Action for Blind People Re-launch National Freephone Helpline

Action opened its revamped National Freephone Helpline for blind and partially sighted people in January. Handling up to 10,000 calls every year, the Helpline offers support and advice to the UK's two million visually impaired people, along with their family and friends.

The Helpline has been relocated from London to a new home in Manchester, where it is staffed by a new team with vast experience in the field of visual impairment. Peter Holton, the Helpline's manager, explains, “the Helpline has always provided an invaluable service to callers, but whereas in the past callers were simply given useful information and advice, we can now take on clients and work with them over a period of time and support them to address their issues.

"For example, if a visually impaired caller is interested in getting re-housed, Action can support that person with the process right through to when they move. To ensure clients' needs are met we also work closely with other organisations and appropriate local service providers, and undertake research if we do not have the information required on hand. Whether our callers are phoning for themselves, or on behalf of a friend or relative, Action’s enhanced Helpline service will benefit blind and partially sighted people across the UK”

The Freephone number is 0800 915 4666 and is open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm.