Christmas Together appeal
A blind veteran’s greatest fear is isolation. Here, lonely Norman shares what it means to him to spend Christmas at our centre, together with his fellow blind veterans.
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No proud veteran should be alone at Christmas.
But that's exactly what would happen to Norman if he wasn't invited to spend the festive period at our centre of wellbeing in Rustington. For Norman, Christmas Together is the greatest gift of all.
With your support, blind veterans won't be lonely this Christmas.
Norman doesn't want to be a burden.
But because of his sight loss, Royal Navy veteran Norman struggles to do many of the things we take for granted.
For a start, he can't make a journey on his own. Eating in front of sighted people is also a problem because he's so embarrassed that he often makes a mess. Visiting our centre makes it easy for Norman. Our drivers collect him and take him to the door. Once there, he's surrounded by staff and fellow veterans who understand the difficulties he has and know how to make it easier for him.
Last year, Norman enjoyed wonderful food and entertainment, including a trip to the panto... (oh, yes he did!) and he can't wait to do it again in 2024.
Don't let them be lonely this Christmas.
Blindness can - too often - lead to isolation. But with your help, blind veterans can enjoy a happy Christmas Together with people who care about them.
“Christmas at the centre means that I have friends.”
Blind veteran
Our community teams also spread festive cheer.
For all the blind veterans who can't visit our centres, our community teams organise lunches, carol concerts and other events that bring blind veterans together. For some, it's the only Christmas celebration they have. With the community teams taking care of their sight loss needs, our veterans can relax and enjoy celebrating Christmas with people they care about.
Blind veterans around the country deserve a wonderful Christmas.
With your help, more blind veterans will be able to stay at our centres or attend festive events. You'll also provide the equipment that will stop them feeling lonely in the following months - like a voice activated smartphone that makes it easy to call friends and family.
As well as a merry Christmas, you'll give them a happy new year and hope for the future.
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