With the ever-expanding slew of services we offer here at Southampton Sight, it can sometimes be easy to overlook the actual difference we and our amazing partners make in the everyday lives of our members. Keeping the spinning plates of social groups, tech sessions, benefits advice, and more, in motion takes a team of dedicated staff and volunteers who, at times, forget to take a breath and smell the roses.
And so, it is always a genuine delight when we hear back from one of our members whose life has been transformed through our help.
Pat, 86, came to us late last year seeking a helping hand. Living with Age Related Macular Degeneration, Pat was finding life a strain emotionally and financially. Sight loss brings practical challenges, of course, but it can also take a toll on mental wellbeing. Coupled with the added expenses that arise with any impairment, we instantly understood what Pat was experiencing and set to work on her behalf.
Joining one of our quarterly six‑week ‘Visually Impaired Emotional Wellbeing’ (VIEW) courses, developed and led by our mental health practitioner Stuart, who is himself severely sight impaired, Pat met others facing similar challenges and gained the tools to adapt to a life lived differently.
Likewise, funded by the generous folks from the Hospital Saturday Fund, Pat was helped by our ‘Welfare Wise’ team who checked her eligibility and helped complete an Attendance Allowance application on her behalf.
We were delighted to hear that Pat’s application had been successful, and she would now receive a significant boost to her household budget allowing her to live well, better, and safer. But don’t take our word for it – as Pat herself kindly told us:
“I cannot thank Southampton Sight enough for all you have done for me. You have been so kind and understanding, and the extra money I now get will help me get out and about more easily, paying for taxis when I need one. Thank you all so very, very much!”
Now in the process of joining our amazing team of volunteers, Pat is determined to give back to the community which has helped her to be more connected, which is truly the best thanks we could ask for.
If you or anyone you know living with sight loss needs a helping hand, you can contact us at support@southamptonsight.org.uk or call us on 02380 769 882.
Main image description: The photo shows an older man and woman sitting on a bench enjoying the view over a sunny park. There is a dark blue banner across the bottom with white text overlayed which reads “Living Well, Living Wise”
