HUNDREDS of blind veterans in Carmarthenshire are not getting the help they are entitled to.
Figures reveal that an estimated 277 people are eligible for support from Blind Veterans UK, however only six currently access it.
The county council’s Armed Forces Champion Cllr David Jenkins is now appealing to blind veterans and their families to take the opportunity open to them.
Cllr Jenkins said: “There is an estimated total of 271 people in our county who would benefit from this service.
“I am appealing to them, to their families and friends to contact Blind Veterans UK in order for them to get the support they deserve.”
Blind Veterans UK is a national charity dedicated to supporting blind and vision-impaired ex-service men and women, no matter when they served or how they lost their sight.
They recently launched a ‘No One Alone’ campaign to reach out to 59,000 Armed Forces and National Service veterans who could be entitled to free, lifelong support, most of whom are not currently aware of it.
Area welfare officer Fiona Trolley said: “Sadly many veterans do not find out about us until years after they have been diagnosed with sight loss and miss out on the support they need and deserve.
“We want to continue to work with local authorities and other organisations, in particular sensory impairment teams or Armed Forces Covenant staff, to ensure that no-one who has served our country has to battle sight loss alone.”
Cllr Jenkins added: “This charity is doing amazing work offering people, some of whom had given up hope, a real lifeline.
“I hope all those veterans in Carmarthenshire who are suffering from sight loss get in touch and find out for themselves the positive difference Blind Veterans UK can make.”
To hear the stories from some of the veterans themselves go to: https://www.youtube.com/user/BlindVeterans
For more information call free on 0800 389 7979, download an application form, email information@blindveterans.org.uk or visit the website at www.blindveterans.org.uk
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