Bringing blind veterans together this Christmas
At Blind Veterans UK, we believe that no one should face sight loss alone. This festive season, thanks to your support, we’ve created opportunities for blind veterans to come together, connect, and celebrate.
From Christmas get-togethers in local communities, to week-long stays at our centres, veterans have shared stories, laughter and companionship, surrounded by others who truly understand their sight loss journey, and the unique bonds of our military community.
Meet Mike
Blind veteran Mike, who served in the Royal Engineers, knows just how vital these moments of connection can be. During the 1950s, Mike served on Christmas Island.
Mike began losing his sight in his 30s. Luckily, he found our charity and has since embraced the support, equipment and community that we provide. Last week, Mike attended a Christmas lunch in Hailsham, one of the many festive events we’ve organised this year. He shared:
“The food was delicious, and afterwards we had a good fun quiz and a laugh. There’s a group of about eight or nine of us, and it’s a wonderful opportunity for companionship. We all come from different parts of the military, and it’s fascinating to hear their stories.
"Being part of Blind Veterans UK has been life-changing for me.”
“I’d like to say a very big thank you for the support and a very Merry Christmas."
Support in our community
Mike's story is just one example of how your support has made a difference this Christmas. Across the UK, we've hosted over 50 festive get-togethers, creating opportunities for blind veterans to come together, shares stories, and celebrate the season.
From Scotland to Cornwall, veterans have gathered together to reconnect, make new friends, and enjoy the festive spirit.
Christmas at our Rustington Centre
Rustington has been alive with festive cheer throughout December. Turkey and Tinsel Weeks saw veterans enjoy activities like crafting decorations, reindeer racing, and festive quizzes. Veterans like Daphne created beautiful wreaths in craft sessions, while volunteers from our corporate partner, Sopra Steria, helped transform the centre with festive decorations, including 11 Christmas trees. A moving carol service at the Parish Church of St Peter & St Paul brought veterans and staff together to celebrate the season.
Santa handing out gift during Turkey and Tinsel week, blind veteran Daphne proudly showing her wreath, and the Sopra Steria UK team who helped decorate the centre..
Christmas at our Llandudno Centre
Festivities at Llandudno have been in full swing this December, with Mistletoe and Wine weeks offering veterans the chance to come together for crafts, quizzes, and festive games. Each week our blind veterans enjoyed a full Christmas dinner and cheese and mulled wine tastings.
Veterans gathered around the Christmas tree to celebrate, and pupils from Ysgol Deganwy and Llandudno Youth Music Theatre brought holiday cheer with a special concert.
The centre also saw a visit from the team at Thea Pharmaceuticals, who dropped off presents for our veterans who will be staying with us during the Christmas week.
Veterans at our Mistletoe and Wine week, the team from Thea Pharmaceuticals dropping off gifts, and pupils from Ysgol Deganwy who performed for our veterans.
For veterans staying at our centres during the week of Christmas, the focus will be on creating a warm and supportive break. Plans include thoughtful gift-giving, traditional Christmas dinners, and carol singing, ensuring veterans who might otherwise be on their own can enjoy the companionship and festive cheer of our community.
Blindness can - too often - lead to isolation. But with your help, blind veterans can enjoy a happy Christmas together with people who care about them.
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