RNIB & ECLO Services in Newcastle Jennifer Beadle ECLO Community Engagement Officer

Action for Blind People merged with RNIB In 2009 Action for Blind People became part of the RNIB Group of charities. On 1 April 2017, Action for Blind People merged with RNIB. Allows us to help more blind and partially sighted people by combining our services, knowledge and expertise within one charity. Only able to support one in three blind and partially sighted people in the UK.

RNIB Rationale Customers confused by the complexity of Action for Blind People and RNIB, and who they should go to for the services they need. Reduce duplication of our work, working as one organisation means we will now be able to extend our support. Action’s track record in excellence continues now under the RNIB banner.

RNIB Priorities ‘Being There’ remains number one priority for RNIB. Helping people losing their sight to rebuild their lives. Right from the first diagnosis everyone affected by sight loss and their families and friends, need advice and practical and emotional support. Focus on making sure more people are reached early - ECLO coverage continues to increase nationally.

RNIB in the North East Local Sight Loss Advisors helpline team. Network Manager for North East – Sharon Gardner. Continue to provide Employment and Housing Support. Offices in Wallsend and Middlesbrough to remain operational. National Eye Clinic Support Services strand – ECLOs led by Cathie Burke in North East. RNIB registered charity numbers 226227 and SC039316

Role of the Eye Clinic Liaison Officer - ECLO Emotional Support. Generic information on eye conditions. Advice on practical support, maintaining independence & resources available. Support & information on registration process. Access to benefits advice. Signposting to local services. Referral to Health & Social Care Services, Third Sector Services (Local & National) including RNIB. Referrals to Local Sight Loss Societies Information on Low Vision services & aids available. Eye Health information, prevention of sight loss.

Benefits of ECLO Service Key in helping patients, families & carers understand the impact of their diagnosis, providing them with emotional & practical support for their next steps. Time to dedicate to patients following consultation so that they can discuss the impact the condition may have on their life. Provides a link between medical staff and patients. Professional Eye Clinic Studies qualification. Work within best practice frameworks as set by RNIB and the Royal College of Ophthalmologists. Knowledge of current services available to patients within their local area.

Eye Clinic Support Services North East RVI & Cramlington – Dawn Rafferty & Kalsum Akhtar 0191 2820221 James Cook University Hospital – Angela Bedingfield 01642 850850 Sunderland Eye Infirmary – Andrea Hird 0191 5699073 Darlington Memorial Hospital – Dawn Rafferty 01325 380100 Peripatetic ECLO – Gillian Anderson ECLOs are well embedded into the Eye Clinics they serve, however, not all patients will be aware of this support. There is no formal pathway, even when completing a CVI. ECLOs rely on clinicians to advise patients of the service available. RNIB registered charity numbers 226227 and SC039316

Eye Clinic Support Services North East Community Engagement Officer – Jennifer Beadle, working with local service providers, private and public sector to raise the profile of ECLO services and encourage referrals to ECLOs in the North of England: Promoting services and RNIB at conferences, free organisational visual awareness training, eye health promotion, community events & maintaining contact with local service providers. Volunteer Coordinator – Nicola Stanley-Dickinson, facilitating provision of ECLO support volunteers in satellite eye clinics including Cramlington, to signpost, refer & raise awareness of ECLO support.

Referrals Contact ECLO via telephone / post with details including eye condition and visual acuities. Contact Community Engagement Officer via telephone / email to discuss or if unable to refer via ECLO. Patient, family or carer can self refer. Referral forms available from Community Engagement Officer if required but not necessary. Does not need to be a patient at Ophthalmology to receive ECLO support*. * ECLOs are unable to refer patients for a Low Vision Assessment if it is over 1 year since their previous appointment at the Eye Clinic or if they are a new patient. This also applies to patients requiring a consultation with an Ophthalmologist. A new referral to the Eye Clinic would need to be made for these services (GP or written refferal). This does not apply to urgent referrals to Eye Casualty. If you are unsure please contact the ECLO or Community Engagement Officer.

Other RNIB Services in North East Campaigns & Fundraising Online Today – initiative to support people with all types of technology. RNIB Connect – peer support and up to date information 24,000 members including professionals RNIB Helpline 0303 123 9999 – national number for all enquiries and products. RNIB Website – includes access to Professional Hub.

Other Contacts jennifer.beadle@actionforblindpeople.org.uk t: 07801405006 catherine.burke@actionforblindpeople.org.uk Local Offices (Previously Action Office) Wallsend & Middlesbrough. We will keep you informed of changes you need to know as the change over to RNIB continues. THANK YOU & ANY QUESTIONS? RNIB registered charity numbers 226227 and SC039316