BWBF joins forces with another charity to help North Yorkshire blind

British Wireless has teamed up with another sight loss organisation to support more visually impaired people in Scarborough, Whitby and Filey.

We work with a network of agents to provide our service across the country and we have recently linked up with Yorkshire Coast Sight Support (YCSS) – which was formerly known as Scarborough Blind and Partially sighted Society.

YCSS has more than 80 years’ experience in assisting people with sight impairments, so by working together, we hope to reach out to people in the area who could benefit from a radio.

Because many visually impaired people often lead lonely lives, unable to read or watch the television, a radio can become their vital way of keeping in touch with the outside world.

At the moment, BWBF is supporting more than 150 people in North Yorkshire, but from research it has carried out, estimates there are at least another 400 who could benefit from its service, particularly in Scarborough.

It is hoped the new relationship with YCSS will help them reach these people.

BWBF’s Regional Development Manager for the area, Sophie Wheldon, said: “We are delighted that Yorkshire Coast Sight Support has come on board as our agent for Scarborough and the surrounding areas.

“We’ve done a lot of research into gathering data about the numbers of people with sight loss across the UK, so we know we could be reaching more people in North Yorkshire, we just need the local help to achieve it.

“We’re looking forward to working with YCSS.”

To qualify for a free BWBF radio, you need to be registered blind or partially sighted, resident in the UK, over the age of eight and in receipt of a means-tested benefit.

If you think you know someone who is eligible for a set in Scarborough, Whitby or Filey, please phone Sophie on 07540 724063 or email sophie@blind.org.uk

To find out more about YCSS, visit the website here.