Emma Lewell-Buck MP has pledged to ensure that Armed Forces veterans will not have to battle blindness alone at a special parliamentary reception.
The reception was organised by Blind Veterans UK, the national charity for vision impaired ex-Service men and women. The event hoped to raise awareness of the charity and to encourage all local authorities to work with Blind Veterans UK to reach out to more veterans so that they are able to access the Charity’s free services and support.
The call for support from local authorities comes after it was found that of the 4000+ veterans Blind Veterans UK currently supports, almost a quarter of these struggled with severe sight loss for six years or more before they found out about the support available from the Charity. In addition, new research from Blind Veterans UK estimates that currently there are 59,000 Armed Forces and National Service veterans battling severe sight loss, most of whom are missing out on the free, lifelong support of Blind Veterans UK.
Emma Lewell-Buck MP said: “Losing your sight can be a terrifying experience that is why I am pleased to pledge my support to Blind Veterans UK by helping to ensure that no veterans in my constituency will have to battle blindness alone. It is vital we all work to honour the Armed Forces Covenant and make sure everyone who comes into contact with blind ex-Service men and women signpost them to Blind Veterans UK for free, lifelong support.”
If you are, or know of, a veteran with severe vision impairment and would like more information about Blind Veterans UK’s free, lifelong support go to www.noonealone.org.uk or call freephone 0800 389 7979.
