New peer support groups

We are  launching two new monthly support groups for Jewish people with visual impairments in London and Hertfordshire. Any adult who is experiencing sight loss and identifies as Jewish is very welcome – as are their friends, carers and family members.

The next peer support group, in Borehamwood, will meet on Tuesday 14th May, 11.30am-1pm. This group meets on the second Tuesday of each month.

The Finchley group will meet on Thursday 9th May, 11.30am-1pm.  This group meets on the second Thursday of each month.

Toni Lewis, JBD’s community services project manager, says:

‘We’re excited to be bringing people together to make friends and support each other with their sight loss experiences.  Our monthly meetings will take place in a safe environment; they are designed for members to meet new people and share their advice, ideas and support.  As these groups will be peer-led, we are hoping for supportive conversations and friendships.  If there is demand, we will look to organise speakers and entertainment.’

Lisa Wimborne, JBD’s Chief Executive, says:

‘For over 50 years Jewish Blind & Disabled have provided housing with onsite support to members of our community living with physical disability and/or sight loss. We have a waiting list for our housing, and we also recognise that there are others in the community who do not want to live with JBD but would benefit from support. This is why we have decided to invest in developing our community support offering.

The launch of our sight loss support groups follows the growth of our Independent Living Advisory Service, an occupational therapy led service.  With medical advances and an ageing society we are seeing people with often quite complex disabilities living independently for longer. We are listening and seeking to develop services to provide support to ensure people are safe in their home and connected to the community.’

For more information or to let us know you’ll be coming, please call Toni Lewis on 020 8371 6611 ext 620 or email toni@jbd.org