Llandudno-based sight loss charity Blind Veterans UK has today released a statement regarding the changes to its services based on the latest advice on the Covid-19 (coronavirus).
Kathy Boardman, Blind Veterans UK Llandudno Centre Manager, said:
“Due to the increase in confirmed cases in the UK over recent days and advice that elderly people or people with pre-existing health conditions should avoid crowds, we will be temporarily changing the way we maintain our services to the blind veterans we support.
“These are preventative measures, aimed to ensure the safety of blind veterans we support. To date no one within Blind Veterans UK has been diagnosed with Covid-19.
“Our training and rehabilitation centre in Llandudno is suspending routine stays and visits from blind veterans for the next four weeks in order to reduce the risk of the virus spreading.
“We have also decided to suspend all large-group community activities and events involving blind veterans for the next four weeks. This will be reviewed on a rolling weekly basis.
“The average age of the blind veterans we support is 87 and these steps are designed to best protect this at risk group.
“Our staff and volunteers will continue with scheduled visits to blind veterans in their homes as this is considered a low risk activity for blind veterans and staff and crucial for helping to avoid the social isolation that many of them experience.
“Veterans will be contacted before any visit to ensure they do not have symptoms and staff and volunteers have been provided with all the necessary information on being especially diligent about handwashing between visits.
“These policies will be regularly reviewed to allow us to best protect the blind veterans we support whilst continuing to provide the training, equipment and emotional support that is so important.”
Blind Veterans UK
Blind Veterans UK helps vision-impaired ex-Service men and women of every generation rebuild their lives after sight loss. Since 1915 the charity has provided rehabilitation, training, practical advice and emotional support to tens of thousands of blind veterans.
Blind Veterans UK currently supports more blind veterans than ever before in the charity’s history, but it knows there are many more who still need its support to rebuild their lives following their sight loss.
For all media enquiries please contact:
Mark Wheeler – Senior Communications Manager 020 7616 7980 / 07894 930352 / mark.wheeler@blindveterans.org.uk
