Loss of Homecall service to blind would be "devastating"

Ruth is 93, lives alone in a top-floor flat and suffers from four different vision problems.

She speaks from the heart.

She is one of 64 clients in the Bexhill area of Homecall, the East Sussex charity.

Despite winning a Queen's Award For Voluntary Service in 2006, East Sussex County Council withdrew its 130,000 a year funding the same year.

Homecall has now had to announce that it will cease operations on September 30.

But the charity's Bexhill organiser, Jenny Private, is campaigning to raise the 15,000 which would enable her local team of 59 volunteers to continue their work.

A total of 36 stairs lead to Ruth's town centre flat. Macular degeneration, cataracts, glaucoma and double vision combine to reduce Ruth's eyesight to the ability to "make out shapes."

But the shapes are doubled. And each is superimposed with an image resembling a shrub.

For the past three years since eye problems which had been threatening since she was in her seventies conspired against her, Ruth's invaluable helper, guide, counsellor and friend has been her Homecall visitor.

Jan Corke calls once a week.

As they sit together on the sofa in Ruth's beautifully-kept flat the rapport between the two friends is immediately obvious.

Ruth says: "She does SO many things for me. She is very good '“ advising me, suggesting things. She does all my reading. She writes letters for me. She guides me when I make out cheques.

"She also gives me a lot of encouragement."

Jan says: "You have a lot more confidence now, haven't you?

"We will talk about food, for instance. The next time I call, or the time after, Ruth will have made a little cake or some shortbread."

Ruth says: "It is a challenge. When you get to my age you feel rather useless. You feel frustrated that you can't do things.

"I will try at baking something. If it goes wrong it goes in the bin or something..."

Ruth does her own food shopping but when she needs to buy a card or something special it is to Jan that she turns.

Ruth says: "I should be lost without her. I rely on her so much. She comes once a week. I look forward to it '“ I jolly well do!"

Jenny Private tries to match visitor and client.

She succeeded well with Jan and Ruth. They share an interest in classical music. Jan has taken Ruth to concerts at Eastbourne.

Referring to the threat to Homecall, Ruth says: "I would be devastated. We MUST do something to try to keep it, musn't we? .

"It is so essential, I think, for people like me and there must be lots of people worse off than me who are totally blind.

"I can get around a bit and do my own food shopping locally."

Jan reminds her: "We went to Marks and Spencers at Eastbourne together, didn't we?"

Ruth says: "That was quite an expedition...."

Jan says: "I feel very deeply concerned all for those outside who we won't be able to touch.

"Personally, I will still visit Ruth whether Homecall exists or not. I think she's a lovely lady and I would not be able to break the friendship we have built.

"But there are many who are equally vulnerable. It would have a huge impact on their quality of life.

"One of the things that Ruth has succeeded in doing is move with the times.

"The talking books stopped sending cassettes.

"We got Ruth a CD player and she's learned how to play CDs."

Ruth chips in: ".....and MP3s!

"I know one can get quite a lot of help from the DHS and other bodies but this is one-to-one. I think that is essential when you are old and have a disability because you make friends and look forward to the same person coming.

"I have heard so many people say that someone from an organisation came for a few weeks and just as they got to know them they were replaced by someone else."

Jan sums up Homecall visiting: "It's not personal care, it's personal interest. Ruth might ask 'Is my skirt clean? Are there any stains on it?

"I really think that it is a small section of the community who will be marginalised if the service ends.

"There is all sorts of care for people but there is no personal intimate care for people in this situation who are so vulnerable."

Ruth says: "I feel that if I have a problem of any sort I know she's on the end of a phone and I can ring her.

"I have a very good neighbour. But she's on the ground floor and she's very arthritic now and can't get up the stairs. We ring each other every day and ask 'Are you on your feet..?'"

Jenny Private has been heartened by the response to her appeal in last week's Observer.

But there is a long way to go to raise the 15,000 to run the Bexhill service for a year.

Homecall had a cash pledge last year from a local organisation. Jenny has now explained how the situation has changed.

"They have told me that will continue that pledge but they won't give us the money until they know we are carrying on."

Another organisation has also said it will retain its cash pledge until it is clear that Homecall can continue in Bexhill.

"The Bexhill 100 Motoring Club have said we will be one of four charities to benefit from this year's car show. Last year four charities each received 1,000 '“ but, of course it all depends on the weather on the day."

Anyone able to help Jenny Private with her appeal to keep Homecall services going in Bexhill is invited to contact her at 149 Peartree Lane, Bexhill TN39 4NR or ring 848365.