Virtual support for veteran, aged 95

Neena Crossingham, 95, along with three other blind veterans joined a virtual meeting every morning which was organised and delivered by Blind Veterans UK staff.

The came after Neena and the other participants were unable to attend their Brighton centre earlier this year and be introduced to the charity in person.

Neena said: “I was very disappointed when my introduction week at the Brighton centre was cancelled earlier this year.

“I was excited to meet people from the charity and other veterans.

“I didn’t know how I would get on doing it over the phone, but I enjoyed it very much.”

Before the Covid-19 pandemic, all veterans who had recently joined the charity would attend one of their training and rehabilitation centres in Brighton or Llandudno for a week-long introduction.

During their stay, they would learn about how the charity could support them and meet other blind veterans. Due to the closure of both the centres to visitors, the charity has designed a course that could be delivered remotely.

Mark Hollis, a rehabilitation support team leader, said: “It has been really important that we continue to support new veterans like Neena, especially during this time of uncertainty and disruption.

“We want to be able to deliver something that is that is meaningful, social and informative.”

Neena joined the Army in 1942 and served in the Parachute Regiment in as a shorthand typist for most of her military career until she was demobbed in 1946. She said: “I was based in Bawbridge in Yorkshire and I really enjoyed my time there. They were so good to us.”

Neena started to lose her sight gradually as she got older and has age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) and glaucoma in both eyes.

She found Blind Veterans UK after hearing about the charity through her local church.

Neena said: “Since the introduction week, I know now that the charity is always there at just the other end of the phone. Someone is always there and will try and help me. That really does mean so much to me especially during this pandemic.”

Nicky Shaw, Blind Veterans UK director of operations, said: “Living in isolation, blind veterans need our help right now with daily tasks, such as the shopping, and constant emotional support through this difficult time.”