Living In Eye-solation
Coping with sight loss can be challenging, especially if you live alone. Everyday tasks such as getting out and about to go shopping, making an appointment or visiting friends can become far more difficult with a visual impairment. That’s where Visibility’s ‘Out and About’ volunteer service in Dumfries and Galloway can help.
Mrs Jamieson of Dumfries was diagnosed with sight loss, and her confidence took a huge knock because of this, leaving her wary to venture out alone without her family. Living in a bottom floor flat, you would presume she could leave whenever she liked, but due to a few steps leading up to the building and the need to use a walking frame, Mrs Jamieson was unable to leave her house unless she had someone else to assist her. She became dependent on her family and isolated from the community.
In 2014, Mrs Jamieson was told about the Out and About project that Visibility provided in the area, and was paired up with volunteer Rachel Kirkpatrick. Rachel supports Mrs Jamieson every fortnight now and helps her with her walking frame, carry bags of shopping and accompany her on days out. They enjoy going out to have a coffee at the local garden centre, sometimes to the shops and to various appointments. Getting out again has really helped Mrs Jamieson’s confidence and increased her independence meaning she doesn’t have to rely on her family as much.
Mrs Jamieson said “The service is excellent! I wasn’t able to get out at all before I was matched up with Rachel. She’s such good company, and just having someone to get out with so we can have a bite to eat and a chat is great. I would definitely suggest contacting Visibility’s Out and About service to anyone who wants to get out more.”
Visibility is looking for caring volunteers like Rachel to assist with this exciting project across Nithsdale, Annandale & Eskdale. As little as an hour or two of your time a week can help reduce loneliness and isolation, giving people with sight and hearing loss the support to get out and about locally.
To find out more, contact Allison McCourt, Volunteer Support Worker, on 01387 267 131, text 07508 685262 or email [email protected]
