Following in the footsteps of Winston Churchill
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- Supporting People
- 02 December 2011
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The British Wireless for the Blind Fund (BWBF) was officially launched in 1929 after a live radio broadcast by Winston Churchill with an impassioned plea to help blind people by supplying them with wireless sets.
Today the charity provides DAB/FM radio CD player sets and the ground breaking Sonata internet audio player to more than 5,500 blind and partially sighted recipients across the country on free permanent loan.
David Loveridge, BWBF's Regional Development Manager for Devon, said: "As well as the obvious challenges resulting from their disability, blind people can often experience physical and social isolation.
"Our specially adapted sets and audio equipment can help provide blind and partially sighted people with a constant companion and offer them a vital lifeline to the outside world.
"Sets are provided on free permanent loan to people who are registered blind or partially sighted and in need through a network of more than 300 voluntary agents across the country.
"We have had a fantastic response to our appeal for volunteers in Devon and now need volunteers across North Devon who can help demonstrate to recipients how to use our sets. It means visiting a blind or partially sighted person's home to ensure all their queries are answered and to provide after-care. The volunteer role isn't time-consuming - just a couple of hours per month, probably."
"While many of our recipients are elderly, we also help people who were born blind and others who lose their sight during their lives because of an illness or accident. We help people from aged 8 and upwards"
Volunteer work is open to everyone and full training is given. All volunteers are required to complete a criminal record check before taking up the position. Full expenses in connection with the role are available.
For more information on the work of the BWBF visit the charity's website: www.blind.org. To find out more about becoming a volunteer contact: David Loveridge on: 07540 724 064 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call BWBF's head office on 01622 754757. Interviews and training will be held locally.