WILTSHIRE Sight held its second community tea event on Friday 5th July at Melksham Library for those with sight loss, and their families, to meet new people and gain advice.
The session was run by community sight loss advisor, Alan Whetherly, and his guide dog, Judy.
It gave people the opportunity to have a piece of cake and a cup of tea and make friends with others who are in similar situations. Wiltshire Sight also hold a regular drop-in session every second Tuesday of the month at the Library and information and advice days at the Assembly Hall.
Alan Whetherley said, “People with sight loss can often feel very isolated in their homes. The community tea sessions give them a chance to get out and meet new people for a chat and make friends. I am also here to help them with any advice, questions or concerns they have regarding sight loss.
“I work with people on a one-to-one basis as well as raising awareness around sight loss to clients, friends and families; professionals, including Specsavers, Waitrose and the town council, who I am working with on the proposed sensory garden.
“I have also visited Blenheim House, with the hope of visiting other residential homes in the area to talk to residents about sight loss. I visited the Rotary Club and also met the headteacher of River Mead School, in the hope of widening the demographic and speak to children about sight loss.
“We are also hoping to introduce new technology sessions, showing clients how to use tablets with speech, larger displays and more, to help them keep connecting.
“We are very grateful to our sponsors of these events for their support.”
For more information, visit www. wiltshiresight.org.
Scottish & Southern Electricity Network’s Melanie Grace, customer and community advisor, also attended the community tea event to inform visitors of the companies priority services register.
Those who are vulnerable, such as those with sight loss, are eligible to sign up to a free service for extra support when experiencing a power cut.
Support includes priority treatment with a 24 hour phone line, a connection to local emergency services, emergency power supplies, safety advice and provisions during severe weather events.
To enquire about the free service call SSE on 0800 294 3259.
Above: Alan Whetherley and Judy (far left) with community tea guests and SSE’s Melanie Grace (far right).
