The British Wireless for the Blind Fund helped more than 600 vulnerable people with sight loss maintain their independence and fight isolation during the height of the pandemics via its BWBFConnect service.
The charity will now extend the programme for several more months to provide ongoing support for those who are continuing to shield at home for age or health reasons.
BWBF provides specially adapted audio equipment such as DAB/FM radios free of charge to those with sight loss. It suspended face-to-face home installation services in March as a direct result of social distancing regulations, then fast tracked the launch of a Covid-secure alternative, offering doorstep delivery of its devices along with telephone support during receipt, unboxing and installation of the radios.
To date, more than 600 free radios have been issued under the BWBF Connect scheme. The devices deliver news and information, along with entertainment along with a friendly voice and companionship.
Sophie Wheldon, BWBF regional development manager, said, “Having never attempted anything of this scale before, we were naturally unsure about whether a socially-distanced installation and support service would be possible, but we have been completely overwhelmed by the success of the scheme. We are very proud to have been able to deliver more than 600 devices to people living with sight loss at a time when they really were needed most.
“We’ve carefully listened to feedback, and we know that many of the people we support are continuing to shield, which is why we’ve made the decision to extend the adapted BWBF Connect service for the foreseeable future.”
Feedback during the scheme’s trial period included one radio recipient saying:”At first I couldn’t put on the radio stations. A BWBF team member talked me through it over the phone and he was so clear. He couldn’t have been better; patient and understanding”.
The charity will continue to offer direct courier delivery and a telephone set-up service. BWBF phone lines are open with staff and volunteers carrying out duties from home to continue providing necessary support for those with sight loss.
To find out if someone you know is eligible for a free device under the BWBFConnect scheme, visit www.blind.org.uk or call 01622 754 757.