RVI Eye Dep. User Group Web Site

Local Authority Social Services

These Statutory Authorities are first responsible for issuing you with a Certificate of Registration as Blind or Partially Sighted, but not until they receive a completed Form BD8 from your Hospital. This is an important document which must be produced to obtain other benefits e.g. rail travel concessions, free telephone directory enquiry services, etc. You should always keep a spare photocopy or two.

It is a statutory requirement that Social Services contact you by telephone or visit within a reasonable time.

It is their duty to find out your needs and to offer assistance and advice as required. This includes all rehabilitation services such as teaching you how to undertake your home tasks such as cooking, cleaning etc., getting round in your home and outside, using public transport, communicating with people by telephone and several other levels of assistance depending on your needs.

They may be able to organise Home Help, meals on Wheels, loan of equipment, etc.

They usually operate through 'Sensory Support' Teams.

Newcastle Social Services (0191) 278 8100

North Tyneside Social Services (0191) 200 6050

South Tyneside Social Services (0191) 427 1717

Gateshead Social Services (0191) 490 1616

Northumberland Social Services (01670) 533 824

Full addresses and contacts where known