This winter, thousands of people affected by deafblindness are at risk of isolation.
As the darker months draw in, many people living with deafblindness can become even more isolated, feeling trapped inside their own homes. Sight and hearing loss combined with wet and icy conditions, low sun and dark evenings can steal the confidence to venture outside, leading to profound effects on mental wellbeing, self-esteem and the ability to go about daily life.
Deafblind UK's Winter Wellness programme provides extra support to help anyone affected by sight and hearing loss to stay healthy and connected through the winter months.
Stuart's story
Stuart, 80, is a retired gas fitter from Anglesey. He wears hearing aids and has macular degeneration.
He told us, “As my sight deteriorated, I became ever more dependent on my wonderful wife Margaret for even the simplest of tasks like reading labels, telling the time, and cooking.” But sadly, when Margaret passed away in May, it left Stuart facing the loss of his sight and his constant companion of 56 years.
“This will be the first winter I’m facing on my own.”
“I’ve never liked the winter anyway, and losing my sight has made it a lot worse to cope with. I dread the darker months as the nights are so long and lonely, and the daylight hours are a lot duller. I can’t even see to adjust the central heating.”
“I countdown the days until 21st December because it’s the shortest day of the year and I know that from that point on the days will grow broader and brighter.”
“I reached out to Deafblind UK because I was feeling very low, and the season definitely brings on extra anxieties. I now receive regular calls from Hayley in the charity’s counselling team, who is wonderful. She talks to me about anything I want to talk about, and I know I can turn to her if I need to.”
“I know Deafblind UK are there for me when I need them.”
How you can help
Stuart is just one of thousands of deafblind people who will face this winter alone. You can help us to be there for more people who need us through the dark months by supporting Deafblind UK's Winter Wellness programme.
However large or small, your gift will make such a difference:
- £20 could pay for a person who is deafblind to receive regular befriending calls in their preferred communication method for two months, helping to alleviate loneliness.
- £35 could fund a virtual social group, giving up to eight people the chance to meet their peers and spend time socialising with others.
- £50 could provide a specialist counselling session for someone trying to come to terms with their sight and hearing loss.
- £100 could pay for 20 members to receive a wellbeing call during the difficult festive period.
Winter Wellness - seasonal support for people with sight and hearing loss
Our Winter Wellness programme provides additional support to help people who are deafblind stay healthy and connected through the winter months.
This service is available to anyone affected by sight and hearing loss, their families and carers.
If you or a loved one is affected by deafblindness, our Winter Wellness service can support you. Stay connected with your community and keep your spirits high throughout the winter months.
To learn more or to request any of these services, contact our helpline or reach us via text or email:
- Helpline: 0800 132 320
- Text us: 07903 572 885
- Email: [email protected]