Issue nine

100 years of the Wrens Former Wrens celebrate centenary during Women’s Military Week at our Brighton Center Page 5

Research and Gold medal garden Veteran’s innovation The creativity of our Gateway Experts and charities join beneficiaries, volunteers We partner with the Armed forces against blindness and staff members Forces community Page 3 Page 4 Page 7 2 | Welcome

Welcome to your Blind Veterans UK Bulletin As part of our recent strategy review, we expanded our team of rehabilitation officers for the vision-impaired (ROVIs). Here, Jo Sinkins, a ROVI at our Brighton centre, talks about the work of the team in our centres and communities throughout the UK.

t’s often during their introduction week veterans’ needs. If identified they would soon as possible in our veteran’s sight Iat one of our centres that a new benefit from early ROVI intervention, this loss journey. That’s why we are delighted beneficiary gets to meet a ROVI for the could be the first time the beneficiary that the Department of Health has first time and learn about all the support will meet within the organisation. The updated the new ophthalmic we can offer them. This may include community ROVI will work on solutions guidelines for the Certificate of Vision adapting a veteran’s house, equipment, or home based assessment. They also Impairment, which signposts to our training and rehabilitation. Many of these provide home training and rehabilitation charity for the first time. You can read veterans are referred to us by for veterans that are not able to visit one more about our involvement in this organisations such as RNIB and health of our centres. important project here. and social services. We also have high hopes our number of referrals will be Of course, it’s the earlier the better in Another major benefit of having ROVIs in boosted by the launch of the new terms of the difference our ROVI’s can 19 different communities across the UK is Veterans’ Gateway service. make, and we want to start helping as that it allows us to attend and provide support to veterans at more events like When a veteran visits us for their Women’s Military Week. Also, we now introduction week they often tell us that have a greater capacity to assess what the week has changed their life and support a beneficiary might need to get given them new hope. They get access to involved in an activity they want to take great professionals who help them part in. Our art and craft instructors receive the holistic support they need recently worked with our veterans to and open their mind to new possibilities. create incredible pieces like bird houses This could include learning new skills or and mosaics to adorn our garden at the trying activities like gardening, art and Hampton Court Palace Flower Show. craft sessions, playing a sport, or even reading again. Finally, one of the biggest benefits of having ROVIs in different areas is that it Previously, learning about Blind Veterans allows us to increase our understanding UK and the wealth of support we offer of a particular region and how we can could leave some veterans and their best target and support veterans living families feeling overwhelmed with lots there. This can play an important role of new information. But now, following in supporting advocacy initiatives, our restructure, our regional teams of “ROVIs give veterans research and innovation, as well as ROVIs can reach and support veterans the opportunity to help us connect with more local even quicker and spend more time with authorities, charities and businesses. them in their own homes and local return to activities Working in partnership is a really great communities. This is better for our way for us to extend our reach and veterans, as it means they don’t need to they enjoy and be improve the lives of many more blind worry about catching everything they’re independent again.” veterans and their families. told during their first week with us.

The regional ROVIs are also involved with assessments and training at every Jo Simkins Kind regards, point of our support, depending on the Jo Simkins 3 | Our news Science against blindness

Seminar “Life Beyond Sight Loss”. From the back row, left to right: Dr. Glenn Cockerham, Dr. Renata Gomes, Dr. Robert A. Mazzoli, Dr. Heidi Baseler, Dr. Kimberly Cockerham, Dr. Thomas Zampieri, Nick Caplin

Blind Veterans UK was recently involved in two important initiatives which focused on preventing blindness through scientific research.

Brain injuries and sight loss Renata also said that her department will In May, we hosted the first in a series work with other experts who attended the of Life Beyond Sight Loss research “Currently, 70% seminar to develop recommendations for seminars. Held in London, the event of Armed Forces doctors and governments about traumatic brought together six military and non- brain injuries and their links to sight loss. military experts on traumatic brain personnel who injuries and sight loss from the UK and suffer blast Age-related macular US. They discussed a range of topics degeneration including vision trauma research, veteran traumatic brain In June, Blind Veterans UK, Fight for Sight rehabilitation and vision conditions injuries while on and the Macular Society joined forces caused by traumatic brain injuries. to host a global summit on age-related duty complain of (AMD). This Speaking about the seminar, Renata vision conditions involved 58 international scientists and Gomes, Head of Research and Innovation funders meeting at the Wellcome Genome at Blind Veterans UK, revealed why the which may lead Centre near Cambridge to discuss ways to focus is so important: “Currently, 70% of to blindness.” prevent early stage AMD developing into Armed Forces personnel who suffer blast a blinding form of the condition. traumatic brain injuries while on duty Renata Gomes complain of vision conditions which may Head of Research If you want to know more about lead to blindness. We want to be at the and Innovation our research program, please forefront of research that investigates this of Blind Veterans UK contact Renata Gomes by the email and prevents loss of sight.” [email protected] 4 | Our news Our award-winning garden After winning a gold medal and the Best Construction heads to Brighton Award at the RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show, Blind Veterans UK’s show garden has now moved to our Brighton centre, where it will be enjoyed by blind veterans for many years to come.

