©InfoFor people with visual impairments, such as Brenda Hall, the world can sometimes seem a lonely and challenging place – so she always looks forward to visits from her Red Cross volunteer.
The British Red Cross runs a care in the home project in Wales – the tenancy support service – specially designed to help sight-impaired people in their own homes. The service, funded by Carmarthenshire Council, involves Red Cross workers visiting those who might be struggling with day-to-day tasks.
‘Out and about’
Brenda, from Llanelli, enjoys her weekly visits from support worker Carl Chant. She said: “I’ve been registered blind all my life but now I also have hearing problems, which makes it very difficult to socialise.
“My wonderful guide dog Duke enables me to get out and about, but sometimes I need human contact. Carl encourages me to chat with the neighbours and go out for walks.”
The workers provide practical support, such as helping with utility services or bills, and also ensure the homes they visit are hazard-free. On top of that, they also encourage beneficiaries to go out more.
More confident
Brenda added: “The Red Cross has been fantastic. Carl’s such a lovely, warm character and I really look forward to his visits. Now I feel more confident about getting out – and it’s so nice not to be stuck in the house all the time.”
Laura Lewis, service manager, said: “Our support workers allow service users to do things they might otherwise not have the opportunity to do. Our main aim is to help people build confidence and gain some independence, rather than doing everything for them.”
Learn more about care in the home
Become a care in the home volunteer