Royal Society for Blind Children - Family Support Service

About

This is an independent service, which is not run by the NHS or WSCC.

This service is not checked by WSCC and including it on the Local Offer website does not mean that it is a recommended service.

Before using this service, we recommend you make your own checks. Your checks should include being happy that: the service will meet your needs; staff are properly qualified; policies are in place to keep everyone safe and you know how much the service will cost.

Use this guidance for advice about what to ask to help you make sure that children and young people are happy and protected in clubs, groups and activities. Find out more on our terms and disclaimer.

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Sight loss doesn't just affect your child - as a parent, you need support too. Our Family Support Service provides practical and emotional support at every stage of your family's experience with sight loss.

What we do

• RSBC are here to support you and your family if you have a blind or partially sighted child aged 0-25. We offer a range of services including emotional support and practical advice for families, opportunities for children and young people to build confidence and skills through activities, and a specialist further education college - Dorton College.
• From the moment you receive a diagnosis that your child has sight loss, if there is a change in vision, if your child or family are going through some changes that are difficult to manage or any other time when life just seems a bit tough, get in touch and let one of our Family Practitioners be there to support you.
• We can support the whole family through our Families First service. Our Support Advisor is on hand for any practical questions you may have, for example benefits information, blue badges or grant applications. We also have a range of activities that you and your child can join to connect with others both in person and online. These include Family Fun Days, Audio book Club, Cooking sessions, Support with Assistive Technology, Sisterhood Group, Creative sessions, Sensory Stories and much more.
• Our Families First service has Family Practitioners based regionally across England and Wales and our Support Advisor is available by phone or email. Activities are held both in London and online. We also work with local partners to offer activities across England and Wales.
• Our Connecting Families Facebook group is available to join here where you can chat in a safe space with other parents and carers. At RSBC, we want every blind child and their family to have the skills and confidence to live their life without limits. All our services are free to join.

Age range

0-25

Wheelchair accessible

Yes

Free to use

Yes