A CHARITY which helps thousands of blind people live independent lives is urgently appealing for help after suffering a double funding blow.

Visual Impairment Problem Solving in County Durham (VIPS) lost its Durham County Council funding last year, then failed in a crucial Lottery grant bid.

Its two staff and 80 volunteers are currently using the charity’s reserves to continue providing services including everyday help, friendship and support with work, transport and equipment – reaching around 1,000 blind and partially sighted people every year.

But charity bosses say that can only continue for a year, or two at most, and have issued an urgent plea for volunteers and donations.

A second Lottery bid is being prepared for up to £300,000 over the next three to five years but other support is needed, with the charity’s annual turnover currently at £100,000.

Former Stockton South Labour MP Dari Taylor, a VIPS trustee, said: “Too often people see the disability, not the ability.

“VIPS helps people live independent lives.”

Harry Henson, a blind trustee in his 80s from Durham City, has received tuition to use a talking computer, helping him to graduate with a law degree in 2011.

“As a person who’s blind, independence is a huge asset and friendship is invaluable.

“Knowing there’s someone you can turn to in an emergency or just for a chat is wonderful,” he said.

Last year, the charity became incorporated and changed its name from the County Durham Society for the Blind and Partially Sighted.

Next week, sighted people are invited to experience life as blind by joining a Dining in the Dark fundraiser.

Guests will be blindfolded for a three-course meal at Antioch House, Crossgate, Durham. The event is on Saturday, November 30, at 7pm. Tickets are £15 including dinner and a drink. All proceeds will go to VIPS.

To book tickets, for more information on VIPS or to get involved, visit the charity’s offices at 4 Redhill Villas, Durham City; call 0191-386-8175; or go online to cdsbps.co.uk