A free course in Birmingham will help local people who have lost their sight to regain their confidence and independence.

 

The Living with Sight Loss course, run by the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB), is taking place at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, from 10.30am to 3.30pm on 17, 22, 31 May and 7 June 2018. The four day course will provide information, advice and practical skills for anyone who has sight loss as well as their family and friends.

 

The sessions will provide advice on a range of essential everyday skills such as how to get around outside, information about welfare rights, and using assistive technology.

 

Val Humphries, RNIB Confidence Building Coordinator for the West Midlands, said: “For someone newly diagnosed with sight loss, the future can seem very daunting and scary at first. But losing your sight doesn’t mean losing your independence. Our courses are about improving social inclusion, boosting confidence, and learning new skills and techniques to deal with sight loss in order to live independently.

 

“The Living with Sight Loss course is available to anyone with sight loss. Friends and family are also welcome as we appreciate significant sight issues affect all aspects of a person’s life – including those closest to them.”

 

Phone groups covering similar topics are also available for those unable to attend a course in person. The sessions provide the opportunity to talk to others and exchange experiences. These groups run for four sessions, over four weeks.