29 per cent!
Only 29 per cent of blind and partially sighted people in the UK are able to manage their finances independently, a study by the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) has found.
The study, conducted by RNIB and funded by The Royal Bank of Scotland Group (RBS) highlights many of the challenges faced by people with sight loss in managing their finances.
Managing Your Money
As a result of these findings, RNIB has produced a Managing Your Money booklet and factsheets, sponsored by RBS. The booklet, which is available through RNIB's helpline contains information about blind and partially sighted people's rights when it comes to consumer and financial issues and the services available from banks that can help. It also includes information on saving money on utilities and other services; making the most of benefits and tax allowances and further sources of help and advice.
Helen Dearman, from RNIB's Policy and Campaigns team says: "The ability to manage your own money is vital to confidence and independence. There are almost 2 million blind and partially sighted people in the UK and many of them have to rely on family or carers to help them. RNIB welcomed the support from RBS to produce a guide on ways that can help make blind and partially sighted people's lives easier by providing information on services to enable people to manage their own finances independently."
RBS
Jennifer Coleman, Community Investment Manager, The Royal Bank of Scotland Group says: "We are pleased to be supporting RNIB's Managing Your Money materials which will raise awareness of the types of services available to help make it easier for people to manage their finances."
The materials are available for blind and partially sighted people in print (also Large Print), Braille and Audio. To order a copy call RNIB's helpline on 0303 123 9999
ENDS
For more information please contact Jess Sweetman, RNIB's Media Relations Team on 020 7391 2223, email Jessica.sweetman@rnib.org.uk
To catch our media releases as they arrive you can follow RNIB Media on Twitter @RNIB_Media
Notes to editors:
About RNIB
Every day around 100 people in the UK start to lose their sight. There are around 2 million people in the UK with sight problems. RNIB is the leading charity working in the UK offering practical support, advice and information for anyone with sight difficulties. 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
About "Confident Living"
The "Confident living" series of leaflets offers basic information to help people with sight problems get on with their lives. Other titles in the series include:
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Attendance Allowance explained
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Benefits of registering as blind or partially sighted
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Community care
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Finding a residential home
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Going on holiday
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On the move
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Shopping made easier
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Staying in your own home
Each title in the series is free to individuals and is available in print, giant print, audio and braille formats. To order your copy, please contact RNIB's Helpline on 0303 123 9999 (all calls charged at local rate).