People affected by sight loss are working with Sight Scotland Veterans to make a difference.
-
Some Sunday Post online content is funded by outside parties. The revenue from this helps to sustain our independent news gathering. You will always know if you are reading paid-for material as it will be clearly labelled as “Partnership” on the site and on social media channels,
This can take two different forms.
“Presented by”
This means the content has been paid for and produced by the named advertiser.
“In partnership with”
This means the content has been paid for and approved by the named advertiser but written and edited by our own commercial content team.
Sight Scotland Veterans supports veterans of the Armed Forces who experience vision loss. The charity has support workers across Scotland and helps veterans with sight loss to regain their independence. People who did National Service may also qualify for support and are encouraged to get in contact.
Many veterans who receive support and equipment from the charity also work with Sight Scotland Veterans on policy issues. Through these campaigns, veterans can help make a difference for people with sight loss across Scotland.
© Supplied by Sight Scotland VeterArmy veteran Joe Tottenham lives in Kirkcaldy and enjoys travelling to nearby cities. However, due to his visual impairment, Mr Tottenham cannot travel alone and needs a companion to travel with him. Train travel can become very expensive for Mr Tottenham, with his travel companions needing to buy a ticket too.
Sight Scotland Veterans is seeking support for people with vision loss like Mr Tottenham. The charity’s Fair Rail campaign is calling for free train travel for people with visual impairment, and a free ticket for their travelling companion too. This would be similar to existing free bus schemes.
© Supplied by Sight Scotland VeterMr Tottenham supports the Fair Rail campaign. The army veteran said it was very difficult for people with visual impairment to travel on the train.
Mr Tottenham said: “You’ve got to manage getting from the platform onto the train, and coming off the train. It’s things like stepping back down onto the platform and not knowing where the buttons are for opening the doors. Some stations have different levels of platforms which is very hard to manage alone.
“A travel companion to provide support can be really important for someone with sight loss.”
© Supplied by Sight Scotland VeterMr Tottenham works with Sight Scotland Veterans on policy submissions, news releases, and promotional material to raise awareness of the issue. The army veteran also visited Scottish Parliament with the Policy team to collect signatures for a petition to parliament.
Mr Tottenham said: “At the moment, schemes across Scotland are not consistent.
“I very much support Sight Scotland and Sight Scotland Veterans’ Fair Rail Vision campaign.”
A petition in support of the Fair Rail Vision campaign is online.
Sight Scotland Veterans is on a mission to support every veteran in Scotland who is impacted by vision loss. The families, carers and friends of veterans can also receive support. If you know a veteran who is experiencing vision loss, call 0800 035 6409 or visit Sight Scotland Veterans website.
Enjoy the convenience of having The Sunday Post delivered as a digital ePaper straight to your smartphone, tablet or computer.
Subscribe for only £5.49 a month and enjoy all the benefits of the printed paper as a digital replica.
Subscribe