Dawn Parkinson with her British Wireless Concerto 2 radio. She says she doesn’t get to go out much and enjoys listening to talking books on it.

Free radios for visually impaired

Visually impaired people in East Sussex can benefit from FREE specially adapted radios – and are invited to see if they are eligible to apply. Please spread the word to anyone you know.

British Wireless for the Blind Fund (BWBF) provides the equipment to those with sight loss across the UK who meet the criteria.

Radio is a lifeline to those who are blind and partially sighted, as they often lead lonely lives, unable to read or watch the television. A radio becomes their vital way of keeping in touch with the outside world and also provides companionship.

BWBF issues sets to those who are registered blind or partially sighted, over the age of eight, resident in the UK and in receipt of a means-tested benefit.

The charity currently supports almost 350 visually impaired people in East Sussex, but estimates there are at least another 600 who could benefit from its service.

British Wireless has launched a campaign called Reaching Out in East Sussex to try and increase referrals for its sets and help more people who are blind. As part of this drive, the charity is contacting local organisations for help with getting in touch with those people who could benefit from its service.

Regional Development Manager for the South East, Simon Parsons, said: “We’ve done a lot of research into gathering data about the numbers of people with sight loss across the UK and we know we could be reaching more people in East Sussex.

“We’ve got volunteers ready and willing to distribute our radios so we’re hoping to be able to help the hundreds of people we know are out there and eligible.

“Our radios are vital to someone who cannot see – they provide news, information and entertainment but also, more importantly, companionship and a friendly voice.”

If you live in East Sussex and qualify for a set, or think someone you know does, please contact Mr Parsons via simon@blind.org.uk or 07545 230017.

If people don’t qualify for a BWBF radio on free loan, they can purchase one from sister company, BWBF Direct, which donates all its profits back to the charity. To find out more, go to bwbfdirect.co.uk

British Wireless for the Blind Fund is a national charity with a regional focus which aims to improve the daily lives of visually impaired and blind people. To find out more about British Wireless for the Blind Fund, follow them on Twitter @BritishWireless, like them on Facebook or go to their website. 

John Baines is pictured here with his British Wireless for the Blind Fund Sonata Plus radio. He says it helps combat the loneliness sight loss can bring.

Also in: Campaigns