THE Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) is the UK's leading charity offering information, support and advice to almost two million people with sight loss. Most people are shocked to hear that every day another 100 people begin to lose their sight. Even more shocking is that 50% of this is avoidable.

We receive no government funding and rely entirely on voluntary donations to provide vital support. Many people give us time as volunteers to help us reach out into our communities — encouraging everyone to get an eye test, and generating support for our vital work.

Our public speaker volunteers are our ambassadors throughout the South West Region — they are dedicated individuals who want to shout about how tough it is to live with sight loss. Many of them are blind or partially sighted themselves and can speak first hand.

They visit community and activity groups, clubs, and service organisations to tell people about the work we do, and why we do it. Many of these groups chose to support our work in some way.

We are now taking speaker bookings for the year ahead, and through your publication, invite any groups, clubs and organizations to get in touch with us to book a speaker.

We can only reach one in three people who need our help. Will you help us to reach more by getting in touch today? Contact me, Sharon Woodhams, on 01626 334375 or [email protected]">[email protected]

If you or someone you know has sight loss, visit http://www.rnib.org.uk">www.rnib.org.uk or call 0303 123 9999 for information and support.

Sharon Woodhams

CFE — South West