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# Founder says pandemic means Lichfield Talking News service for people with visual impairments is “even more vital” than ever
- URL: https://lichfieldlive.co.uk/founder-says-pandemic-means-lichfield-talking-news-service-for-people-with-visual-impairments-is-even-more-vital-than-ever/
- Published: 2020-10-17T06:33:20.000Z
- Updated: 2020-10-17T06:34:17.000Z
- Description: The founder of a news service for people with visual impairments in Lichfield says it is “even more vital” than ever.
- Author: Lichfield Live
- Tags: Community, News

The founder of a news service for people with visual impairments in Lichfield says it is “even more vital” than ever.

![Microphone](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e3/90/e390c3da-0866-4d2a-8ffe-ca4999d7ce1c/content/images/lichfieldlive-co-uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/microphone.jpg)

Lichfield Talking News will celebrate 39 years of operation in November.

The service – which uses stories from Lichfield Live – provides hours of local news and information a week for those who receive it.

Founder John May MBE said:

> “In November, the Lichfield Talking News for the blind will be 39 – it was very important when it was first conceived, but it is even more vital today.  
>  
> “People usually develop visual impairments later in life. There are exceptions, of course, but the average age of our listeners is mid 70s.  
>  
> “Because of the problems caused by their impairment, they tend to stay at home. During this pandemic, many have found themselves very isolated.  
>  
> “What the Talking News brings them is so much more than just the local news – it also brings important information, plus around 20 hours a week of listening.  
>  
> “That means that the listener can enjoy around three hours a day of virtual company, friendly voices and even entertainment.”  
>  
> John May MBE

John said there may be a number of local residents who were not aware of the free service on offer from the group.

> “Initially, newly-diagnosed people were told of the Talking News by the rehabilitation officers for the blind, but they appear to have become casualties of council economics.  
>  
> “So we now find new listeners slowly and almost by luck.  
>  
> “If anyone knows of anyone with a sight problem, we can start their service immediately.”  
>  
> John May MBE

Anyone interested in receiving Lichfield Talking News can call 07948 794982 or e-mail [johnmaymbe@outlook.com](mailto:johnmaymbe@outlook.com).