How to improve mental health care for visually impaired people in Bedfordshire
Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes, Integrated Care System, invited Bedfordshire Sight Loss Council to their transforming mental health care event on 29 September 2021. The event focused on how to improve mental health support across Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes.
Bedfordshire Sight Loss Council were able to ensure that the needs of blind and partially sighted people were front and centre to the discussion of how to transform mental health care in the region.
Bedfordshire Sight Loss Council highlighted the following pressing issues for blind and partially sighted people in the region:
Importance of information and materials to be available in an accessible format for VI people to benefit from mental health services such as IAP
- Staff to have VI awareness and be aware of the needs of blind and partially sighted people.
- Ensuring appointments are provided close to home to allow blind and partially sighted people to feel comfortable and more likely to attend.
- Implementation of the Accessible Information Standard so that blind and partially sighted people can access appointment information in an accessible format.
- Sensory teams to provide mobility training as a high priority if blind and partially sighted people need to attend regular sessions as part of their recovery.
- Working with Sensory teams and health services.
Following the event, Bedfordshire SLC engagement manager, Masuma Ali, said:
“Moving forward, Bedfordshire SLC is looking to work closely with BLMK ICS and other mental health care providers to transform mental health care and improve access for blind and partially sighted people in the region.”
Join the Bedfordshire Sight Loss Council
Want to campaign for more accessible services for blind and partially sighted people in the Bedfordshire? Influence positive change by volunteering for our Sight Loss Council.
Publication date: 01 October 2021