Visually-impaired people right across Norfolk will be able to access information, advice and support close to where they live, as the county’s sight loss charity is set to make the most of the relaxing of lockdown restrictions and take its mobile advice unit to towns and villages right across the county.

Staff and volunteers from Vision Norfolk will be available at nine locations over the coming fortnight (starting 19^th April), offering practical advice and information about eye conditions, specialist equipment, transport, access to statutory help, and befriending and emotional support.

The charity is also calling on potential volunteers to visit the unit to find out about the rewarding opportunities to work with the charity supporting people living with sight loss across Norfolk, as it seeks to extend its reach right across the county.

The mobile advice unit will be located in the following places over the coming two weeks:

• Monday 19^th April, 11am-1pm: The Fox Inn, Garboldisham
• Tuesday 20^th April, 11am-1pm: Baytree Garden Centre, Hillgay, Downham Market
• Wednesday 21^st April, 10.30am-2.30pm: Bressingham Garden Centre
• Thursday 22^nd April, 10am-12pm: Market Place, Great Yarmouth
• Friday 23^rd April, 11am-1.30pm: Budgens Supermarket, Poringland
• Monday 26^th April, 10.30am-1.30pm: Swaffham Community Hospital
• Wednesday 28^th April, 10.30am-2.30pm: Wells Community Hospital
• Thursday 29^th April, 12pm-2pm: Market Place, Great Yarmouth
• Friday 30^th April, 11am-1pm: Bawdeswell Garden Centre

Vision Norfolk chief executive Gina Dormer said, “Because of Covid restrictions, we have not been able to staff our mobile unit when it has been out and about in the county for the past few weeks.

“Now that lockdown restrictions are being relaxed, we are delighted that we will be able to offer a much wider range of information, advice and support through our staff and volunteers.

“Our long-term aim is to increasingly provide our services out in the community, close to where people live and work, and this initiative is part of our efforts to achieve this.

“We really hope that potential volunteers will come and visit us as well.  The pandemic has reinvigorated the concept of volunteering, and many people have found it a very rewarding and fulfilling thing to do.  Charities like Vision Norfolk depend on an army of wonderful volunteers, and we are hoping to find new volunteers so that we can do even more for the visually-impaired in Norfolk.”