Darren was delighted to meet with Michele Richardson and Joanne Arksey, members of RNIB Cymru's Welfare Rights team, at his constituency office in Abergele today to discuss the vital services they provide.

Whilst assistance is available for blind and partially sighted people, many do not know what they are entitled to or how to access such support. The charity's team of Welfare Right Officers works across much of Wales ensuring that people get the benefits and services they need to live independently.

Ceri Jackson, Director of RNIB Cymru said:

"A third of blind and partially sighted people live in poverty, and yet many do not claim all the welfare benefits they are entitled to because of lack of awareness of benefits, reluctance to identify as disabled and difficulties in the application process.

“RNIB Cymru's welfare rights team works with them to ensure they get the support they're entitled to, reducing financial hardship, and increasing people's ability to live independently.

"Last year alone the team worked on over 120 cases in Conwy and Denbighshire which resulted in over £278,440 in extra unclaimed benefits getting into people’s pockets.

“This money can mean the difference between not having any social interaction, and being able to go out and travel, visit family members, and shop independently.

"Recently one of our Welfare Right Officers supported Mrs Jones in a tribunal that won £3,836.90 for 74 weeks of backdated DLA that she did not know she was entitled to. A fantastic achievement that means Mrs Jones can now live a more independent life."

Darren Millar said:

"It was a pleasure to meet with Michele and Joanne to thank them for their work. RNIB Cymru’s welfare rights team are doing a fantastic job of providing support to many people in my constituency and I really appreciate their efforts.

“Along with their colleagues, Michele and Joanne have helped scores of people in my constituency to navigate the benefits system – I can’t thank them enough.

“I would encourage anyone who is blind or partially sighted to contact the team if they are unsure about their entitlements."

For more information on the charity's Welfare Rights service, please contact RNIB Cymru on 029 2045 0440, or by emailing [email protected]

Picture caption: Darren Millar AM with Joanne Arksey and Michele Richardson of the RNIB Cymru's Welfare Rights Team.