Herald - Issue 396

Page 36 • The HERALD • 8th October 2020 v SUPPORTING YOUR LOCAL BUSINESSES v OPEN 9AM-4PM MONDAY-SATURDAY WE CARE, YOU CARE M & J Mobility Can give you.... Freedom on the Road • Hoists • Pedal Transfers • Wheelchair Carriers • Hand Controls • Ramps • Easy Release Hand Brake • Wireless Controls • Swivel Seats and help Maintain YOUR Independence Scooters Wheelchairs Powerchairs Li & Recline Chairs Walking Aids Bath Aids and lots more... Visit our showroom at: Independent Lifestyle Centre Old Lyndhurst Road, Cadnam SO40 2NL or call for a catalogue on: 023 8081 1949 Making Mobility Affordable A befriending service run by the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) has been o ering a range of support to people with sight loss in the South East of England during the Coronavirus pandemic. RNIB’s Talk and Support service invites people with sight loss across the UK to connect with others weekly using a phone or computer. Trained sta and volunteers facilitate the calls and match people together for general conversations. RNIB Con dence Building Co-ordinator for the South East, Jan Foster said: “Coronavirus has made life more difficult for a lot of people, but measures to prevent the spread of the virus, including social distancing, have had a dramatic impact on the lives of blind and partially sighted people. We know that many have been discouraged from visiting friends and family because of worries about social distancing, and isolation and loneliness has become a real issue. Our Talk and Support service has been able to offer some light relief to people with fun quizzes and wellbeing calls and we have had some really positive feedback. I would encourage anybody in the South East of England who is interested in finding out more to get in touch.” Alongside the weekly befriending phone calls, RNIB Talk and Support has helped people to combat isolation by organising a selection of fun quizzes since mid-July, with themes such as ‘Lights, Camera, Action’ and a ‘Double Denim & Big Hair’ 80’s quiz. Short story groups and wellbeing courses o ering advice on how people who are isolating can get the best from each day have also proved very successful and hundreds of people have bene tted from this additional support. To join an RNIB Talk and Support group, register your interest by visiting rnib.org.uk/talkandsupport or call the RNIB Helpline on 0303 123 9999. RNIB Talk and Support Service Can you spare a few hours a week to help in Age Concern New Forest’s Charity Shops in Totton, Dibden Purlieu and Black eld? Volunteering is a great way to meet new friends, learn new skills, gain con dence and be part of the local community. Age Concern New Forest is a local Independent charity that raises money from their shops to provide local services for local older people. Please call into any of their shops or call them for an application form on 023 8044 1199. VOLUNTEERING