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Edinburgh Live
27-05-2025
- General
- Edinburgh Live
Blind East Lothian woman on 'staying connected to the world' after feeling 'unsafe'
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info An East Lothian woman was born blind has said 'even the most positive person needs help'. Freda Steel, now 68-years-old, enrolled with the Royal Blind School in Edinburgh at the age of five. After her 'world was opened up', she learned how to cook, clean and move around safely - as well as gaining confidence. Now living in Musselburgh, Freda faced new challenges later in life. She got the help she needed from Sight Scotland, and is now urging those who can to donate to the charity. Reflecting on her journey, Freda (who is affectionately known by her loved ones as Mouse), said: "I was just a wee girl from Lanarkshire, and they [Royal Blind School] opened up the world to me. "I learned everything other children did, but also how to live independently – how to cook, clean, move about safely. They gave me the confidence to just get on with life." Sign up for Edinburgh Live newsletters for more headlines straight to your inbox 60 years later, Freda found herself in need of help again. She continued: 'I still cherish my independence, but I was no longer able to easily go out alone. "I can't use my long cane due to nerve damage in my fingers, and with all the street furniture, bins, new bus stops and low kerbs, it became increasingly difficult. I just didn't feel safe, so I decided to get back in touch with Sight Scotland, and they were there for me just like they were 60 years earlier. 'They introduced me to Tam, a volunteer befriender, and I can't tell you how much of a difference that has made. Every Tuesday, Tam comes to see me. We go for a walk, have a coffee, go shopping, and have a good chat. It keeps me connected to the world. He's become a true friend." Freda hopes that by sharing her story, others will be encouraged to support Sight Scotland. Join Edinburgh Live's Whatsapp Community here and get the latest news sentstraight to your messages. Freda adds: "I love my wee house, I do everything myself, all the cooking, the cleaning and I'm so proud of that. I've always tried to stay positive. But even the most positive person needs help sometimes. Sight Scotland has been there for me every step of the way. "I want people to know what this charity does. They don't just offer practical help, they offer hope. They've been there for me my whole life. If my story can inspire just one person to donate, then it's worth sharing. Sight Scotland is a lifeline, and we need to make sure it's there for everyone who needs it." Karen Hodgins, Head of Fundraising and Audience Development, shares: "The need for support is growing, and it's vital that everyone living with sight loss can access help when they need it most. "Every year, we respond to thousands of calls from people like Freda, but we rely on public support to continue."
STV News
20-05-2025
- Business
- STV News
Airline donates sleep masks to help teachers assist blind pupils
Thousands of business-class eye masks have been donated to Edinburgh's Royal Blind School to help train teaching staff at the facility. The masks, donated by Dubai-based airline Emirates, allow workers to replicate the challenges faced by youngsters who are blind or visually impaired. For example, preparing meals can be a normal part of daily life for sighted people, but it is a harder task to navigate for those living with a visual impairment. Pam Cameron-Young, chartered teacher at the Royal Blind School, said: 'Things that we take for granted with our vision – if we're walking down a busy corridor, there's lots of noise, there's lots happening, we can immediately see what that is. 'Once you go under sleepshade, it's quite interesting to see how staff falter when they hear somebody coming near them, or something happening around them. 'Of course, they have got a visual memory to call upon, so they have got some support systems to understand what is happening around about them, but I think it really is a wake-up call.' Emirates has sent 12,000 sleep masks to teachers throughout the UK after a staff member at the Royal Blind School contacted the airline. Habilitation teacher Cameron Henderson said: 'In terms of the training, I think you have to have an understanding of what someone's needs might be (in order) to best assist them. 'So to be able to have time exploring the environment using your other senses is huge.' Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
