Friends and Family

Information for carers

Summary: Sources of help for people who are carers of blind or partially sighted people.

• Talk to other people
• You and your rights
• RNIB Regional Services
• About sight loss
• Other sources of help

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A carer is someone who regularly provides substantial unpaid care to friend, relative or partner to help them stay living at home. As a carer you may be looking after a blind and partially sighted person or you may have a sight problem yourself.

Caring for someone can be a lonely and frustrating job at times. We can put you in contact with sources of help and support.

Talk to other people

Join our family, carers and friends message board. Here you can read about other people's experiences, share your own or ask questions. The message board is non-judgemental and supportive.

If you have a particular question or are looking for further information, contact our Helpline - helpline@rnib.org.uk / 0845 766 9999 / 020 7388 2525. We can offer advice and support.

You and your rights

Find out about benefits for carers.

The book caring for someone with a sight problem published with Age Concern England can be ordered from the online shop or from Customer Services on 0845 702 3153 / 01733 37 53 50.

RNIB Regional Services

South West England

We support carers who live in the South West of England. Find out more about how we can support you. We offer:

• information and advice to carers by telephone and in person including home visits if preferred
• help for carers who need additional support
• meetings between carers and with experts to help carers to gain expertise and knowledge in their role
• links to other sources of information and advice
• leisure events for carers
• training and information sessions to help carers in their role.

We are also working to develop networks of volunteers to give local support to carers and people they care for.

For more information please contact:

Philippe Cazalis
Family and Carers Services Officer
RNIB South West
Email: philippe.cazalis@rnib.org.uk
Direct line: 0117 934 1714
Mobile: 07904 33 35 28

About sight loss

If you are new to sight loss, here are some useful links to get you started:

• adapting to sight loss - a guide to information and services for people newly diagnosed
• eye information - information about eye conditions and the what to expect from treatments and appointments
• registration as blind or partially sighted - how and why to register
• make the most of your sight - changes around the home to make things easier to see
• how to guide people with sight problems
• online shop - buy products and publications.

Other sources of help

• Princess Royal Trust for Carers
• Young Carers
• Caring for someone - DirectGov information

Content author: webeditor@rnib.org.uk

Last updated: 20/11/2008 11:13