‘We’re Not Made Of Glass’ – Islander With Sight Loss Supports Guide On Best Ways To Help

A 27-year-old security officer from the Isle of Wight who is registered sight impaired, has helped leading sight loss charity the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) put together a new guide designed to help inform sighted people how best they can offer assistance.

Josh Glen, who lives in Newport and works at Southampton Football Club, has lent his experience to the ‘Be Helpful’ campaign aimed at encouraging sighted people to offer a helping hand or voice, rather than waiting to be asked. 

To help people feel more comfortable in offering assistance, RNIB has released a free online guide created with people with sight loss. 

The Be Helpful guide includes tips on everything from starting a conversation to everyday ways to help – like moving your bins back or keeping your car off the kerb.

Josh was born with congenital nystagmus. His Mum was initially told by doctors that everything was fine, but she sought a second opinion.

Josh says he struggles with accessing information when out and about; for example at a bus stop he may not be able to see the number of the route.

He said:

“I find that generally people want to help but they don’t always know what the appropriate way is to do that.

"It should just be about approaching us as a person, saying ‘hello’, and asking how they can help us.

"People are sometimes too scared to do something in case they do the wrong thing.”

The Be Helpful guide is backed up by new research commissioned by RNIB which shows that the majority of blind and partially sighted people would like sighted people to offer assistance, and that a simple hello and offer of help is the best way to go about it.

David Aldwinckle, RNIB’s Director of Insight and Customer Voice, said:

“While most people with sight loss, like me, have worked out ways to get around as independently as we can, that doesn’t mean help isn’t welcome.

“When somebody asks me at the bus stop if I need any help, I really appreciate it.

"Just that small recognition that help might be useful makes me feel like I belong and am part of the community."

Search ‘Be Helpful Guide’ to find out more https://www.rnib.org.uk/behelpfulguide