Hounslow Council have launched a £500,000 partnership with a selection of sight-loss charities to help the visually impaired in Hounslow. 

Hounslow Council have partnered with the charities the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) and the Middlesex Association for the Blind (MAB) to secure half a million pounds across three years to help support blind people. 

The project will deliver: emotional and practical advice for 2,500 people every year, the employment of two Eye Care Liaison Officers to provide a bridge between health and social services, increased awareness through almost 100 planned events over the next three years, and an increased number of Certificates of Visual Impairment. 

Hounslow Council's Cabinet Member for Communities and Equalities, Cllr Shivraj Grewal said: "It was a hugely positive event and a fitting celebration to this exciting partnership, which is based on a real need to provide better services and support to blind and partially sighted people in Hounslow. 

"I'd like to thank our equalities team and partners at RNIB and MAB for working so hard on the bid that secured this important funding." 

RNIB are the UK's biggest sight-loss charity, offering emotional support to blind people and their families, raising awareness for the difficulties they face, and campaigning for greater accessibility. 

RNIB Chief Operating Officer, David Clarke said: "It's great to partner with London Borough of Hounslow and Middlesex Association for the Blind, to ensure people with sight loss in Hounslow benefit from a joined up, and holistic pathway of support, from the point of diagnosis and beyond. 

"The funding will assist people at a time when they may feel like their world has been turned upside down. ECLOs are an essential part of RNIB's services and ensure those patients who need help receive tailored support when they need it the most." 

MAB CEO Valerie Hill added: "We are delighted to be part of such an exciting, innovative partnership that is building an important framework of support for the blind and partially sighted community in Hounslow.  

"We look forward to continuing a positive working relationship with London Borough of Hounslow and the RNIB."