Latest News

Covid-19 update – 19th May 2020

Shropshire Council has expanded the information available on its website. Working with other local groups and organisations, Shropshire Council has gathered together new information resources that may be used by individuals or groups and organisations throughout the coronavirus pandemic.

Recent additions include a searchable map of local food providers and food delivery services; a map of local social network groups, many established to provide support during the pandemic; a map of support services and information concerning help for those unable to pay energy bills.  Many other topics are also covered ranging from advice from Trading Standards to mental health and advice managing anxiety.

The interactive maps allow those able to access the internet to focus in on their local area and find out more about the services located nearby. Where known telephone, email and website addresses have been included to help people make contact with any services of interest to them.

Community Support
https://www.shropshire.gov.uk/coronavirus/information-for-the-public/community-support-services/

Community Social Networks
https://www.shropshire.gov.uk/coronavirus/information-for-the-public/community-social-networks/

Food provision
https://www.shropshire.gov.uk/coronavirus/information-for-the-public/food-provision/

Energy Advice and Other Support
https://www.shropshire.gov.uk/coronavirus/information-for-the-public/other-sources-of-support/

Covid-19 update – 6th May 2020

The RNIB has developed guidance for supermarkets on how to help blind and partially sighted shoppers.  More details are available here.

Covid-19 update – 16th April 2020

If you live in Shropshire Council area, the Council has set up temporary area-based Community Reassurance Teams who will provide support to new and existing community groups set up in response to Covid-19, Town and Parish Councils and other organisations.  Contact the Covid-19 Helpline on 0345 678 9028 or by email to communityreassurance@shropshire.gov.uk

If you live in the Telford & Wrekin Council area they are also providing a range of support relating to Covid-19, including people who are classed as extremely vulnerable or vulnerable.   More information at this link https://www.telford.gov.uk/info/20692/coronavirus_covid-19

Guide Dogs has launched a Sight Loss Information Line to support people with sight loss and their family and friends during the coronavirus outbreak.  Contact them on 0800 781 1444.

A reminder that the RNIB Helpline 0303 123 9999 remains open on weekdays from 8am to 8pm and now has extended Saturday opening times from 9am to 5pm.

Covid-19 update – 1st April 2020

The RNIB has put together answers to a number of frequently asked questions about Covid-19 and Living with Sight Loss.  Details can be found here.

A  number of sight loss organisations are calling for the government and supermarkets to give people with sight loss priority access to online shopping.  You can sign the petition here.

Covid-19 update – 23rd March 2020

Due to the global Covid-19 pandemic many of our peer support groups have cancelled their forthcoming meetings and we have also suspended our fortnightly Information Point sessions at Royal Shrewsbury Hospital.  However, we are continuing to provide information and signposting during our normal office hours (8:15am – 1pm, Monday to Thursday) via our telephone number 01743 250808 and email address sightlossshropshire@shropshire.gov.uk

The Eye Clinic Liaison Officer at Shrewsbury & Telford Hospitals NHS Trust will be working remotely until further notice.  However, she is still available to offer practical and emotional support during working hours via e-mail e.chaplin2@nhs.net and mobile 07808 736449.

West Shropshire Talking Newspaper has ceased memory stick publication but continue to provide access to their home produced weekly recordings through their webpage, the app, the landline telephone listening service and Alexa.

Sight Loss Survey

Eye research charity Fight for Sight has launched a survey to gather insights on the personal impact of sight loss.  It is hoped that the findings from this survey will help to strengthen the case for desperately needed eye research funding.

Sight loss costs the UK over £28 billion each year, yet only 1% of funding for public services is spent on eye research.  This equates to just £20 for each person living with sight loss.

Participation in the survey involves a short 15-minute phone interview or online survey in which respondents share information and answer questions on how living with sight loss or an eye condition impacts their life or that of the person they care for.

Interested participants should call 020 7264 3900.

Participants can really help to transform the eye research landscape and build a case to secure urgently needed funding for pioneering eye research projects.

 

Living with Sight Loss courses

The RNIB will be running a Living with Sight Loss course in Ludlow during 2020.  The course comprises two, one day sessions which are delivered a week apart. The course is for anyone with sight loss and provides information, advice, support and practical solutions for people with sight loss and those close to them. It offers an opportunity to share experiences with others in similar situations and find out about the services that are available.

 

Shropshire Council

Shropshire Council has set up temporary area-based Community Reassurance Teams (CRT) only for responding to COV19 during this crisis, they will provide support to the new and existing community groups set up in response to COVID-19, Town and Parish Councils and other organisations.  It is important that all enquiries to the CRT are logged with the Covid-19 Helpline on 0345 6789028. There is also a dedicated email address; communityreassurance@shropshire.gov.uk

Telford & Wrekin Council

Telford & Wrekin Council is also providing additional support for people who fall into the extremely vulnerable and vulnerable categories, including food parcels, food shopping and meals.  More information at this link https://www.telford.gov.uk/info/20712/food_parcels_food_shopping_and_meals   There is also information on changes to council services, how to request community support and other Covid-19 related topics at https://www.telford.gov.uk/info/20692/coronavirus_covid-19

  

Guide Dogs

The Guide Dogs Covid-19 Sight Loss Information line (call 0800 781 1444) was launched last week to support people with sight loss, and their family and friends, as they face the unique challenges of living with a vision impairment during the coronavirus outbreak

 

RNIB

RNIB’s Helpline (0303 123 9999) remains open on weekdays from 8am-8pm and now has extended Saturday opening times from 9am-5pm.