Blind veterans from the Swansea area were treated to a Christmas celebration at the Swansea Veterans Hub. The event marks the end of a fantastic year of support shown by the hub to Blind Veterans UK, the national charity for vision-impaired ex-Service men and women.
On Friday 28 November, 19 blind veterans gathered at the hub for a Christmas lunch and entertainment, all funded by the hub themselves.
Wayne Jenkins, who is the CEO of the hub, says: “I served myself and it means a great deal to me to ensure we can look after all veterans and that includes being an inclusive and accessable space for blind veterans. It is so important to us that these veterans are integrated into our community and offering this Christmas lunch is part of that service that we provide.”
The Swansea Veterans Hub offers a space throughout the year for blind veterans to come together and gather. The space is offered to Blind Veterans UK to host their monthly meet ups and the hub provides drinks and food.
Wayne says:
“At all times of the year the hub’s doors are open to blind veterans and their families. We pride ourselves on being welcoming and inclusive to all veterans. This year we’ve supported blind veterans in a number of ways including accessing funding for adapted laptops with specialist software so we can support vision impaired veterans with the skills needed in the 21st century such as online banking and shopping.
“In May, we held a special VE Day service for our blind veterans during which they played a big part and we printed the song sheets with larger text.”
Tony Gale, 60, and from Swansea, is one of the veterans who is supported by Blind Veterans UK and the Swansea Veterans Hub. Earlier this year, Tony and his fellow veteran friend Dai, completed a fundraising challenge for both charities in which they made their way around Wales on public buses only.
Tony says:
“I go to the hub every Tuesday and Saturday for a bacon roll and a coffee. It is such a fantastic space for veterans which gets me out of the house. The hub also supports me with transport to hospital appointments and supports me with technology which helps me to maintain my independence.”
Community Support Worker for Blind Veterans UK, Beth Ellis, says:
“I am extremely grateful to the Swansea Veterans Hub for their ongoing support to Blind Veterans UK. Our veterans can sometimes feel isolated and lonely; to have a place that they can visit reguarly, that not only gives them an opportunity to be around other veterans, but also goes above and beyond to ensure their staff understand their specific needs is truly special.”
If you run a veteran’s centre and would like to find out more about how you can support blind veterans living in your community please contact Blind Veterans UK on 0300 111 22 33. For information on other ways you can support Blind Veterans UK including volunteering and fundraising visit blindveterans.org.uk/support-us
Blind Veterans UK supports thousands of blind veterans across the country, but knows there are many thousands more who still need its support to rebuild their lives after sight loss.
If you, or someone you know, served in the Armed Forces, including National Service, and are now struggling with sight loss, then please get in touch. Call 0800 389 7979 or visit blindveterans.org.uk/gethelp
