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St Dunstan's - A Background

Poor treatment of the blind at the turn of the last century was the result of a lack of information - leading to the misguided belief that blind people were incapable of leading a normal and independent life. St. Dunstan's the charity for blind ex-Service men, women and their families has tried to change this misconception.

A blind man's vision
It was the advent of the First World War and the prolific use of mustard gas in the trenches that over 1,500 men were violently blinded and subsequently returned to Britain to face a life of almost certain isolation and dependency.

Sir Arthur Pearson - the visionary founder of the Daily Express, who himself had become blind as a result of glaucoma - decided to change society's view of the blind and provide these returning heroes with the care and rehabilitation that would enable them to lead constructive and independent lives.

As a result, the charity St Dunstan's was founded in 1915, and named after the clock which formed a focal point of the impressive building in Regent's Park which acted as a 'hostel' and training centre for the returning war-blind.

The work of St Dunstan's
Almost 90 years later, St Dunstan's continues to care for those blinded in action. However it's role has evolved to provide help for all blind and visually impaired ex-Service men and women -whether blinded in action or though accident, disease or due to old age.

St Dunstan's has also extended its work to reach other serving professions. The Diana Gubbay Trust, administered by St Dunstan's, was set up in 1971 for the benefit of mean and women in the Emergency Services (Police, Fire and Ambulance) who have suffered loss of vision whilst on duty. Wherever possible, St Dunstan's aims to help the blind and visually impaired live independently in their own community.

However, full respite, nursing and residential care is available for those who need it. Today, though advances in technology coupled with exemplary training and pure determination, the achievements of St Dunstaners are limitless. From living independently in their own homes, working in jobs as varied as IT and public speaking, to taking on personal challenges including marathons, sky diving, riding motorcycles and driving powerboats - each St Dunstaner is a tribute to Sir Arthur Pearson's vision.

The National Centre at Ovingdean
The National Centre at Ovingdean, near Brighton, was purpose built for blind ex-Service men and women in 1938. It provides a base from where St Dunstaners can be given all the training, rehabilitation skills and support, necessary to lead an independent and fulfilling life. Ovingdean offers a host of care and recreational facilities for visiting or residential St Dunstaners. These include a computer training suite, chapel, craft workshop and training kitchen. Excellent sports facilities include indoor and outdoor archery, a swimming pool, fully equipped gymnasium and a Bowling Green.

Rehabilitation and Training
A dedicated tam of Rehabilitation and Training Officers provide one-to-one rehabilitation and training programmes to suite the individual needs of each St Dunstaner. This training is carries out at the National Centre as well as in their own home and community. The department teaches skills such as mobility with a long cane, computer handling, Braille, independent living and vocational skills. Ongoing training, coupled with invaluable moral support and material assistance, enables many St Dunstaners to return to full-time employment and lead independent lives.

Nursing and Residential Care
A comprehensive Nursing and Respite service is available for St Dunstaners. Patients at Ovingdean range form those needing long-term medical care to those who require short-term care whilst they recover from surgery or illness. St Dunstan's aim is to provide each individual with the highest standards of care possible while maintaining their dignity, independence and freedom of choice. St Dunstan's nursing staff care for those who often have other serious medical conditions. The auxiliary care provided at St Dunstan's goes well beyond just medical support - understanding, patience and commitment are vital.

Residential, respite and holiday centre
Ovingdean promises a 'home from home' for many old St Dunstaners who can no longer cope without regular support. In addition to all the rehabilitation and training facilities, St Dunstan's provides a full and varied weekly programme of events and activities, recreational trips, a range of craft workshop activities and access to round the clock assistance.

Housing and Welfare
St Dunstan's also assists with housing and financial grants, providing housing for over 300 St Dunstaners and their families across Britain. A nation-wide team of Welfare Officers regularly visit and assess St Dunstaners in their home with a view to providing safe and comfortable living conditions, and further training, financial or pastoral care where required. The welfare Officers also acts as the link between St Dunstaners and their local authorities and social services.

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