
