Blind Veterans UK are working hard to ensure the most vulnerable veterans we support are receiving everything they need right now.

More than 90% of those we help are over 70 and so most at risk from the Coronavirus (COVID-19) in the coming months. As a result we have refocused our priorities to ensure that the most vulnerable veterans we support receive everything they need right now, but we need your support.

Supporting the most vulnerable

Having to self-isolate, our older beneficiaries need our help right now. Help with daily tasks, such as shopping, picking up medication, and constant emotional support through this difficult time. For that reason we've temporarily changed our service model, and introduced the National Support Service, mobilising our staff to provide practical, essential support to help the most vulnerable and isolated veterans.

How you can help ;

We need your support to be able to deliver this new service direct to those who need it the most.

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, these small things could be a lifeline under the current circumstances.

To deliver this service, Blind Veterans UK need:

£14 to fund 1 hour of support

£113 will fund a full day of support

£35,250 per week to run our National Support Service Helpline

£141,000 to be there for our ex-servicemen and women for a whole month

In mid-March we introduced our National Support Service in response to the COVID-19 Crisis. The National Support Service was:

- providing telephone and practical support to blind veterans through regular calls

- linking them up with volunteers and local community groups to help with shopping and other everyday things.

- working with other sight loss and veterans charities, local communities and Local Authorities to join up this support.

The whole charity pulled together to contact all our blind veterans and provide immediate support to those who needed it and by the end of April, we had spoken to 98% of the all those we support. During this time we have been gathering feedback about the things that blind veterans were finding difficult, missing or needed help with so that we could develop into the next phase of the service.

What we are doing now:

Our National Support Service is now working on ways to keep our veterans connected with each other and provide additional support to those who need it.

We are using remote means to help us comply with current social distancing guidance. This may be through bringing veterans together in small telephone or online groups for chats, entertainment or to pursue hobbies; or by providing training and equipment so that they can get on with the things they want to do, such as developing IT skills, keeping fit or taking up a new interest.

Our two training and rehabilitation centres in Brighton and Llandudno remain closed to all except the permanent residents at the Brighton centre and our care staff there continue to provide outstanding levels of care and support to those residents.

After extensive testing we have confirmed that our Brighton centre is completely free of Coronavirus so we are now able to allow families to visit their relatives in our garden. We are taking all necessary measures to ensure that everyone remains safe and protected.

Find out how your support is helping Ken to battle isolation via technology: https://www.blindveterans.org.uk/coronavirus-covid-19-updates/kens-story/

We cannot reach all those who need us without your help. We know that times are difficult for many people, but if you are able to, please donate today.