A centre of excellence to help people with sight loss - run by Action for Blind People, RNIB and Guide Dogs - is to be launched in Liverpool by Lord Mayor, Cllr Sharon Sullivan.
Liverpool's Lord Mayor, Councillor Sharon Sullivan, will join blind and partially sighted people and civic dignitaries to officially launch an expanded service for the city's visually impaired residents, taking place in a ceremony at 10 Duke Street on Tuesday, 26 June.
Three of the country's biggest sight loss charities - Action for Blind People, RNIB and Guide Dogs - are working together to share expertise, providing an easily accessible centre of excellence, designed to give Merseyside one of the most comprehensive sight loss support services in the UK.
Clever gadgets
The facility at 10 Duke Street includes a resource centre, stocked with a range of clever gadgets to help people with sight loss communicate and get out and about. There will be talking clocks and watches, electrical reading devices, easy-to-see remote controls for radios, symbol canes and other mobility equipment.
A range of specialist services will include independent living advice, and help with issues such as travel, leisure, housing, welfare rights, technology, employment and emotional support. The charities will also advise on all issues relating to tax, benefits and other entitlements.
Employment advisors
The employment advisors will provide specialist support and advice to help blind and partially sighted people find employment, start their own businesses or stay in their current jobs following sight loss. Guidance will also be available to employers.
Information and support will be available to blind and partially sighted children, young people and their families, including a range of social, sporting and activity clubs, and events.
Representatives from The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association will be present to assist their service users.
Mobile sight loss service
As part of the launch, Action for Blind People's pioneering mobile Sight Loss Information Service will be visiting and open to the public. The vehicle will be parked in front of the premises at 10 Duke Street.
Stephen Remington, Chief Executive of Action for Blind People, explains: "Increasingly sight loss charities are working more closely together. Action for Blind People is part of the RNIB Group, bringing together a unique combination of complementary strengths and expertise to benefit people with sight loss.
"Specialist help"
"It's about putting the needs of blind and partially sighted people first, avoiding duplication of services and providing experts in one convenient location. This means whether someone needs advice about gaining or retaining employment, living more independently, or making use of technology to overcome a visual impairment - specialist help is available."
Lesley-Anne Alexander, Chief Executive of RNIB, added: "What we've done in Liverpool, in partnership with Action for Blind People and Guide Dogs, is very exciting. We see it as a flagship in the way that services should be provided and we hope the new offices, expertise and support will make a huge difference to the city's blind and partially sighted people, and those at risk of losing all or some of their sight."
For further information about the full range of services provided in Liverpool for people with sight loss, phone 0151 702 5700 or email ActionNorthWest@actionforblindpeople.org.uk The resource centre address is Action for Blind People, 10 Duke Street, Liverpool, L1 5AS.
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Notes for Editors:
For further media information please contact Christopher.dyson@actionforblindpeople.org.uk or phone 0207 635 4921
or out-of-hours 07739 819954
Action for Blind People is a national charity with local reach, providing practical help and support to blind and partially sighted people of all ages. We are part of RNIB Group, bringing together a unique combination of complementary strengths and expertise to deliver services in line with the UK Vision Strategy. If abbreviating "Action for Blind People", please use "Action" rather than AFBP or ABP.