main content Support for people who are blind or partially sighted

Bromley Council's Adults and Community Services Department has an agreement with Kent Association for the Blind (KAB) to provide help and advice to residents of the borough who are blind or partially sighted and their carers. KAB's aim is to help visually impaired people to be as independent as possible.

Eligibility

To ensure that services go to those with the greatest need, who are at risk of losing their independence, the Council has eligibility criteria for those who are seeking help from social services via KAB. Priority for services is given to those whose needs have been assessed as meeting the criteria.

Bromley Council’s eligibility criteria and timescales for responding to requests for help are outlined in the eligibility criteria for adults.

You do not need to be formally registered as having a visual impairment to receive help and advice from KAB.

Details

KAB has four rehabilitation workers who are able to give advice and information on all matters relating to visual impairment.

A home visit will be offered to assess your needs. Having discussed your problems with you and your carer, KAB will agree with you the best way to help. This may include services available either in your home or in a group setting, services to help your mobility (getting around safely), accommodation and training opportunities.

KAB runs social clubs and arranges leisure activities and self help groups in different parts of the borough. This allows people who are visually impaired to meet each other and talk about how to cope.

Costs

There are no costs involved in assessing your needs or for services provided for you directly by KAB. However, depending on your financial circumstances, you may be required to contribute towards the costs of other, additional services arranged for you and for any special equipment you may need. For further information on costs please see Domiciliary and Homecare Charges.

Next Steps

If you are interested in receiving advice or help from KAB, please contact them directly at their main contact centre in Orpington to discuss an assessment of your needs.

KAB also runs sessions at Bromley Town Church, Ethelbert Road, Bromley, on Wednesdays from 10am to 12 noon.

Addresses and contact times are outlined below.

For children and young people aged under 18 years who are blind or partially sighted, an assessment of needs can be requested from the Sensory Support Service. Where the child or young person has additional disabilities an assessment of need can be requested from the Children's Disability Team.

Contacts

Kent Association for the Blind
Telephone:  020 8464 8406 / 8432

Address:
18 Blyth Road, Bromley, Kent, BR1 3RX 

Opening hours:  Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm.

Bromley Town Church
Saxon House, Ethlebert Road, Bromley. Kent.
Wednesday 10.00am to 12.00 noon. Contact the Orpington office for details.