A CHARITY is offering to support Hampshire's blind residents during the changes that have come with the coronavirus outbreak.

The Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) is offering support to people affected by sight loss in Hampshire after unprecedented changes to everyday life.

The current social distancing and self-isolation measures can be particularly difficult for the 7,605 blind and partially sighted people who live in Hampshire, as many rely on guides and public transport to live independently.

The RNIB has improved telephone and online access to its Sight Loss Advice Service – which offers emotional support and practical advice to blind and partially sighted people and their families.

Jamie Dormandy, Head of Customer Service and Advice at RNIB, said: “We have scaled up our telephone and online advice service to answer the questions that blind and partially sighted people have right now and are connecting people with local support.

"It’s very important that anyone affected by sight loss in Hampshire knows they are not alone, and we are here to support them.”

The service is providing information on a range of issues affecting people with sight loss during this national health crisis.

The information will include things such as: how to access essential items, such as food and medicine; navigating safely while adhering to social distancing advice; advice on eye health at a time when non-urgent appointments have been cancelled; support to reduce loneliness during self-isolation; and information about benefits and financial support provided by the Government.