Last week representatives from local sight loss charity Southend in Sight were joined by local MP for Southend East and Rochford, Bayo Alaba, at their Friday drop-in session.

Bayo met with staff and volunteers to find out about the services Southend in Sight offers to local blind and partially sighted people. He then chatted to a few of their regulars over a cup of tea about the challenges they face day to day living with sight loss.

They discussed the sort of barriers that visually impaired people encounter out and about, such as uneven pavements, pavement parking and furniture as well as overhanging shrubbery. They also talked about the long wait for local statutory services. They emphasised how important Southend in Sight is in bridging that gap not only for practical advice and guidance, but also for emotional support.

CEO Lucy Martin said: “We were very pleased to meet with Bayo and to fly the flag for local blind and partially sighted people. It is important to make the people who shape the future of our country aware of the difficulties you might face accessing local services if you are visually impaired. The support we offer here at Southend in Sight gives people the confidence to live well with sight loss”.

The photo shows left to right: Chayse, Ricky, Jan K, MP Bayo Alaba, Jan P, Maggie and CEO Lucy Martin.

For more information on services for local blind and partially sighted people, please contact Southend in Sight on 01702 342131.