Deputy Bailiff is appointed patron of Blind Association

The charity helps people affected by sight loss with practical and emotional support.

Deputy Bailiff Roland said she was delighted to take on the role, after the retirement of Lady Carey.

‘I was a trustee of the GBA for many years and have continued to keep an interest in the excellent work of the charity since then,’ she said.

‘The GBA does tremendous work for the visually impaired of the Bailiwick. The cost-of-living increases are having a significant impact on blind and partially-sighted people which means more and more islanders need the charity’s help. In this time when the support of those who know and understand the challenges of visual impairment is needed more than ever, I hope that I will be able to do what I can to assist the GBA in my role as patron in ensuring that those who need our support can receive it.’

GBA president Morag McIndoe said it was important that it was there for islanders.

‘In a challenging financial climate, the GBA continues to deliver both financial and practical support to islanders with visual impairments ensuring that all aspects of life are accessible to them,’ she said.

‘Jessica comes to us with extremely valuable previous experience as she has served as a trustee of GBA in the past and also currently represents other island charities.’

Vision support advisor Debbie Clarke said a lot of people helped the charity.

‘We rely on the support and time from our trustees and patron who give us many hours volunteering to maintain the high standards of management within our charity,’ she said.

‘Our thanks goes to Lady Bridget Carey who has supported us for many years and we welcome Madam Deputy Bailiff Jessica Roland on board in her newly-appointed role of patron.’

The Guernsey Blind Association was established in 1919.

It has a resource room at the Vision Support Centre showcasing a large range of modern equipment for independent living at home, school or in the workplace including aids such as varying strength magnifiers, large button telephones, eye shields and white canes.

Home visits are available.

There are also social gatherings each Thursday between 2pm and 4pm at the Vision Support Centre.