SIGHT loss charity Blind Veterans UK has announced a new service to allow it to continue to support blind veterans throughout the coronavirus outbreak.

This National Support Service will see the charity adapt how it supports its 5,000 beneficiaries, many of whom are amongst those most at risk.

More than 90 per cent of the organisation's beneficiaries are over 70 and are being advised by the Government to self-isolate.

Nicky Shaw, Blind Veterans UK Director of Operations said: “Many of the blind veterans we serve are amongst those most at risk from the coronavirus (COVID-19) and of course they have the additional challenge of vision impairment. As a result of this, our immediate priorities have changed.

“Having to self isolate, blind veterans need our help right now with daily tasks, such as the shopping, and constant emotional support through this difficult time. So we are temporarily changing our service and mobilising our staff to provide practical, essential support to help the most vulnerable.

“We’re working with local communities, other charities and local authorities in order to reach as many people as we can and provide a coordinated, efficient response.”

Due to the social distancing restrictions currently in place the National Support Service will be primarily an outreach service on the telephone as well as a practical support service to blind veterans.

Nicky added: “One of the most important things we can do is keep in touch with all our blind veterans by phone but we will also use those calls to identify those with the greatest need.

“Our immediate concerns are to work quickly to help those who are most vulnerable- whether they need food delivered, medication from their pharmacy or a friendly voice over the phone. We are putting on hold our routine work with blind veterans until we are through this crisis so all staff can have an impact on the frontline where it is needed most.

“Regardless of role, all Blind Veterans UK staff, whether they be catering, administrators or fundraising staff, will play their part to make this new service work.”

You can keep updated on the charity's response to coronavirus at blindveterans.org.uk/coronavirus