A NEW guide has been produced to help veterans in East Renfrewshire cope with problems with their hearing or sight.

As veterans are at greater risk of developing sensory impairment, three charities – Age Scotland, Action on Hearing Loss and Scottish War Blinded – are calling for screening to identify those who are losing their hearing at an early stage.

The charities are also campaigning to raise awareness of the help available to veterans with vision or hearing loss, often caused by being exposed to loud noises such as gunfire and battlefield explosions.

The new guide sets out in clear, concise language the advice and support available.

It is being backed by 88-year-old former servicewoman Isa Scott, from Paisley.

Barrhead News:

Ms Scott, who joined the RAF in 1948, started losing her sight in her mid-80s due to macular degeneration.

She was then referred to Scottish War Blinded, which helped her continue her hobby of knitting with the aid of an electronic magnifier.

For a free copy of the Combating Sight and Hearing Loss guide, call 0800 12 44 222.