Top Tips for VIPs as lockdown eases

July 7, 2020

Southend in Sight offers support and advice to maintain social distancing.

Local independent sight loss charity Southend in Sight is offering useful advice to visually impaired people (VIP) as they prepare to return to activities and tasks outside the home following the easing of lockdown. Lucy Martin, CEO of the charity said: ‘There's a lot of anxiety about at the moment about social distancing and how to keep safe as a VIP. We want to give sound, positive advice to help those living with sight loss who want to take those first steps.’

The charity has come up with some top tips for people who want to begin to get back outside and regain their independence.

Coralie West, Southend in Sight’s Sight Loss Advisor said ‘Many people with a visual impairment or who have no sight may have lost their confidence during the last few months as they have been unable to get out and about. We have put together some ideas to help rebuild their skills and to regain the confidence to get back outside. Most importantly, no- one should feel pressured in to going out before they are ready, we are all different and individuals will want to take these steps as and when they are ready.’

The charity’s tips are:

Let people know you have a visual impairment. You’ll be surprised how understanding people can be.
If friends or family guide you, ask them to describe where other people are, how many there are, if there’s a queue, and how far away from you they might be.
If you have a symbol, guide or long white cane, use it and keep it in view at all times, as this will make you noticeable to others and they will realise you many need additional assistance or more room to pass.
Always take your cane even if being guided by someone. It makes clear to others that you have a visual impairment. If you have a long cane, fold it in half so you don't get caught up in it. You cannot catch Covid-19 from touching an arm or from skin on skin.
When using your long cane be loud and add some extra taps on the floor, so people can hear you. This will help you to test the distance when they answer, or may prompt them to move away from you. If you feel someone is too close, let them know you are visually impaired and ask them politely if they are two metres away.
Keep to the inside of the pavement. Let others negotiate the kerb side and step into the road if needed. Be confident.
Guide dogs are not trained to socially distance, however, sometimes members of the public do not understand this. If you find yourself in a difficult situation, try to explain to the person that they will have to do the social distancing for you as your dog can't and politely ask them to let you know if they are in front of you. For further information, please call the Guide Dogs helpline on 0800 781 4444, or go to their website: www.guidedogs.org.uk
Find out what changes to expect on public transport by ringing your local bus/train/taxi company and asking what the new layout or boarding procedure might be. Book assistance ahead if possible.
It is really important to wash your hands regularly or take hand sanitizers or wipes with you when you are out and about. If you use a cane, disinfect the handle regularly and try not to touch your face.
Other ways to be visible to others could be to wear a high visibility vest, a sash, an arm band or yellow lanyard from the Partially Sighted Society which say Visual Disability please be aware.

Clare McLewin, a Trustee of Southend in Sight and herself a VIP, said ‘I’m feeling quite apprehensive about stepping back out into the world, but I am going to take small steps and hopefully rise to the challenge. I will be taking the advice from the charity to help me regain confidence and crucially, I will be sharing my concerns with someone if I’m worried.’

Southend in Sight’s charity shop on Hamlet Court Road has reopened but for now the charity’s face to face support services remain shut. Staff are working off site, offering support and advice over the phone. Please call: 07512 33 55 74 to speak to a member of staff if you or someone you know needs advice or support for sight loss or visual impairment at this time.

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