As news breaks that masks or covers are to be compulsory in several social settings, we urgently need your help. Are you handy with a needle and thread? Already skilled at making coronavirus masks or want to develop your creative flair? Blind and partially sighted people in Sandwell need your help.
As we ease out of lockdown, people with sight loss face more challenges than most. Social distancing is almost impossible when you can’t see. Being unable to drive, they frequently rely on public transport to get about and stay independent. Face masks are now essential – but they can’t see to make them.
Sandwell Visually Impaired, a user-led organisation, is calling for your help to make masks for their members. This will form part of an exciting new project to enable blind and partially sighted people to regain their confidence and start to get out and about.
If you would like to volunteer, please contact the SVI office on 0121 525 4810 or email info@sandwellvisuallyimpaired.org.uk
SVI Development Worker Sandra Troth said: “With the announcement that masks are now to be compulsory in shops and on public transport, blind and partially sighted people need help from the public to make masks for them. Your help will assist them to go out and do the things others often take for granted.”
Tony Averis, SVI Chair added: “It is now, more than ever, more difficult for a visually impaired or a blind person to safely social distance themselves. Please offer your help to someone who may need just a little guidance while they are out and about in shops and on public transport. A little kindness goes a long way.”
How to send your masks/face covers by post
Print off the form below. There is a pdf and a Word version. Add your details to the form if you wish. Attach the label at the bottom of the form to your parcel. This means you can send it by Freepost to our office. Please send the form in your parcel, even if you haven’t filled it in.
Thank you.
