Visually-impaired Wirral woman helps launch expanded services for blind (From Wirral Globe)

Visually-impaired Wirral woman helps launch expanded services for blind

1:15pm Wednesday 27th June 2012 in News By Craig Manning

Lynetter Proctor with Liverpool Lord Mayor, Cllr Sharon Sullivan

A VISUALLY-impaired woman from Wallasey has helped launch an expanded service for blind and partially sighted people across Merseyside.

Lynette Proctor, 24, has had her life transformed through Action for Blind People's services and shared her remarkable story with guests at the opening of charity's new resource centre 10 Duke Street in Liverpool.

Lynette was born with a number of eye conditions. She was able to see sufficiently to cope in mainstream.

But four years ago her vision deteriorated further, leaving only a small amount of useful vision in one eye.

Looking back on her experience, Lynette said during the launch: "My world fell apart around me. I lost my independence.

"My confidence collapsed and I began suffering from depression.

"I had been studying at Chester University and living away from home.

"But my higher education had to be 'put on hold' as I returned to my parents’ house in Wallasey for support.

"I didn't know where to turn, but eventually I heard about Action for Blind People; they have played such an important role in putting my life back on track.

"The charity provided me with face-to-face emotional support counselling.

"This made a huge difference. They listened, they understood me and I began to realise that I wasn't alone and that with the right help I could adjust and get my life back."

The facility features a range of gadgets to help people with sight loss communicate and get out and about.

There are talking clocks and watches, electrical reading devices, easy-to-see remote controls for radios, symbol canes and other mobility equipment.

Three of the country's biggest sight loss charities – Action for Blind People, RNIB and Guide Dogs – have teamed up to share expertise, providing an easily accessible centre of excellence, designed to give Merseyside one of the most comprehensive sight loss support services in the UK.

During the launch Lynette accompanied Liverpool's Lord Mayor, Councillor Sharon Sullivan, who took part in a 'blindfolded' walk to experience visual impairment firsthand.