A FREE course in Oxford will help people who have lost their sight to regain their confidence and independence.

The Living with Sight Loss course, run by the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB), is taking place at Oxfordshire Association for the Blind, Bradbury Lodge on Gordon Woodward Way.

The course will run from 10am to 3.30pm on Thursday 7 and 14 June. The two-day course will provide information, advice and practical skills for anyone who has sight loss and their family and friends.

Adrian Hare, RNIB Confidence Building Coordinator for the South East, said: “For someone newly diagnosed with sight loss, the future can seem very daunting and scary at first.

"But losing your sight doesn’t mean losing your independence. Our courses are about improving social inclusion, boosting confidence, and learning new skills and techniques to deal with sight loss in order to live independently.

“The Living with Sight Loss course is available to anyone with sight loss. Friends and family are also welcome."

Phone groups covering similar topics are also available for those unable to attend a course in person.

The sessions provide the opportunity to talk to others and exchange experiences. These groups run for four sessions, over four weeks.

Places for all courses are free but must be booked in advance by calling 0300 123 3933 or emailing lwslenquiries@rnib.org.uk.