Barbara was first registered as partially sighted over 30 years ago and is now registered as blind. She has Stargardt's disease, a form of macular degeneration, and detached retinas. Barbara works as a volunteer for a local organisation offering support to other people with sight problems.
How Barbara was helped
Barbara received free loft insulation through the Here to HELP programme and was then put in touch with RNIB. RNIB advised Barbara's husband to apply for Carer's Allowance which led to an increase in their Council Tax Benefit. Barbara told Here to HELP "I didn't know about Carer's Allowance before I spoke to RNIB. We applied and we were awarded it."
She enjoys baking but was finding it difficult to use her old kitchen scales. Here to HELP provided her with a set of talking kitchen scales to enable her to carry on cooking independently.
Barbara says
"The talking kitchen scales are very helpful, it saves trying to use a magnifier with the old scales which made cooking and baking awkward. It's so much easier and quicker to do now." She also received a boil alert which warns her when water in a saucepan starts to boil and a liquid level indicator which helps her from overfilling a cup when making a drink.
"The boil alert and liquid level indicator are invaluable. Before I often spilt hot or boiling water but now I can continue to cook much more safely. The talking cube clock is convenient and very simple to use.
"I'm very grateful for everything RNIB and British Gas have provided through this scheme, it has made a big difference."