Blind and partially sighted people are being invited to help shape the future plans of the RNIB group of charities.
RNIB Group, which is made up of the Royal National Institute of Blind People; Action for Blind People; Cardiff, Vales and Valleys, and National Talking Newspapers and Magazines, is beginning to think ahead and make plans about where it should focus its efforts from 2014.
Listening
The RNIB group of charities is listening to the views of blind and partially sighted people, their friends and families, health and social care professionals and other interested groups from 16 July to 16 November 2012. It is seeking to understand what areas of work it should focus on in its five year plan.
Lesley-Anne Alexander, Chief Executive of RNIB, said: "We have achieved so much from working together and we want our work to remain rooted in the needs and experiences of people who are at risk of sight loss and those who are blind or partially sighted, and
to know that we are making a real difference to people's lives.
Future direction
"We are looking for input to help us shape the future direction of our work and to find out where we can make the greatest impact."
For the next four months, people will be able to give their views online or by telephone or writing in. Find out more by visiting www.rnib.org.uk/thefuture where you can view some short films and complete an online questionnaire. Alternatively call us on 020 7391 2160 to request a booklet about the key issues facing blind and partially sighted people and the RNIB group of charities.
RNIB Group supports the outcomes of the UK Vision Strategy, which sets the overall direction for eye health and sight loss services in the UK. The UK Vision Strategy team is also talking to interested parties to refresh its future plans, and blind and partially sighted people are welcome to give their views by visiting www.vision2020uk.org.uk/ukvisionstrategy or calling 0207 391 2221.
- Ends -
Notes to editors
For media enquiries, please contact Rachel Cafferty in RNIB's Public Relations Team on 0207 391 2043 or 0207 391 2223, email rachel.cafferty@rnib.org.uk
About RNIB Group
The RNIB group of charities is made up of the Royal National Institute of Blind People, Action for Blind People, Cardiff, Vales and Valleys, and National Talking Newspapers and Magazines.
Working together as the RNIB Group further increases the impact all the organisations have on the lives of blind and partially sighted people and gives them a better chance of radically improving the availability of high quality services for people with sight loss.
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
Being part of the RNIB group of charities allows RNIB to share skills and knowledge and to help progress towards the implementation of the UK Vision Strategy.
About UK Vision Strategy
The UK Vision Strategy is a united cross-sector initiative to improve eye health and sight loss services across the UK. Over 650 individuals and organisations have played a direct role in creating the Strategy. The Strategy was developed in response to the World Assembly's VISION 2020 resolution. For more information: www.vision2020uk.org.uk/ukvisionstrategy