Charity profile
KAB - helping to shine a light in the darkness
Imagine if you couldn’t see. How would you feel? What do you think your life would be like?
Sight is the sense that people fear losing the most, but the reality is that more and more people are affected by sight loss each year. Would you know where to turn for help?
Kent Association for the
Blind (KAB) is a local charity supporting visually-impaired people and those with dual sensory loss. Our clients are people of all ages, from a variety of backgrounds and we tailor our services to their needs.
Our dedicated team of
staff offers a range of training and advice to those with sight loss to enable them to live independent lives.
Our eye clinic liaison officers are based in
hospitals across the region so that we can be there right at the point of diagnosis to support people at what can be a very daunting and emotional time. We continue to be there for as long as people need us.
Some of our clients need to learn techniques to get around safely and confidently outdoors. For others, their priority might be using talking scales and knife guides in the kitchen to prepare food for themselves or their children.
As well as equipping people with the skills they need for day-to-day life, we also empower them to use technology and digital equipment so they can stay in touch with friends and family, access information at school or
in the workplace, maintain control of their finances, or do internet shopping.
Overcoming isolation
and remaining active members of the local community are key, and we produce 13 regional editions of a digital talking news service which is delivered to hundreds of homes free of charge every week. There are over 40 KAB clubs offering leisure and social activities to those looking to make friends or try something different.
We have hundreds of
volunteers who support our work; they are an invaluable part of our team and assist with the running of clubs, driving clients to and from appointments, befriending and taking part in fundraising events.
To make a donation to our work please call Lindsay or Teresa in our fundraising department on 01622 691357 or visit our website
www.kab.org.uk
Can you help? Our befrienders are instrumental in helping our more isolated clients keep in touch with society around them, creating a greater sense of wellbeing. Also, whilst they are an important element in the lives of the individuals they help, they themselves also find a great sense of satisfaction and fulfilment in giving their time to help others.
We are in urgent need of more
befrienders in the Maidstone area; if you have a few hours you can spare weekly or fortnightly, do please get in touch with our volunteer co-ordinator Jo Wilkinson by emailing
jo.wilkinson@kab.org.uk or calling 01622 691357.
Last year there were 2,450
referrals made to our services. With an ageing population and an increase in diabetes, more people than ever will need our services in the years ahead. Much of our work can only continue thanks to donations and fundraising. Money donated to KAB stays in the region to support people right here in our local communities.
Mid Kent Living 27
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