Michael Foster MP takes RNIB’s Maze Challenge
Tuesday, 29, Sep 2009 12:00
Michael Foster MP has taken RNIB’s Maze Challenge at the Labour Party Conference, Brighton, to learn more about the everyday challenges faced by people with sight loss.
Through undertaking a blindfolded journey around the maze, completing tasks on the way like using an ATM and shopping, delegates at the conference are gaining an insight into the practical and emotional impact of what it would mean to lose their sight.
Despite the devastating impact of sight loss and a high risk of depression (1), RNIB found that only 8 per cent of people are offered counselling when they are diagnosed with sight loss (2). Michael Foster spoke to RNIB representatives to find out more about the level of support currently available to people losing their sight in Hastings and Rye.
“Taking RNIB’s Maze Challenge gave me a new perspective on the huge challenges people face when they begin to lose their sight and the patchy support available in many areas," Michael said. "It is time for the Government to prioritise support at the time of sight loss - it is unacceptable that when you most need it, you may struggle to find the right help."
RNIB is calling on the Secretary of State for Health, Andy Burnham MP, to recognise the emotional and practical support needed by people losing their sight and direct PCTs to prioritise the improvement of support services, especially those in eye clinics.
Best-selling author of the Adrian Mole series, Sue Townsend has diabetic retinopathy and is registered blind. She is lending her support to RNIB’s campaign because, as she says: “Nothing will ever prepare you for not being able to see. It’s as simple as that. I’m not going to pretend it’s not a huge loss, in fact, it’s a calamity.
“One day the registrar asked ‘Did you drive yourself here?’ I said ‘No.’ He said, ‘Good because you wouldn’t be able to drive yourself back. You’re partially sighted.’ That was it. I got up, walked out, made another appointment and I was shocked. I can still remember the feeling which was wanting to ask lots of questions and not knowing who to ask.”
RNIB Group Director Inclusive Society, Fazilet Hadi says: “When people lose their sight, they lose more than their ability to see, they lose their life as they once knew it. There is clearly a systemic failure to provide vital support for people going through this experience, leaving thousands to cope alone when they are most vulnerable. We urgently need improved health and social care services that don’t leave people isolated and frightened.”
To read the experiences of people who have lost their sight, or to share your own experience, visit www.rnib.org.uk/lost.