A COVENTRY blind actor has starred in charity film, aimed at encouraging fully sighted people to offer a helping hand before being asked.
Cee Cee Ezema is one of the main actors in a short film created by sight loss charity the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB).
RNIB research showed that almost nine in 10 blind people may need some help when they are making an unfamiliar journey.
The research also showed that 60 per cent say they feel nervous about offering assistance and lack the knowledge and confidence to offer appropriate help.
The institute have released a free online guide with tips to help people know what to do to assist people with sight loss.
The film features blind actors and uses every day relatable experiences, to highlight the challenged and encourage people to download the guide.
Cee Cee, 25, said: “I really wanted to get involved in RNIB’s campaign and be part of the film because I can relate to all the difference scenes from the film – especially the one that I was in as it happens all the time.
“Navigating around places like shops and stations can be very frustrating since the signs never seem to be big enough and I want to be able to move independently through life.
“I think it’s important that this film cast blind and partially sighted actors in it because we know how it feels to go through these issues and we can convey that frustration authentically.”
David Aldwinckle, RNIB’s director of insight and customer voice, said: “Whilst most people with sight loss, like me, have worked out ways to get around as independently as we can, that doesn’t mean help isn’t welcome.
“When somebody asks me at the bus stop if I need any help, I really appreciate it.
“Just that small recognition that help might be useful makes me feel like I belong and am part of the community.
“There are times when help is really important.
“When walking through a busy and crowded underground station you sometimes have to guess which is the right way to go which raises feelings of anxiety.
“A quick ‘hello’ and question of ‘do you need a hand?’ means I can ask if I’m going the right way and it makes such a difference.”
