Somerset Sight is the local specialist in sight loss and provides a range of information, practical and emotional support services for those with sight loss and their friends and family. We provide emotional support, face to face or by phone, with no wait list, to support people to adapt to and adjust to sight loss. We offer specialist gadgets, resources, lighting to make everyday chores easier and to enable people to remain independent, keep an active lifestyle and remain living in their own home for as long as possible. Basic technology training is available so people can make best use of technology available.

Our Mobile Advisory Service, offering specialist resources and advice is brought to Glastonbury, Frome, Shepton and Wells, visiting each location monthly from 10.30 – 3.30. See our website www.somersetsight.org.uk or magazine for dates and exact locations.

Our Volunteer Visiting Service provides a trained befriender to help with reading,correspondence, getting out and about, to  reduce isolation and loneliness and to provide much needed practical support. We are agents for British Wireless for the Blind and have a well equipped library service.

We run active social groups in the area and arrange outings and activities. Please contact Heidi or Kate on 01823 333818 for more details and to access our services.

The Road Assured scheme is for any driver who has a health issue that may make driving more difficult or who is returning to driving; perhaps after an operation or a health episode.

The scheme enables you to take a short, assessed drive with one of our Approved Driving Instructors. You will be given advice about your driving style and a written report will be produced at the end of your assessment. If you were referred by your GP, a copy will be sent to them first and they will forward a copy on to you. This report will help you and your doctor decide which steps to take, if any, to reduce the chances of problems occurring when you are behind the wheel. There is a £50 fee for the Road Assured assessment.

How do I access the Road Assured scheme?

You can be referred by your GP or other health professional if there is a concern about your fitness to drive, or to return to driving.
You can ask your GP or other health professional to refer you if you have a health problem which is making driving more difficult. For example you may feel less safe driving following an operation or if you have experienced an event that has affected you emotionally.
You can refer yourself for a Road Assured assessment.
You can refer a family member or friend, with their knowledge that you are doing so, if you are concerned about their driving safety.

For home eye tests and home hearing tests free on the NHS.

Do you know someone with sight loss who would benefit from specialist support? Somerset Sight runs a volunteer visiting and befriending service across the county which is available to anyone with sight loss. If you know someone who would benefit from a befriender or may need other practical or emotional help, such as magnifiers lighting or talking books, please contact Christine Crossing 01823 333818.

You can borrow talking books free of charge, if you are registered with a visual impairment, are unable to hold or use printed material due to a physical disability or if you are dyslexic.

Support group for people with Macular Degeneration with visiting speaker each month. Third Thursday of the month. No need to book. Just turn up. 10.30-12 noon. Frome Medical Practice, upstairs in the Education Suite.

Support group for people with Macular Degeneration, a social group with visiting speakers and organised excursions. We meet the last Friday of the month at The Denning Room, Union Street, Wells, BA5 2PU. From 10:00 until 11:30.

Enjoy a regular chat with a telephone befriender who shares your interests, experience or type of macular condition. Telephone befriending is free, everything can be set up over the phone.

Come and join a friendly, group of blind and visually impaired people to chat and plan future activities and meet ups! We meet at Weatherspoons, Street. 2nd Friday of every month 10am-12pm

Somerset County Council’s sensory loss team are trained to work with people with sight and/or hearing loss. Workers can visit you at home and arrange to provide you with support to help keep you independent. Services include provision of equipment and rehabilitation, along with advice and information on a range of specialist organisations for people with sight and/or hearing loss.

Available to everyone affected by sight loss. Whether you’re losing your sight, blind or partially sighted, our practical and emotional support can help you face the future with confidence. Services include talking library books, specialist education for children young people and learning disability support. Services such as e-Learning courses are also provided to businesses, support workers and individuals to help understand and accommodate people affected by sight loss.

This website lists the Talking Newspapers which are available in your area. Listed are national, county-wide, Glastonbury and Frome Talking newspapers.