A MOTHER of three, a singer with a band, a tireless volunteer and hard worker – and registered blind. Sam Cole, from Weymouth, has a lot to say about what it is like to be blind in Weymouth, and what services are on offer to support others.

Sam, 45, was born with albinism. The condition significantly affected her eyesight and she has had less than 10 per cent visibility since she was born.

But Sam, who recently became a trustee for the Dorset Blind Association, has taken it all in her stride. She has an infectious personality, a matter-of-fact approach to life and a witty and wicked sense of humour.

As her much-loved cat crawls in and out of her arms, Sam, surrounded by visual aids in her home describes her life as registered blind.

Sam said: “When I was a child there was a lot more social workers and I was out playing in the street.

“My parents wanted me to join in with everyone but as you get older, your friend crosses the road to see someone else and you can’t.

“There was a lot of bullying, they would say ‘you look like you’re from another planet’ and ‘go away’.”

Sam said as she got older, more and more funding was cut making things a lot harder, and now she doesn’t have her own social worker.

Sam said: “There isn’t really any permanent social support for people with disabilities anymore.”

Sam decided to do something about the lack of support in the area. She set up a group six years ago for working-age people who are blind in Weymouth to meet up.

Sam said: “With the help of Leah Cross from Dorset Blind Association, we started a small group in Weymouth as social services were cut back.

“Now we have about thirty people who meet the first Thursday morning of every month at The New Vic on the Esplanade.

“We meet just to talk for a couple of hours about common issues and worries, sharing coping strategies and information about public transport.”

Sam is hugely passionate for the work of Dorset Blind Association and their life-changing support. Through the charity, Sam and other adrenalin seekers have taken part in activities that are not usually accessible for the blind, from sky diving to driving a car.

Sam said: “We have a driving experience in the summer at Bovington. It’s an amazing experience when you haven’t been able to drive.

“I did a sky dive too. 20 of us raised over £10,000 for Dorset Blind Association.”

Sam’s regularly on the music scene in Weymouth too. She sings with ska/mod/pop band Dr Robert and loves ska music.

Leaving the sky dives and rhythm of ska behind, Sam describes more of typical day living in Weymouth with a visual impairment.

Sam said: “Walking through town with sight loss is quite hard because of the boards outside shops and benches. We have to memorise the route we go on.”

To aid the little sight that she does have, Sam wears glasses which she says react to the light. She has a camera which magnifies books and papers so that she can read.

One of the biggest obstacles Sam’s sight provided was to being a mother. But it still didn’t stop Sam. She has three boys who are and eight, 19 and 22 years old.

She said: “It’s hard work when you are walking the children to school in the morning and they want to go a different route, and they can’t because you can’t. You are just continually guessing at things.”

Sam wants services to improve in the area. She said: “I hope we will be able to set up a small shop that is a place in town that would be an accessible place to see what you can buy and special services for blind people.”

Sam also wants bystanders to be more aware of blind people.

She said: “If someone is using a white stick it’s frightening and more respect and understanding would be nice. When I used to push a pram I would go into people’s ankles and there would be swearing and shouting. Not everyone would be forgiving. Most people are pretty good, but it’s annoying having people rush past you and it would be nice if someone would get up and offer me a seat.”

The government talked about making disability cuts earlier this year which shocked Sam. She said the thought of benefits being cut was awful and insulted her when ‘they are on their big salaries’.

Sam said: “To call it a benefit is a joke when they can claim for their big breakfasts.

“I have to get four to six taxis a week. If I have an appointment or have to take my son swimming I have to pay for a taxi. For a filling at the dentist, I had to pay £51 – there is no free help. People presume a disabled person has a pretty good time, but blind people do not. My glasses cost £380 because of the cost of the lenses as it’s such a complicated prescription, and I have to pay for all of it.”

Sam said people assume if they are able to work then they must be fine.

“The government are trying to push people with disabilities into work but I give a lot of time to voluntary work and that is not recognised. I work with schools and church groups and I think volunteering should be recognised more and people who have a disability and go into the community to help.”

Today, Sam is one of eight trustees for Dorset Blind Association.

She said: “We are there to look after finances and make sure everyone is treated fairly and to look to the future and expansion and ideas for fundraising.”

The Dorset Blind Association team are always thinking of new ideas and events to raise money for the charity and help others.

On July 8, a race night and fish and chips supper is being held to raise money in association with the Rotary Club of Weymouth.

Sam said: “For people who are trying so hard against all the odds, and just trying to cope they should be praised for being so brave and independent.”

For more information about Dorset Blind Association and their events, or to support the charity, visit dorsetblind.org.uk