Support stepped up for blind and deaf veterans during coronavirus crisis

Deafblind UK is working harder and longer than ever before to support military veterans who have had their sight or hearing reduced as a result of, or since, serving in the armed forces.

Retired Royal Marine Lieutenant Colonel Stephen Conway, who is the charity’s chief executive, said his team was on hand and ready to help.

‘Facing the challenges of making the transition from a military career to life outside the armed forces can be daunting for many veterans, but when compounded by sight and hearing loss those challenges are even more significant,’ he added.

‘We have extended our opening hours and upskilled our teams to enable them to give specialist advice to veterans about pensions and compensation schemes as well as offering emotional support to those who need it.’

Deafblind UK’s helpline is now open between 8am and 8pm every day of the week.

Trained staff are on hand to support people who have any level of sensory loss, their families and anyone who works with them.

They can give practical help, information and advice and offer in-depth emotional support to people who need it.

Simone Moore, director of operations, said the charity was helping people through the crisis by connecting with support groups.

She added: ‘The coronavirus pandemic is affecting a lot of our members, either emotionally or practically.

‘We have connected people to local support groups who can help them to get food, we have summarised news briefings for people who cannot access that information and we have talked to people who are finding isolation and the increased anxiety all too much to deal with.

‘We have also taught people how to use video calls and accessible technology to keep in touch with their family, which is very rewarding to see.

‘We know that there are a lot more people out there who are affected by sight and hearing loss, who are facing the same challenges as our members.’

Britain has approximately 2.5 million veterans, with Hampshire having one of the largest veteran communities in the UK.

To contact the helpline call 0800 132320, text 07950 008870. People can also use a text-to-speech relay by calling 18001 followed by 0800 132320.

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