   
Besides the many Services we provide as detailed below, we have lots of Information Handouts, some of which are reproduced on this site. Please Click the Links as required |        
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A RESOURCE & TRAINING CENTRE
Well-stocked with aids & equipment for visually impaired people, such as talking & tactile watches & clocks; specialised kitchen items; talking bathroom & kitchen scales; talking microwave oven - and many other helpful items for daily living. There is also a training kitchen available for any registered visually impaired person to see what can be done to assist. | |
An ADVISORY SERVICE | The team from Top Left - Celia, Karen, Eve and Carolyn |
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Our four GCAB Coordinators currently cover the County (with the exception of Gloucester City) visiting registered visually impaired people, offering help, contacts, general advice and, where possible, a regular volunteer visitor. As soon as an individual is certified (on a BD8 form) as either blind or partially sighted by an ophthalmic consultant, Social Services complete the registration process and send GCAB a monthly list of new registrations. The Coordinators arrange a first GCAB visit to offer help and advice on safety, communication, provisions, benefits, specialised equipment, talking books and newspapers, and any other aspects which a client may wish to raise. HOSPITAL INFORMATION SERVICE
The HIS serves many of the Eye Clinics held in our local hospitals throughout the county.
Look out for our trained volunteers wearing our bright yellow tabards. They are available to speak to you about any worries or concerns you may have. They also have leaflets on the more common eye conditions, useful aids and equipment and the other services offered by GCAB. The picture also shows the information trolley and notice board. |
NEW MEMBERS GROUPS (NMGs)The first Group met in Cheltenham in March 2000. In 2005 there were MIGs in Cheltenham, Cam, Winchcombe, Cirencester, Nailsworth and Churchdown.2006 plans include Cheltenham (starting January 16th), Stroud (February 27th), Tewkesbury (May 1st) and North Cotswolds (June 19th) - please contact Lynda on 01242 221170, if you would like to attend.Each of the six weekly sessions is based on a particular topic - safety & mobility, communications, fire precautions, equipment, benefits, and the VIP library. Participants comment before and after each session and advise us of any additional help and/or information they would like.The Groups are funded by government grant administered by Gloucestershire County Council: the present grant has funded the courses until March 2003. We can only hope that the government will offer further grants for the future. | 
| Lynda is the New Members Groups Administrator |
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ADVICE and HELP WE CAN HELP YOU in many ways through our range of services or we can refer you to other agencies that can help, if this is more appropriate.
• Are you struggling to read the dial* on your washing machine or cooker?
We can advise on ways to mark these and other appliances.
• Are you having problems with reading your post, newspaper or pursuing your interests and hobbies?
We can offer advice on alternative ways to approach these difficulties.
• Are you concerned about crossing the road safely or going shopping?
We can help and advise
• Have you thought about light levels?
The right level of light, both inside and outdoors, is vital, as the effects of both low light and glare can make seeing more difficult. We can share many tried and tested solutions.If our volunteers on duty cannot help you directly, they can, with your permission, take your details and pass them on to the GCAB Centre, where someone will be able to find the answer.
You are also very welcome to come and visit us at the GCAB RESOURCE CENTRE, based at our Offices in Albion Street, Cheltenham. Here we have a display kitchen and resource room where you can look at and try out many useful items of equipment before you buy. We can also offer advice on the most suitable aids for your situation.
RESOURCE CENTRE opening hours are:-
Monday to Friday 9.00 am to 1.00 pm
Afternoon visits can be arranged but please telephone to make an appointment.
A NEWSLETTER
Produced three times a year giving information specifically for visually impaired people.
INFORMATION HANDOUTSWe have produced a wealth of information for VIP's many of which are here on out web site.
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