Sight loss charity wins cash boost to help it continue work across Lancashire

Community Foundation for Lancashire has donated £5,000 to sight loss charity Galloway’s, which has centres in Penwortham, Chorley, Morecambe and Southport. The money is from the Lancashire COVID-19 Community Support Fund and National Emergencies Trust.

As the charity has temporarily suspended face-to-face social groups, sight loss advisors are ringing up blind and partially sighted people on a regular basis, providing advice and support. They have set up Talking Together, a teleconferencing facility which allows people to dial in and talk to each other.

The charity also keeps people up to date through its monthly What’s Going On Guide, which includes information on its services, eye clinics, as well as where to turn to for local community support.

Adele Dewhurst, sight loss advisor at Galloway’s in Penwortham, said: “We are very grateful for the support from Community Foundation for Lancashire, as it enables us to continue to deliver our services to blind and partially sighted people in the area.

“Our sight loss advisors speak to a number of service users each week and we usually chat about how they are feeling and how they are keeping occupied.

“If people are feeling lonely and isolated, a weekly call can help lift their mood and make them feel that they are not alone.

“We know people are missing their friends at the regular social groups, so we have set up regular Talking Together group phone calls. This has been a great success with everyone saying how much they enjoy it.

“We want people to know are always here to support them.”

Rae Brooke, Chief Executive for the Community Foundation for Lancashire, said: “Galloway’s, who is providing a vital lifeline to improve the mental wellbeing of blind and partially sighted people in Lancashire, is amongst the many incredible organisations we have supported. We know the detrimental impact of this emergency will be evident over the long term and to enable us to continue supporting the work of groups like Galloway’s, we are calling on those able to do so to donate to the Lancashire COVID-19 Community Support Fund.”