Dave talks about the early stages of his sight loss journey and the support he received from our CAOs: Four years ago Dave found out that he had had a stroke and that it had affected his sight. He was quite quickly told that he would be registered blind as his optic nerve had been affected, and that he should contact SRSB.

He was also told he couldn’t drive any more - which for someone whose career when he was working was a lorry driver, and at the time a keen motorhome driver during his retirement, was, as you can imagine a huge shock. And to make matters worse it was in the middle of the Covid restrictions.

He was, he recalls, reluctant to come to SRSB ‘One day we took the step to visit and came in to see Community Advice Officer Sarah K.

It was when people were having to test and wear PPE/mask etc. But Sarah went through putting practicalities in place, such as benefits we were entitled to, and she even asked whether I read books and when I told her the book I was half way through at the time, she checked online and ordered it for me as an audio book so that I could finish it.

Another Community Advice Officer visited Dave’s house to go through his requirements in terms of equipment.

Sarah also referred Dave to the Look Ahead Workshops which are aimed at newly diagnosed clients (or clients who are experiencing changes in their sight loss) and he was again reluctant, but was persuaded by Liz who used to run these sessions at the time. They had to do this via Zoom because of restrictions, but he says he quickly realised there were others in the same position as him. When they were able to come in to the Centre to meet up after the restrictions changed he met the group in person and says he hit it off with everyone and friendships were made.

Since then he has become a very active client who has taken part in Coffee Mornings, VI Shooting, Fundraising and Curling, which he really enjoys.

He was also referred to the Stroke Support Group and continues to attend this each month.

When asked what difference SRSB had made to him, Dave said “If I’d have known what SRSB did for people I would have been here 30 years ago to support it as a volunteer!”

He also adds “By coming regularly to SRSB, it made me realise there IS life after sight loss. The staff are brilliant, so supportive, approachable, caring and friendly. Thanks to you all.”