Staying informed - organisations that can help during social distancing

It is a time of rapid change and we are all adapting the way we live and work to follow the national effort against the spread of Coronavirus. For many of us it is a worrying time, so we want to stay in touch and share as much information to help as we can.

Below you will find some organisations offering services and advice which you may find helpful.

If you know of any other services we can add, please comment below and we will keep the list updated.

Sight Advice FAQ

Sight Advice FAQ have added a useful set of Covid-19 questions and answers to help those who have a vision impairment. For example:

I am worried about accessing products and services during the coronavirus pandemic, who can help?
How can I be guided safely during the coronavirus pandemic?

Visit the full set of questions here: www.sightadvicefaq.org.uk/independent-living/Covid-19

RNIB

RNIB are working to support people and provide the latest advice.

5 ways RNIB services can help: www.rnib.org.uk/sight-loss-advice/covid-19-five-ways-rnib-services-can-help
Latest COVID-19 RNIB news: www.rnib.org.uk/covid-19
Supermarkets, prioritisation for those who need it:
www.rnib.org.uk/connect-community/connect-news-and-stories/essential-links-and-information-supermarket-opening-times

VICTA Parent Network

If you are a parent and you haven’t already, please join our VICTA Parent Network Facebook group. It’s a safe space to share experiences, seek encouragement and provide support. We will be posting on here regularly to stay up-to-date with you all:

STRiVE – VICTA Young Ambassadors

The VICTA Young Ambassadors are working on content to help bring young people and young adults together during this time. Follow their social media to stay in touch:

Guide Dogs

Guide Dog’s Specialist Education Support team have selected resources specifically to support parents who have a child with a vision impairment:

www.guidedogs.org.uk/coronavirus/Services/Resources-for-learning-at-home

Look

Look are running support and wellbeing groups online for parents and young people. Stay up-to-date on their latest services on the Look website and on social media:

British Blind Sport

British Blind Sport have joined up with Sport England to launch #StayInWorkOut.

They will be sharing audio exercise programmes covering a wide range of activities such as Yoga, Pilates, Cardio, Bootcamp and Strength among many others. Visit their website to find out more:

britishblindsport.org.uk/stay-in-work-out

View

View are working with RNIB and NatSIP (www.natsip.org.uk/) and other sensory impairment charities to provide support during the Covid-19 crisis. The following page shares links to information on school closures, home learning resources and organisations who support with mental health:

viewweb.org.uk/covid-19

Retina UK

Retina UK are continuing to deliver the charity’s activities, including providing information and support services to those affected by inherited sight loss over the phone and online. Find out more on their website:

retinauk.org.uk/general-news/retina-uk-covid-19-response

VI Talk

If you are looking to stay connected with people while at home, you can join the VI Talk Facebook group. The group has over 3,000 members and is a useful space for asking questions and sharing ideas and information:

Join the VI Talk Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/vitalk
Visit the VI Talk website: www.vitalk.co.uk

Wales Council for the Blind

The Wales Council for the Blind is sharing advice for individuals and groups during the Covid-19 pandemic, detailing how you can stay in touch with organisations in Wales:

www.wcb-ccd.org.uk/coronavirus.php