Welcome
Poor treatment of the blind at the turn of the last Century was the result of a lack of information – leading to the misguided belief that blind people were incapable of leading a normal and independent life. St Dunstan’s changed this.
A BLIND MAN’S VISION
It was the advent of the First World War and the prolific use of mustard gas in the trenches that over 1500 men were violently blinded and subsequently returned to Britain to face a life of almost certain isolation and dependency.
Sir Arthur Pearson – the visionary founder of the Daily Express, who himself had become blind as a result of glaucoma – decided to change society’s view of the blind and provide these returning heroes with the care and rehabilitation that would enable them to lead constructive and independent lives.
As a result, the charity St Dunstan’s was founded in 1915 and named after the clock which formed a focal point of the impressive building in Regent’s Park which acted as a ‘hostel’ and training centre for the returning war-blind.
WHAT DO WE DO?
Almost 90 years later, St Dunstan’s continues to care for those blinded in action. However it’s role has evolved to provide help for all blind and visually impaired ex-Service men and women – whether blinded in action, or through accident, disease or due to old age.
St Dunstan’s has also extended its work to reach other serving professions. The Diana Gubbay Trust, administered by St Dunstan’s, was set up in 1971 for the benefit of men and women in the Emergency Services (Police, Fire and Ambulance) who have suffered severe loss of vision whilst on duty.
Wherever possible, St Dunstan’s aims to help the blind and visually impaired live independently in their own community. However, full respite, nursing and residential care is available for those who need it.
Today, through advances in technology, coupled with exemplary training and pure determination, the achievements of St Dunstaners are limitless. From living independently in their own homes, working in jobs as varied as IT and public speaking, to taking on personal challenges including marathons, sky diving, riding motorcycles and driving powerboats – each St Dunstaner is a tribute to Sir Arthur Pearson’s vision.
OVINGDEAN NATIONAL CENTRE
The National Centre at Ovingdean, near Brighton, was purpose built for blind ex-Service men and women in 1938. It provides a base from where St Dunstaners can be given all the training, rehabilitation skills and support, necessary to lead an independent and fulfilling life.
Ovingdean offers a host of care and recreational facilities for visiting or residential St Dunstaners. These include a computer-training suite, chapel, craft workshop, and training kitchen. Excellent sports facilities include indoor and outdoor archery, a swimming pool, fully equipped gymnasium and a bowling green.
Rehabilitation and Training
A dedicated team of Rehabilitation and Training Officers (ROVI’s) provide one-to-one rehabilitation and training programmes to suit the individual needs of each St Dunstaner. This training is carried out at the National Centre as well as in their own home and local community. The department teaches skills such as mobility with a long cane, computer handling, Braille, independent living and vocational skills. Ongoing training, coupled with invaluable moral support and material assistance, enables many St Dunstaners to return to full-time employment and lead independent lives.
Nursing Care
A comprehensive Nursing and Respite service is available for St Dunstaners. Patients at Ovingdean range from those needing long term medical care to those who require short-term care whilst they recover from surgery or illness. St Dunstan’s aim is to provide each individual with the highest standards of care possible, while maintaining their dignity, independence and freedom of choice. St Dunstan’s nursing staff care for those who suffer not only visual impairment but who often have other serious medical conditions. The auxiliary care provided at St Dunstan’s goes well beyond just medical support - understanding, patience and commitment are vital.
Residential Care
Ovingdean promises a ‘home from home’ for many older St Dunstaners who can no longer cope without regular support. In addition to all the rehabilitation and training facilities, St Dunstan’s provides a full and varied weekly programme of events and activities, recreational trips, a range of craft workshop activities and access to round the clock assistance.
Housing & Welfare
St Dunstan’s also assists with housing and financial grants, providing housing for over 300 St Dunstaners and their families across Britain. A nationwide team of Welfare Officers regularly visit and assess St Dunstaners in their homes with a view to providing safe and comfortable living conditions, and further training, financial or pastoral care where required. The Welfare Officers also act as the link between St Dunstaners and their local authorities and social services.
Patron: Her Majesty the Queen Registered Charity Number: 216227