The Cost-of-Living Crisis: Collective support for blind and partially sighted people from the Sight Loss Charities

The cost-of-living crisis is having a major impact on the lives of blind and partially sighted people. Many people are becoming increasingly concerned about how they will make ends meet. Sight Loss Charities: Blind Veterans UK, Glaucoma UK, Guide Dogs, Macular Society, Retina UK, RNIB, Thomas Pocklington Trust and Visionary (a membership body representing 115 local sight loss charities throughout the UK) have come together as between us we can offer help and support in areas such as:

1.    Advice and information

2.    Energy providers

3.    Access to food and essentials

4.    Money and benefits advice

5.    Access to technology

6.    Warm spaces and community support

7.    Emotional support

 1.  Advice and information

For specialist advice and information on any aspect of the cost-of-living crisis or for any of the support services listed in this document, blind and partially sighted people, their family, or those supporting them, can call the Sight Loss Advice service helpline on 0303 123 9999 8am-8pm on weekdays and 9am-1pm on Saturdays. We also ensure callers are signposted to appropriate services, organisations and local support which can help. Sight Advice FAQ  can answer questions related to the cost-of-living and there is also a cost-of-living factsheet.

 2. Energy providers

Energy prices are rising. We are engaging with Energy Suppliers and are supporting blind and partially sighted people to access a free Accessible In-Home Display (AIHD) from their supplier. The Priority Services Register is a free support service to ensure people are not without power in vulnerable situations. Contact your energy supplier or network operator to be added to your Priority Services Register.

 3. Access to food and essentials

The cost of food and essentials are going up. We are advising Supermarkets and Food Banks and have shared best practice guidance on supporting blind and partially sighted customers. Food banks are community organisations aimed at supporting people who are unable to afford the essentials Find a Food Bank - The Trussell Trust or access via your local authority.

 4.  Money and benefits advice

We can provide advice on money, benefits, tax allowances, concessions and grants you could be entitled to and support you to apply. We can identify financial help that is available and have handy tips on how to manage your finances independently when you have sight loss. Many people do not claim the benefits to which they are entitled. All blind and partially sighted people should ensure they are maximising their income through this route. The Benefits Calculator can help guide you through the rules and regulations of the benefits, concessions and grants you could be entitled to. We can also offer a free, informal Cost of Living session to learn more about the help and support services available.

 5. Access to technology

Access to technology is important for people with sight loss to be able to access information and maintain independence, however, assistive technology can occur additional costs. We can provide advice and support on technology and related products, including applying for technology grants and data packages.

 6.  Warm spaces and community support

A listing of warm spaces throughout areas of the UK is available via Sight Advice FAQ: Sight Advice FAQ: Warm Spaces. It is important to stay connected, we can help you connect with other blind and partially sighted people over the phone, online and locally via sight loss organisations in your area.

 7.  Emotional support

We can offer Mental Health Wellbeing Checks for blind and partially sighted people. The service is able to offer an hour’s counselling space with a qualified sight loss counsellor.

 Contact

The Sight Loss Charities have consolidated the response to a central point of access to any of the services above, blind and partially sighted people, their family, or those supporting them, can call the Sight Loss Advice service helpline on 0303 123 9999 8am-8pm on weekdays and 9am-1pm on Saturdays. We also ensure callers are signposted to appropriate services, organisations and local support which can help.