Press Centre

RNIB and Action for Blind People join forces

Summary: RNIB and Action for Blind people have agreed in principle to combine regional services.

24 October 2008

Two of the leading sight loss charities in the UK – the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) and Action for Blind People – have agreed in principle to combine their services across England in an innovative move which will see Action for Blind People become an associate charity of RNIB. Together the two charities will be able to share skills and expertise to reach more blind and partially sighted people with even better services.

Lesley-Anne Alexander, Chief Executive of RNIB said: “This agreement is great news for blind and partially sighted people in England who will benefit from improved and joined-up services. Together with Action for Blind People we’ve come up with an innovative way of working which means that we can build on the strength of both of our respective organisations while joining forces to be stronger and more effective.”

Stephen Remington, Chief Executive of Action for Blind People said: "Action for Blind People and RNIB share the same goal – to put an individual blind or partially sighted person’s needs at the heart of what we do, which is why combining our services makes so much sense. We want every person affected by sight loss to receive the emotional and practical support they need at the time they need it most. This agreement is a major step on the way to achieving this.”

Under the new arrangement, which will begin formally in April 2009, Action for Blind People will become an Associate Charity of RNIB. Work is now underway to plan the detail for implementation.

[End of media release]

Notes to editors

  • For further media information please contact Ciara Smyth at RNIB’s Press Office on 020 7391 2223 or 07968 482812.

Or

  • Petra Maxwell at Action for Blind People’s Press Office on 020 7635 3027 or 07739 819954

1. Every day another 100 people will start to lose their sight. There are around two 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 0845 766 9999 or visit www.rnib.org.uk.

2. Action for Blind People is an expert national organisation, ensuring blind and partially sighted people get practical support in all aspects of their lives. Contact Action for Blind People’s National Freephone Helpline on 0800 915 4666 or www.actionforblindpeople.org.uk

3. Action for Blind People is breaking down barriers that prevent visually impaired people from achieving the same opportunities as sighted people. If abbreviating “Action for Blind People”, please use "Action" rather than AFBP or ABP.

Content author: pressoffice@rnib.org.uk

Last updated: 20/11/2008 11:13

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