Blind Veterans UK

It's our 110th birthday in 10 days, and we're kicking off the countdown by sharing hidden gems from our archives! In 1915, Sir Arthur Pearson founded the Blinded Soldiers and Sailors Care Committee to support soldiers blinded during the First World War. Shortly after, St Dunstan’s Lodge in Regent’s Park became our first home, where veterans adjusted to life after sight loss and learned practical skills to regain their independence. The lodge, pictured here, inspired the name St Dunstan’s and was home to veterans who proudly called themselves St Dunstaners. This image captures the early days of a mission that continues to this day. Follow along as we share more hidden gems from our 110-year history of supporting blind veterans. #110YearsofBlindVeteransUK #HiddenGems #Archive #History [Image description: A historic black-and-white photograph showing a large group of people gathered in front of St Dunstan’s Lodge in Regent’s Park, London, in 1915. The group includes blind veterans, staff, and volunteers.]

Happy #NationalThesaurusDay! Today, we’re honouring a word that embodies the spirit of our courageous veterans: valor. Drop a comment with your favourite synonym for valor. Let's fill the comments with words that celebrate the extraordinary bravery of our veterans! [Image description: commemorative D-Day portrait of blind veteran Alec proudly wearing his medals. Photo credit: Richard Cannon.]

The countdown is on - just one month to go until Hope's #VEDay 80 fundraising challenge begins! Starting 18 February, Hope, our Corporate Partnerships Manager, will tackle 5km every day for 80 days, leading up to the 80th anniversary of VE Day on 8 May. To kick off 2025 and prepare for this epic journey, she's following a simple three-point plan for success. Discover her plan and get inspired: https://ow.ly/lmgU50UHyeU

We are thrilled to announce a generous donation of £10,000 from our valued partner, Corps Security. This incredible support will help fund our vital Member Engagement programme, which brings our veterans together through events held across the country. These events play a key role in fostering a sense of belonging within our community and the wider military family. This year, Corps Security’s contribution will help make our flagship VE Day 80th Anniversary Military Dinner an unforgettable celebration, as we honour the bravery and sacrifice of our Second World War heroes. A huge thank you to Corps Security for their generosity and commitment to supporting vision-impaired veterans. Your partnership is helping us make a lasting difference in the lives of those who have served our country. [Image description: Our Plymouth Military Dinner held at HMS Drake. Veterans and military guests are seated at dressed tables.]

D-Day veteran Syd takes centre stage in Peckham! Have you spotted it yet? It’s part of Portrait of Britain Vol. 7, displayed on JCDecaux digital screens across the UK until 2 Feb 2025. If you spot it, let us know where - we'd love to hear about all the places Syd's incredible portrait is being seen! Want to explore more portraits and stories from our D-Day exhibition? Visit: https://ow.ly/y4MS50UFr4O #PortraitOfBritain #DDay #Veterans [Image description: A JCDecaux digital screen showing a black-and-white portrait of D-Day veteran Syd.]

Over the festive season, did you notice a loved one struggling with sight loss? If they served in the Armed Forces, including National Service, they could be getting our life-changing support. Check eligibility in just 20 seconds: https://ow.ly/Far250UCn1s Help us reach more veterans by sharing this post - they may not know we're here to help. #SightLoss #SupportOurVeterans [Image description: A graphic with a smartphone illustration. Text on the phone screen reads: "Check if you're eligible in 20 seconds". On the right, bold text asks: Do you know a veteran who is struggling with sight loss? The Blind Veterans UK logo appears at the bottom.]

“Running the Great North Run for Blind Veterans UK was a huge privilege. I was really anxious about the distance, having never run a half marathon before, but the crowd, the sweets, the high-fives, the music, and cheers got me round – a day I won’t forget.” Rachel ran with us last year, and now it's your turn to kick-start your year with this iconic event. But hurry - there's just two days left to enter the ballot. Don't miss your chance! Enter the ballot now to secure your own place: https://ow.ly/blKJ50UAX0o Prefer a guaranteed spot? Apply for one of our charity places today: https://ow.ly/sVr650UAX0q [Image description: Rachel after her completing her Great North Run, holding up her medal and smiling. She is wearing a Blind Veterans UK runner top. In the background, there is a bustling crowd of runners and buses.]

We’re thrilled to announce that one of our D-Day portraits has been selected as a winner of the Portrait of Britain Awards by the British Journal of Photography! Captured by Richard Cannon, Syd’s portrait is one of 100 winning images now displayed on JCDecaux digital screens across high streets, shopping centres, and transport hubs nationwide until 2 February. Keep an eye out for his portrait as you’re out and about - we’d love to hear if you spot it! Explore more of our D-Day portraits and the incredible stories behind them: https://ow.ly/ShGf50UBFTJ #PortraitOfBritain #DDay #Veterans #Photography [Image description: A black and white portrait of blind veteran Syd, pictured standing proudly, leaning on a cane and wearing his medals on his blazer. The background image shows a Halifax bomber towing a Horsa glider.]

Back in the office and finding it hard to get back into the flow after the holidays? We've got just the thing to energise you and your team! Our Power Up boot camp comes with simple weekly guides to keep you on track, with exercises you can fit into coffee breaks or between meetings. It's a great way to stay motivated, build team spirit and support blind veterans. Find out more and discover other ideas for Resolutions to help your team get motivated while supporting our veterans: https://ow.ly/g1FF50UyLZJ #TeamChallenge #PowerUp #SupportOurVeterans #NewYearMotivation [Image description: Silhouette of a woman jumping in the air against a vibrant sunset backdrop with text that reads: Resolutions Challenge. Do it! For veterans and yourself.]

Did you know Braille has military roots? Charles Barbier, a French army officer, invented a system of raised dots intended for soldiers to communicate silently at night during battles. While it was deemed too complex for military use, it inspired Louis Braille to create the tactile system we know today. This #WorldBrailleDay, we’re reflecting on Braille’s fascinating history and its lasting legacy, which has empowered so many - including blind veterans - to regain independence and connection with the world. [Image description: A historical photo showing a blind WWI veteran learning Braille from a female instructor. Text overlay reads: “Did you know? Braille was inspired by a secret military code.]