Wallasey women tells House of Lords about Action For Blind People

Mar 13 2013 by Linda Foo Guest, Birkenhead News

A WALLASEY woman spoke out at the House of Lords about the challenges faced by visually-impaired people.

Lynette Proctor, 24, shared her hopes and aspirations with guests of Lord Trefgarne, Lord Low and Action For Blind People at the Palace of Westminster on Thursday March 7.

She spoke about services for visually impaired teenagers and young adults, as well as highlighting what can be achieved with the right support and training.

Lynette – who was born with a number of eye conditions – explained how her world fell apart when her vision deteriorated.

She had to postpone her degree in English literature and fine art and returned to her family home in Wallasey for support.

Lynette then heard about Action For Blind People, which provided her with face-to-face emotional support counselling for nearly a year.

She took part in a three-day “finding your feet” course provided by the charity, allowing her to meet others in similar situations.

With the charity’s support, Lynette recently enrolled on a medical secretarial course at Liverpool Community College with the intention of continuing her qualifications in September.

Lynette spent months looking for a work placement to gain practical experience but repeatedly encountered prejudice because of her sight loss. On one occasion she was told she could not work as a receptionist because the company would not be able to insure her.

Action For Blind People supported Lynette in gaining a work placement at Townfield Health Centre in Prenton.

Lynette said: “Sight loss shouldn’t be a barrier to living your dreams and maximising your potential.

“I know this now, but if someone had told me that before I was introduced to the charity, I never would have believed them.

“Thanks to Action, my self-belief has been restored.”