Action speaks louder than words
Every 15 minutes someone in the UK begins to lose their sight. Currently there are two million blind and partially sighted people in the UK. One in 12 of us will become blind or partially sighted by the age of 60, and this increases to one in six by 75. In our ageing society, this number is only set to increase.
With over 400 different visual impairment organisations and many local providers across the UK, it’s hard for blind and partially sighted people to know where to turn for the right support.
Action for Blind People wants to make it easier.
Ways we can help
One call to Action ensures that visually impaired people receive help with anything from finding a job, applying for benefits, housing issues, aids and adaptations, holiday breaks or information on local services. We can also offer advice to people who have a visually impaired friend or family member. For issues outside our areas of expertise, we have developed a network of partners who are experts in their field and we work with them to get the best possible deal for blind and partially sighted people. We guide people to the right partner, but we don’t stop there. We ensure that the service received was right for them. If it wasn’t then we find out why and help to solve the problem.
Contact Action for Blind People
Inside our Action Teams
Our Action Coordinators can provide tailored support on a wide range of other matters. For example, guiding you through the process of registering as blind or partially sighted, day-to-day living support, information on the role of Social Services and other organisations that can help you.
We also employ specialists who are experts in the fields of employment, housing, welfare rights and assistive technology.
Employment matters
Our Employment Coordinators work hard to prepare visually impaired people for employment, find the right job, or keep their job if they lose their sight whilst working. We can also help employers with the recruitment of blind and partially sighted people and provide advice on equipment and adaptations which can enable them to remain in their job. We also offer Visual Awareness Training to enable employers to understand the needs of their visually impaired employees.
Find out more about Action for Blind People's Employment Services
There’s no place like home
Everyone wants somewhere to live where they feel comfortable and safe. Our Housing Coordinators help people make the right housing choice. We provide real options for blind and partially sighted people about where they live, whether it’s information and support in choosing a new home, or a move to supported housing or residential care.
Find out more about Action for Blind People's Housing Services
Advice on IT
The use of computers and the Internet has become an essential part of peoples’ lives. This is especially important to blind and partially sighted people as they offer access to information at home or at work which they may not otherwise be able to use. Our Assistive Technology Coordinators provide practical support with clients’ needs, ranging from access technology to advice on buying the best computer.
Find out more about Action for Blind People's Assistive Technology Services
Money matters
94% of blind and partially sighted people don’t receive the benefits to which they are entitled, and which can make the difference between getting by and going without. Our Welfare Rights Officers guide visually impaired people and their advisers through the benefits maze, providing specialist advice, assisting with the completion of relevant claim forms and support for reviews, appeals or tribunals. Last year Action ensured that over £1.5 million of benefits went to people who really needed them.
Find out more about Action for Blind People's Welfare Rights Services
The difference between living and existing
Actionnaires clubs; which give visually impaired children the opportunity to participate in a wide range of sports and activities.
Find out more about our Actionnaires Childrens Sports Clubs
Quality, specialist hotels; designed for the comfort and enjoyment of blind and partially sighted people, their friends and families.
Find out more about our Hotels
A mobile service; providing up-to-date, free and impartial advice regarding sight loss, to some of the most remote areas across the UK.
Find out more about Action's Mobile Sight Loss Information Service
Encouraging change; We also work with employers, educational establishments and commercial and public service providers to raise awareness of the needs of visually impaired people. This includes specialist visual awareness training.
Find out more about our Visual Awareness programme
If you or anyone you know has lost or is losing their sight, talk to our experts - talk to Action.
Contact Us
For further information about Action and our services you can call or email us here
Life at Action for Blind People
Before starting work with Action, Julie didn't realise the enormous difficulties faced by blind and partially sighted people.
Employment
Whether it's finding a job or holding onto one following sight loss, our Employment teams provide support and advice to you and your employer.
Housing Service
Finding the right housing for your needs is crucial. Action is here to give you advice about your housing options.
Welfare Rights
We believe that visually impaired people should get all of the benefits they are entitled to. Our Welfare Rights Service aims to guide visually impaired people and their advisers through the benefits maze.
Assistive Technology
Advances in technology are now providing people with the opportunity to communicate more efficiently and effectively and our advisers are here to help.
