Visual Impairment

Support for visual impairment in Henfield:

• 4Sight Vision Support
  Supports visually impaired people of all ages throughout West Sussex, with personalised health and wellbeing advice, clubs, activities, technology and equipment. They have two centres, in Shoreham-by-Sea and Bognor Regis. Visit 4sight.org.uk or call 01243 828 555 for more information, opening hours, to book an appointment or to receive a list of groups and activities in your area.

• Macular Society
  Advice, support and research for those with macular conditions. Visit macularsociety.org or call the helpline on 0300 3030 111.

• RNIB
  Information and advice with all aspects of living well with sight loss – aids, technology, benefits, education, staying connected, living independently, eye health, access to books and media in different formats etc. Extensive online shop. Call the helpline on 0303 123 9999 or visit rnib.org.uk.

• Henfield Computer Club
  Meets Wednesdays 10-12 in the Garden Room, Henfield Hall. Free and friendly help and advice with getting the best out of your phone, laptop, tablet or PC, and how to set up accessible modes.

• Henfield Library
  The library has a range of large print books and audio formats, and other titles are available through apps such as U Library available from the West Sussex Libraries website. On Fridays 10-12 there are digital support volunteers on hand to help with using the library website and apps, and to answer technology questions such as accessibility features.

• Blatchington Court Trust
  Support, information and empowerment for people with VI under 30 and their families, in East and West Sussex. Services include benefits advice, educatonal advocacy, grants, events and activities, wellbeing. Contact blatchingtoncourt.org.uk, 01273 727222, info@blatchingtoncourt.org.uk.

• Look Sussex
  Small local charity that supports families in East and West Sussex with a child who is blind or visually impaired. Free events almost every month for the whole family. Visit looksussex.org.uk or Facebook.com/LookSussex.

How to Support People who are Blind or have Sight Loss

People who are blind or have a sight loss may need additional help with finding their way around your environment.

We can all help by understanding and following some simple guidance.

Top tips…

• At all times allow time for communication and understanding.

• Approach them sensitively and let them know you are approaching by talking to them clearly and calmly.  

• Introduce yourself and let them know what your role or job is.

• Establish how they would like to be supported.

• If they appear to need physical guidance or support, seek their permission first before touching them in any way.  Normally, any contact should only be on the forearm or upper arm / shoulder in order to guide gently.

• Ensure your environment is free of trip or other hazards.

• Move any particular hazards if you can.

• Do not assume dependence, enable as much independence as possible.

• In addition, there are other environmental factors which can support someone with sight loss:

  • Having a lighter area or moving to a lighter space.

  • Have signage which is large and bold, embossed tactile letters are helpful.

  • Bright and contrasting colours should be used to draw attention to hazards (like edges, steps and stairs).

• Where there are a few people present, or if it is a meeting, make sure only one person talks at a time.  Let the person know that there are others present and what their role is.

• If you are finding the situation a little frustrating, do not show it.  They may well be feeling frustration too.

• Above all Be patient.  Remain calm.  Seek to understand.

Local sources of Support for People with Visual Impairment

• Henfield Computer Club and Henfield Library (by Appointment) - both can help with accessibility settings on phones, tablets and computers.

• Henfield Eyecare in the High Street - has information on organisations who can give help.

• 4Sight Support in Shoreham-by-Sea provide tailored support in the form of sight loss MOT’s, equipment demonstrations (lighting and magnifiers), assistive technology, emotional support, advocacy, and a local Macular Disease Support group. 

• Access Henfield - Please feel free to contact as we are dedicated to improving life for people with disabilities in Henfield. We try to encourage awareness, acceptance and consideration for all disabilities and to be a point of advice information support and signposting to relevant organisations. accesshenfield@gmail.com