Sense Scotland is taking over some of the services run by RNIB in Fife and Glasgow
Two charities have reached agreement for the transfer of services.
RNIB services in Fife and Glasgow which support people with visual impairment and learning disabilities will be run by Sense Scotland from the new year.
The VILD services have been run by RNIB in Scotland for almost 30 years. They include specialist vision assessment to help develop a personalised package of independent living, training and support, as well as day support and outreach services.
Under a new, more streamlined strategy, RNIB has decided to transfer some of its regulated services across the UK to alternative specialist providers. RNIB identified Sense Scotland, the national charity that supports people living with a range of disabilities, including deafblindness, as the best fit for its VILD services in Scotland, including the local VILD services in Kirkcaldy, Lochgelly, Clydebank and Bishopbriggs. The transfer is expected to take place in January 2022.
David Clarke, director of services, RNIB, said: “After careful consideration, RNIB has decided to transfer our Visual Impairment and Learning Disability (VILD) service to Sense Scotland. We are proud of the excellent work that the VILD services have delivered over the last three decades but now is the time for RNIB to hand the service over to a provider with more specialist expertise and experience to lead VILD into the future. We are confident that VILD is in very safe hands with Sense Scotland and that they will continue to provide the very best support and care to VILD customers.”
Angela Bonomy, Sense Scotland executive director, said: “We are working with the RNIB, their staff and the people and families they support to ensure the continued provision of specialised services for learning disabled people with a visual impairment. Our top priority is to minimise the impact on the people who use VILD services and their families and carers and integrate them fully into the Sense Scotland family.”
Angela Clements, chair of Sense Scotland, said: “The trustees of Sense Scotland are delighted that RNIB have put their trust in us to continue the delivery of these vital services. We look forward to welcoming new staff, and the people and families RNIB currently supports to Sense Scotland.”
RNIB will continue to provide support and its full range of services to anyone who needs them, including the RNIB Helpline, Sight Loss Advice Service and Talking Books. Those currently using VILD will be able to access a range of activities – such as sports, arts and music – offered by Sense Scotland at their TouchBase hubs across the country.
They will also be invited to events organised by Sense Scotland and have the opportunity to undertake qualifications or join consultation groups. Families can access support via the Family Advisory Service or connect with others via the Early Years team (for children aged under eight).
