A CHARITY which provides a lifeline to people with sight problems needs caring volunteers to step forward and help in three Worcestershire hospitals.

Sight Concern Worcestershire has been granted funding to provide support to patients and carers in eye clinics in three major county hospitals but also needs volunteers to help support patients there.

The funding from Worcestershire Joint Commissioning Unit is for 12 months, allowing Sight Concern Worcestershire to offer support and information to patients at eye clinics in Worcestershire Royal Hospital, Worcester; Kidderminster Hospital and the Princess of Wales Community Hospital in Bromsgrove.

Rhian Thompson, of Sight Concern Worcestershire, which is based in the Bradbury Centre, Sansome Walk, Worcester, will be managing the scheme.

She said: “Patients receive excellent medical support at the hospitals, but are often less aware of non-medical services (both countywide and national) available to them.

“Sight loss can have a devastating effect not just on the individual but family and carers.

“Timely information and support can make the journey a little smoother.

“All the feedback we get from service users indicates that immediate support and practical information at the point of diagnosis would have been useful, and this is what the new service in eye clinics will provide.

“We are seeking volunteers to help give patients that information and support.”

Volunteers will be based in certain ophthalmology clinics, signposting patients to other services and organisations, demonstrating simple day-to-day aids and equipment and being a ‘listening ear’ at a time when it is much needed.

Sight Concern Worcestershire is looking for volunteers who are willing to give about three hours of their time a week at either Worcester, Kidderminster or Bromsgrove hospitals. Full training will be given.

Those interested should contact Rhian Thompson at Sight Concern Worcestershire on 01905 723245 or rhian@sightconcern.co.uk