he “It’s all about community” garden T was created by celebrated designers Andrew Fisher Tomlin and Dan Bowyer, and was officially opened on the first day of the flower show by our new Patron, Her Royal Highness The Countess of Wessex.

The aim of the garden is to celebrate the Her Royal Highness The Countess of Wessex and vision-impaired veterans vibrancy and creativity of our beneficiaries, volunteers and staff “Our garden reflects this sense of members. It was also carefully designed community, exploring many different to offer sensory stimulus to blind and aspects of what Blind Veterans UK vision-impaired people through its does: bringing people together, textures, blocks of colour and fragrances. supporting passive and active therapy, providing vital life skills and Highlights from the garden include independence, offering learning, impressive woven willow sculptures created training and recreation opportunities. by renowned artist Tom Hare. Sinuous and organic in form, they twist around the “I’m delighted that the garden will now whole garden and are constructed from live on in its new home in Brighton, and contrasting dark and pale willow. will continue to be enjoyed by the whole Blind Veterans UK community for years Raising the charity’s profile Sculptures created by veterans to come.” Major General (Rtd) Nick Caplin CB, Chief The garden also features ornamental Executive of Blind Veterans UK, added, trees, edible and heavily scented plants “This garden, at the prestigious RHS and flowers, an orchard, a kitchen garden “Our garden Hampton Court Palace Flower Show, was a and beautifully crafted metalwork gates reflects this sense fantastic opportunity to reach out to the which resemble tree branches. In thousands of blind veterans out there who addition, visitors to the garden also got to of community, don’t know they’re entitled to our support. enjoy a number of art and craft sculptures and features made by our own blind and exploring many “Blind Veterans UK has set an ambitious vision-impaired veterans. different aspects target to double the number of veterans we support in the next five years. This garden Garden designer Andrew Fisher Tomlin of what Blind represents the community of blind veterans said, “The blind veterans, volunteers and Veterans UK does.” that we hope to grow. As the average age of staff are an inspiring community that the veterans we support is rising, we have come together to ensure veterans recover Garden designer now extended our services to provide more their independence and discover a life Andrew Fisher Tomlin practical and emotional support closer to beyond sight loss. our beneficiaries’ own communities.” 5 | How we can help

Celebrating 100 years of the Wrens

Former Wrens with currently serving Royal Navy women This year marks the 100th anniversary of the foundation of the Women’s Royal Naval Service (WRNS). To celebrate their centenary, and to raise awareness of Blind Veterans UK among former Wrens, we held a Women’s Military Week at our Brighton centre, between 14–20 May.

uring the week, some of the former that age-related macular degeneration codebreaking of German messages. She DWrens we currently support were was affecting her sight. talks about this critical work during the treated to a special visit from women who Second World War and how she’s are serving in the Royal Navy today. They “Blind Veterans UK has given me my benefited from our support later in life in a enjoyed a lunch together and chatted independence again,” says Lorna. new video on our website. You can watch about life in the Armed Forces, 100 years “They’ve given me so much help and this at blindveterans.org.uk/wren of women in the Navy and the difference equipment. It’s brilliant. I also really Blind Veterans UK is making to the lives enjoyed Women’s Military Week and of ex-Service women with sight loss. having the chance to meet other Wrens Did you know? The Women’s Royal Naval Service and fellow veterans, including a lady who was founded in November 1917. Currently, over 120 blind and vision- served at Bletchley Park, the same as me!” It was the women’s branch of the impaired Wrens benefit from our wide Royal Navy until 1993, when it was range of services. But recent research Lorna was one of 600 Wrens who served integrated with the Royal Navy. conducted by us revealed that there are at Bletchley Park and was involved in the as many as 2,500 former Wrens in the UK who are eligible for our support but do not receive it. This is mainly because they “We were delighted to join in the do not know who we are or what help we special event at Blind Veterans UK’s can offer them. Brighton centre to celebrate 100 years We need to reach more Wrens of the Wrens and all women who have It’s vital, therefore, that we reach many more women like 92-year-old Lorna served in the Armed Forces.” Cockayne. She was referred to us in 2016, Commander Ally Pollard, Royal Navy after a check-up at her opticians revealed 6 | Our news Armed Forces Day success On Armed Forces Day, which fell on Saturday 24 July this year, many of our blind veterans, staff members and volunteers attended events across the UK to represent our charity and promote our work.

