WFBA COVID-19 SUPPORT AND HELP DURING LOCKDOWN CHALLENGES.
During lockdown, we help with access to the food, services, information and support blind and partially sighted people need to maintain their resilience, health and wellbeing.
(1) Physical fitness and Staying physically active
As well as taking care of your mental health during lockdown, it’s equally important to stay on top of your physical wellbeing. With activities closed and the daily commute cancelled for most of us, it can seem more difficult to stay active. However, there are plenty of ways you can keep your body moving.
We provide weekly online zoom exercise sessions for staying physically active. Please call the office on 020 8556 0355 f or Email: wfblindassociation@googlemail.com or days and times.
(2) Making connections – reaching out to others
Now, more than ever, we are all at risk of isolation. We are now keeping people connected online through zoom meetings and telephones, reaching out to members who we are able to join. WFBA runs twice weekly zoom meetings where members connect with each other, supporting each other reducing isolation and loneliness.
(3) Food access, Health Foods and Health Eating
We can support blind or partially sighted people who are struggling to access food and maintain health food lifestyles. Supermarkets are advising to book online delivery slots via their apps and through mobile devices where possible, however, in some cases, capacity may still be reached or exceeded. We can provide help and advice.
We provide food vouchers to all members, enabling them to maintain good health during COVID-19.
We provide weekly online zoom meeting and sessions on health eating and maintaining a health diet. Please call the office on 020 8556 0355 or Email: wfblindassociation@googlemail.com for days and times.
(4) Social and mental health support – looking after your wellbeing
During this challenging time, it’s vital that we look after our mental health. Whether we are struggling with feelings of isolation and need to speak to someone, or if you just want some tips on how to stay active and maintain your mental health, we can support you.
With all the change and uncertainty in life at the moment, taking care of our mental health has never been more important as this helps us to have:
- reduced stress and anxiety
- improved moods and clearer thinking
- a greater sense of calm and increased self-esteem
- improved relationships.
We provide weekly online zoom meeting and sessions on looking after your health and mental health. Please call the office on 020 8556 0355 or Email: wfblindassociation@googlemail.com for days and times.
(5) Eye health
If you have questions and concerns about your eye clinic appointment or ordering medicines or prescriptions online, please call us on 020 8556 0355 or Email: wfblindassociation@googlemail.com for help.
(6) Home learning and technology
At WFBA, we believe in the power of technology to assist people with sight loss to be independent, access information, grasp opportunities and to be creative. We recognise the changing landscape as the world we live in becomes increasingly digitalised, and are excited by the potential this holds.
Learning the ins and outs of using and enjoying your iPad for communication and sourcing of information on the internet is available for beginner and those that want to improve their skills. These include:
- Introduction
- Terms and Choices
- What can you do
- Connecting to Wi-Fi
- Using the Internet Browser
- Email
Please call on 020 8556 0355 or Email: wfblindassociation@googlemail.com to receive this service
(7) Connecting online (IPADS)
As our members are spending more time at home, WFBA was successful in obtaining grants for purchase of iPads for offering more opportunities for members to connect with others via online; please contact the office if you have not received one. You can also join our popular zoom meeting groups where many people are sharing local information, useful hints and tips and interesting things they have been up to.
(8) Living Well with Sight Loss
We provide zoom online weekly meetings where you’ll connect with other people who know what you’re going through, while getting handy tips and helpful advice for living well with sight loss.
Members discuss and share experiences with others in similar situations, boosting confidence and getting practical advice, information and resources.
If you need someone who understands sight loss, members are here for you, aiming to help you increase your independence, boost your confidence and connect with others to share experiences.
Through these sessions you’ll also have the chance to learn from each other’s personal experiences and share top tips.
(9) “Focus on” series
Do you want to get advice and tips about a certain topic or issue? Our range of themed “Focus on” online zoom discussions/sessions include:
- Coronavirus: social distancing, guidance and wellbeing.
- Confident living: independence and confidence indoors and outdoors
- Wellbeing: living well and feeling great
- Money matters: finance and shopping.
