To arrange call 020 7391 2223.
Media release for immediate publication: 28 September
The challenges of sight loss brought to life at Party Conferences
Delegates at the Labour Party Conference, Brighton (27 September - 1 October) / Conservative Party Conference, Manchester (5 - 8 October) have the opportunity to experience just some of the challenges people face when they begin to lose their sight. RNIB's interactive Maze Challenge includes everyday scenarios like using traffic lights, ATM machines and a kitchen. Sounds simple, but the maze demonstrates that without the right support, these tasks become huge challenges when you begin to lose your sight.
The Maze forms part of RNIB's Lost and Found campaign, which highlights that despite the devastating impact of sight loss and a high risk of depression (1), only 8 per cent of people are offered counselling when they are diagnosed (2). People have compared it to bereavement, yet a lack of information, emotional and practical support leaves many isolated and depressed, with no idea of where to find help.
RNIB is calling on the Secretary of State for Health, Andy Burnham MP, to recognise the emotional and practical support needed by people losing their sight and direct PCTs to prioritise the improvement of support services, especially those in eye clinics.
RNIB Group Director Inclusive Society, Fazilet Hadi says: "We're asking politicians, decision makers and the general public to consider what they would lose from their lives if they lost their sight. With the right support people can find their lives again, but RNIB can only reach a fraction of those needing help. The current lack of support, information and advice for people losing their sight is a national disgrace and we urgently need improved health and social care services that don't leave people isolated and frightened"
Visitors to the maze can learn more about the levels of support currently available to people when they begin to lose their sight and find ways to lend their support to RNIB's campaign.
To find out more, read the experiences of people who have lost their sight, or to share your own experience, visit www.rnib.org.uk/lost.
Ends
For further media information, to visit the maze or to request a copy of the Lost and Found campaign report please contact RNIB Media Relations Office on 020 7391 2223 (out of hours mobile: 07968 482812).
Notes to Editors:
Right now RNIB can only reach one in three of the people who need our help most. Help us reach them all by supporting our Lost and Found campaign. Visit www.rnib.org.uk/lost to tell us what you would lose if you lost your sight and to find out more about how you can play your part.
1. Cimarolli, V.R. (2002), The Impact of Perceived Overprotection on Adjustment to Age-Related Vision Loss, Doctoral dissertation, Fordham University), Dissertation Abstracts International, 62, (12-B), 5994.
2. Douglas, G., S. Pavey and C. Corcoran (2008), Access to information, services and support for people with visual impairment, Visual Impairment Centre for Teaching and Research (VICTAR), University of Birmingham.
About RNIB
RNIB is the leading charity working in the UK offering practical support, advice and information for anyone with sight difficulties. Every day another 100 people in the UK will start to lose their sight. There are around 1.8 million people in the UK with sight problems. If you, or someone you know, has a sight problem RNIB can help. Call the RNIB Helpline on 0303 123 9999 or visit www.rnib.org.uk.