Liverpool – beneficiary Brian Eldridge proudly carried our standard at a parade held as part of this year’s national Armed Forces Day event in Liverpool. Brian then headed to our stand in the veterans village to help other blind veterans and charity staff members spread awareness of our work and raise money to support it.

Plymouth – blind veteran John Evans and his wife, Jan, enjoyed a fantastic day on the coast, meeting a variety of local organisations and chatting to the public about our work.

National Memorial Arboretum, Alrewas, near Lichfield – at the home of Remembrance in the UK, long-time volunteer and beneficiary Diane Brian Eldridge at the national event in Liverpool Mountford and her husband, Richard, helped to spread awareness of Blind A big thank you to all our volunteers, Veterans UK and the support we offer. exhibitors and standard bearers who helped What is Armed to make this year’s Armed Forces Day such a Cleethorpes – former Signalman success. Your support really does lead to Forces Day? Charlie Eastwood carried the Blind many more people understanding what we Armed Forces Day (formally Veterans UK standard during a parade do and potential beneficiaries getting in Veterans Day) was established along the seafront. After the parade, touch with the charity. in 2006 and is held on the last Charlie and his wife, Jacqueline, hosted Saturday of June. It offers a Blind Veterans UK stall, which led the public an opportunity to to them meeting many members of If you missed this year’s celebrate and show their the public and ex-Service men and event but would like to get support for the men and women women who may be eligible to receive involved in Armed Forces Day 2018, who make up the Armed Forces our support. please speak to Jack French community, including serving [email protected]. troops and their families, Cromer – blind veteran Chris Humphries You can also find out more veterans and cadets. and his wife, Hazel, promoted Blind information about the event at Veterans UK at an Armed Forces Day www.armedforcesday.org.uk event in a very hot North Norfolk. 7 | How we can help

A gateway to the Blind Veterans UK is proud to be one of 30 expert partners supporting right support Veterans’ Gateway, a new referred to between three to 10 charities 24-hour online and phone before they eventually receive the Who is supporting support they need. service for the Armed Veterans’ Gateway? Forces community in the Speaking about the importance of the Veterans’ Gateway is backed by Veterans’ Gateway, Nick Caplin CB, UK and abroad. a consortium of organisations and Chief Executive of Blind Veterans UK, Armed Forces charities, including he aim of Veterans’ Gateway is to said, “We know many vision-impaired The Royal British Legion, SSAFA – be the first point of contact for veterans struggle with sight loss for years T the Armed Forces Charity, veterans and their families who are before being signposted to our support. Poppyscotland, Combat Stress and seeking support about anything from Whether they are young or old, we hope service provider Connect Assist. healthcare to housing, employability to that this new initiative will refer all ex- finances and personal relationships to Service men and women to the support In addition, over 30 organisations mental wellbeing. that they need and deserve. It will benefit from the the whole military family.” military and Funded by The Armed Forces Covenant, non-military the service was developed after To find out more about not-for-profit independent research commissioned Veterans’ Gateway, please sector,

by Veterans’ Gateway confirmed that visit veteransgateway.org.uk. You, a EX-SERVICE AND FACING including Blind HOUSING DIFFICULTIES? veterans and their loved ones are veteran or one of their family members WE CAN HELP. Vetrans UK, When you need support, make Veterans’ Gateway your first point of contact. Through a network of organisations supporting the ex-service community, we can connect struggling to access services that can also call 0808 802 1212 or text you or your family directly to the help you’re looking for are providing – wherever and whenever you need it. For 24-hour support Go to veteransgateway.org.uk are right for them. Results from the or call 0808 802 1212 81212 to speak to one of the service’s expert support research revealed that the military advisers, many of which are veterans. and advice. charity sector leaves 64% of veterans You can also send an email to or live #hereforveterans ‘confused’, and 20% of veterans are chat with an adviser via the website. 8 | How we can help A fruitful partnership

John Dew during outdoors’s IT training session in Llandudno

Working closely together, Blind Veterans UK and the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) are making sure people affected by sight loss receive the all-round support they need.

