VOLUNTEERS who provide a visiting service for visually impaired people got together at an event this month.

The Somerset Sight charity supports people who are visually impaired and one of the services available is a local volunteer visiting service, supporting visually impaired people in their own homes or care homes across Somerset.

The speaker at the meeting in Bridgwater was Steven Aughton, who is the charity’s training officer and visually impaired himself since birth with the rare condition, Wagner’s syndrome.

A spokesman for the group said: “Steven talked inspiringly and with humour about his own experiences and about his role with Somerset Sight.

“If any schools or care homes would like him to visit them please contact him on 01823-333818.

“Steven thanked volunteer visitors for the valuable work they do supporting local people with sight loss.”

Somerset Sight’s volunteer service, run in conjunction with Somerset County Council, aims to support people to live as independently as possible despite their sight loss through regular visits from a volunteer.

The service currently supports more than 130 blind or partially sighted people in Somerset.

The spokesman added: “Volunteers help with tasks such as reading and correspondence and in many cases shopping and trips out.

“Sight loss can be extremely isolating and carries increased risks of falls, dementia and depression for people affected.

“The regular company of a volunteer can make a big difference to somebody’s quality of life.”

For more information call Gloria Williams on 01823-366146 or email gloria@somersetsight.org.uk