PEOPLE with sight loss in South Gloucestershire will be given practical and emotional support through free courses held by a national charity.


The two-day Finding Your Feet and six week Living with Sight Loss courses, run by Action for Blind People, are designed to support visually impaired people of all ages also in Bristol in overcoming fear of isolation and helping them adjust to sight loss.


Participants will share experiences, supporting each other in regaining confidence and independence.


Delivered in partnership with a number of local and national organisations, including Bristol libraries and Guide Dogs, both courses are designed to increase confidence, with modules addressing emotional well-being, looking after your eyes and making the most of leisure time.

The programme also recognises that partners and friends are affected by the issues of sight loss and they are encouraged to attend as well.


Alice Archer, from Action for Blind People, said: “For someone newly diagnosed with sight loss, the future can seem very daunting and scary at first. But losing your sight doesn’t mean losing your independence.


"Both courses are about improving social inclusion, boosting confidence, and learning new skills and techniques to deal with sight loss in order to live independently.”


The courses will be held at the charity’s offices at 10 Still House Lane in Bedminster and the six week course will begin on Tuesday, April 21, and the two-day course on Wednesday, May 6.


Places are free on both courses, but must be booked in advance by calling 0117 953 7750 or emailing Bristol@actionforblindpeople.org.uk.