Darran Thomas, 46, from Brynmawr in South Wales, started to lose his vision ten years ago when he was diagnosed with a genetic eye disorder. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
One of the biggest impacts of getting a diagnosis was having to leave my job. It was one of my main forms of social interaction as I live alone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Although I had lots of support from my friends and family, I\u2019ve experienced so much isolation and loneliness<\/strong> since losing my sight. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Before the outbreak of Covid-19, I\u2019d spend six hours a week with my Communicator Guide from Sense to go shopping, to the cinema or the theatre.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But, since the pandemic began, I\u2019ve had to shield due to health issues and now only go out for medical appointments. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s the loss of little things, like meeting friends and going for days out, that\u2019s had a big impact on me. I was used to living alone, but I could still make plans when I wanted to. <\/p>\n\n\n\n All of a sudden, it was like a shutter came down<\/strong> and it all totally disappeared.<\/p>\n\n\n\n My family live nearby so they can bring me meals and I can chat to them through the window, but I\u2019m definitely missing days out and visiting my friends. <\/p>\n\n\n\n I\u2019ve not been able to go out for nearly a year<\/strong> and it\u2019s quite difficult and depressing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I miss being out and about and the feeling of being in different environments. I miss going to the theatre more than anything \u2013 I love the sound and the experience of it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I\u2019m still supported by my Sense Communicator Guide in a socially distanced way and for that, I\u2019m so grateful. She delivers my shopping, medicine and post and we can chat over the phone.<\/p>Darran<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n I know my Communicator Guide is still there for me in whatever way she can be, and that really helps. You build up trust which is so important because you\u2019re relying on them to be your eyes. She\u2019s not just someone who supports me, she\u2019s also a friend. Sense has made a real difference.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Join us. Will you take action to make sure that no one is left out of life? <\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n Providing socially distanced support<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
No one should be left out of life<\/h2>\n\n\n\n