VETERANS of the armed forces with sight loss are set to benefit from the expansion of a free outreach service in Argyll and Bute.

The charity Scottish War Blinded has appointed Allison West to a newly created outreach position, which will be based at Helensburgh's Carers Support offices at Lomond House.

The new service will provide support to assist veterans in improving their quality of life after the devastation of sight loss.

The support available will range from providing veterans struggling with sight loss with free low vision equipment, to facilitating home adaption to allow them to regain independence as well as assisting them to re-integrate into the local community.

Scottish War Blinded’s head of operations and development, Rebecca Barr, said: “We are delighted that Allison’s appointment has extended our outreach support to assist more veterans in Argyll and Bute.

“Allison brings a wealth of experience on veterans’ matters and sight loss to this new post. Her appointment will be of great interest to eligible veterans, and their families, in this area.”

Allison, a qualified rehabilitation officer for the visually impaired, with years of experience of working with veterans with sight loss, said: "I’m delighted to be part of this expanding service.

"As I live locally I know there is much demand for more support for military veterans."

Scottish War Blinded aims to reach more eligible ex-service men and women across Argyll and Bute by encouraging family, friends and healthcare professionals to refer someone they know to the charity.

Referrals will enable more veterans to access a programme of free support and social opportunities facilitated by Allison.

The new role is part of Scottish War Blinded’s gradual expansion of service provision in the west of Scotland.

A new centre is to be opened in Paisley in October, which will allow veterans from all over the west of Scotland access to rehabilitation, sporting and social opportunities.

Ms Barr continued: “If you know someone who served in the Armed Forces or did National Service and who now has severe sight loss, Scottish War Blinded can provide them with a lifeline of practical and emotional support irrespective of when or how their sight loss occurred.

"Call us on Freephone 0800 035 6409 or visit scottishwarblinded.org.”