ne of the many people to have to develop age-related macular and from the ophthalmologist Obenefitted from this partnership is degeneration in both eyes. But thanks department of the University of Wales 87-year-old John Dew, a former member to the support and equipment he’s in Cardiff, he feels in control of his of the Royal Army Medical Corps who received from Blind Veterans UK, RNIB situation again and is living life to lives in Cardiff. He was recently referred the full. to us from the Cardiff Institute for the Blind, which is part of the RNIB Group. “Blind Veterans UK gave me a tablet,” “The two says John. “I can take photos on it, “The two organisations do a wonderful watch old comedy clips, write and read job,” says John. “They’ve been helping organisations do emails, and ask anything I want to know me to keep independent and active. a wonderful job. about gardening, as it searches for This is very important to me because I videos and tips to help me. Meanwhile, live by myself and I really enjoy taking They’ve been the Cardiff Institute for the Blind is care of my own house and doing helping me to always in touch, asking how I am, activities such as gardening, growing if I need any support at home or inviting fruit and vegetables in my greenhouse keep independent me to activities and social events.” and looking after my fish.” and active.” John lost his central vision after his If you are interested in working macular nerve was injured during John Dew in partnership, please contact surgery. Years later, he began [email protected] 9 | How we can help

Certificate of Vision Impairment

Derek Twigg MP and blind veteran Simon Brown

We are delighted to announce that a new Certificate of Vision Impairment form for opthamologists has been launched by the Department of Health which should result in many more veterans receiving our life-changing support.

his is the result of Blind Veterans UK Achieving this important addition to the T working closely with a group of CVI form’s guidelines is the culmination of Helpful booklet for people other charities, led by the RNIB, to a lot of hard work which dates back to experiencing sight loss support the development of the new 2014. Since then, we have spoken to MPs Certificate of Vision Impairment (CVI) and representatives from the Department The new CVI form also refers form. The CVI form is issued by of Health about the need to revisit the people to Sight loss: What we consultant ophthalmologist to a patient guidelines, and worked with partners in needed to know, a booklet if they have been assessed as vision- the sight loss sector to provide better developed by a group of sight impaired, a process which is often the information to vision-impaired people loss charities with people at first opportunity for people to learn about about sources of support. different stages the information and support services that of their sight are available to them. In response to the launch of the new CVI loss journey. form, Lara King, Group Manager of Blind Please direct Now, for the first time, the explanatory Veterans UK’s No One Alone Campaign, vision-impaired notes provided with the CVI form advise said: “We know that almost one quarter people you consultant ophthalmologists to ask their (24 percent) of our veterans go six years come into patients if they have ever served in the or more before receiving our life-changing contact with Armed Forces. If the patient has, the services and support. The new guidelines to it. notes indicate that they should be are a great opportunity to reach vision- signposted to Blind Veterans UK, a key impaired veterans at the point of For more information about step whioch should help us reach more of diagnosis, and ensure that no one who the work of Blind Veterans UK the 59,000 ex-Service men and women in has served their country has to battle and the new CVI, please visit the UK who are eligible for our support. sight loss alone.” blindveterans.org.uk/newCVI 9 | Get involved

Upcoming No One Alone events The No One Alone campaign team regularly attend speaking and exhibition events out in the community. Pop along and see us to find out more!

September November

Saturday 16 Tuesday & Wednesday 7-8 Macular Society Annual Conference, London Sight Village, London

Wednesday 20 Thursday 9 Low Vision Day Exhibition, Bognor Regis Sight Support Derbyshire Exhibition, Chesterfield Thursday 21 Low Vision Day Exhibition, Shoreham Thursday 9 Sight Support Derbyshire Exhibition, Chesterfield Friday 22 SELVis Exhibition, London Bridge Monday 13 Devon in Sight Roadshow, Cullompton Tuesday 26 VisionZone Exhibition, Leeds Tuesday 14 Wednesday 27 Devon in Sight Roadshow, Tavistock Cardiff Institute for the Blind Exhibition Wednesday 15 Wednesday 27 Devon in Sight Roadshow, Budleigh Salterton Sight Village, Manchester Wednesday 15 October Carers Hub, Bath

Wednesday 4 Thursday 16 Eye Contact 2017, Ageas Bowl Devon in Sight Roadshow, Torquay

Friday 7 December Ride to the Wall, National Memorial Arboretum Monday 4 Wednesday 11 Visionaid & Norfolk & Norwich Association for the Bind Sight Matters Exhibition, Folkestone Exhibition, Norwich

Wednesday 18 Tuesday 5 4Sight Exhibition, Chichester Visionaid & Norfolk & Norwich Association for the Blind Exhibition, Cromer Thursday 19 4Sight Exhibition, Haywards Heath Wednesday 13 Exhibition, Portsmouth Saturday 21 St. Thomas’ Hospital Low Vision Day, Westminster

Tuesday 24 Merton Vision Open Day

If you’d like to invite a member of the team or one of our veterans to one of your events, please email us at [email protected]. We’ll do our best to support your event.