Chris Owen

Visually impaired, with deteriorating vision. Walking to raise awareness of #MacularDisease #SightLoss #ConeDystrophy

[Chris Owen @blind_backpack]

This video was put together by my eldest Kira @superwholock24 to demonstrate how my vision loss impacts on my daily life, thanks Kira! #HiddenDisability #SightLoss #LivingWithDisabilities

[Macular Society @MacularSociety]

On theme of movement for this year's #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek, Chris Owen - aka @blind_backpack - says he's walked more since he registered severely sight impaired, and highlights the benefit it's had on his fitness and mental health.

[Chris Owen @blind_backpack]

@AngieBeatDown Try Sebo, they’re not the prettiest hoovers in the world, but they work. Ours is over 10 years old and is still going strong with 2x gr’s

[Chris Owen @blind_backpack]

@seandilleyNEWS @guidedogs Chester and I had something similar a few weeks back. Walking down the street and dog pounced with no warning. All is fine, but had to do lots of distraction training. It’s hard, especially when the dogs are so young (Chester is 2). I put a reel on FB https://t.co/1si7rzMnBJ?

[Chris Owen @blind_backpack]

Recently, @guidedogs Chester and I were going about our day when another dog attacked us.

Quite simply, these attacks destroy lives. Not to mention the time, energy and love from everyone that goes into raising a life changing guide dog

Full video at https://t.co/v1vKABjaC1

[Chris Owen @blind_backpack]

@MoMoUk @monzo Finally got it sorted today but was painful and not one I hope to experience again. I suggest changing banks (which is what I will be doing this week)

[Chris Owen @blind_backpack]

Hi @monzo it’s nearly 48hrs since you locked my a/c + joint a/c. Fraud team won’t talk to cust all done by chat which is hard when registered #blind. No way to buy food, train tickets, pay bills and no eta for fix. Words escape me.
@guardianmoney @TheFCA @itvMLshow @BBCBerkshire

[Chris Owen @blind_backpack]

Hi @monzo my a/c’s been frozen for 24hrs due to “fraud” It’s not, I’m trying to pay my D’s rent! I’ve told phone & chat agents but they can’t fix, fraud team too busy & no eta This is totally unacceptable and not TCF @MartinSLewis @TheFCA @BBCNews @TheGuadianNews

[Chris Owen @blind_backpack]

@monzo I tried that this morning and was told the specialists do not have external phone lines and do not talk to customers.

[Chris Owen @blind_backpack]

@monzo Student D has been scammed out of £00’s & @monzo happy to let them happen, I try to make genuine payment & a/c locked for over 24hrs.

[Chris Owen @blind_backpack]

Hi @monzo my a/c’s been frozen for 24hrs due to “fraud” It’s not, I’m trying to pay my D’s rent! I’ve told phone & chat agents but they can’t fix, fraud team too busy & no eta This is totally unacceptable and not TCF @MartinSLewis @TheFCA @BBCNews @TheGuadianNews

[Chris Owen @blind_backpack]

@monzo The fact that no one can tell me when it’ll be fixed is atrocious, what’s the SLA for these issues? What the process support potential vulnerable ppl?

[Chris Owen @blind_backpack]

@monzo The fact that no one can tell me when it’ll be fixed is atrocious, what’s the SLA for these issues? Any proper bank will have robust processes in place to handle these and support potential vulnerable ppl but no so here.

[Chris Owen @blind_backpack]

@monzo I’ve already raised a complaint, but it’s unacceptable that you can’t give me an eta for fix. Tried chat, no reply. Phone can’t help. All sec checks passed but still transaction blocked and a/c locked. Going back to @AskNationwide once sorted

[Chris Owen @blind_backpack]

As the car rumbles on into the night, I can’t help but drift in and out of my reverie, considering how my partnership with @guidedogs Chester has given me back my confidence. Follow the link below to read this blind man’s musings:

https://t.co/AqGUrze5fA

#Blog #DisabledWriter

[Chris Owen @blind_backpack]

@timdixon82 Thanks Tim!

[Chris Owen @blind_backpack]

Strap in, it’s rant time!

Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Laura Trott has gone on telly to say that disabled ppl have a moral obligation to find a job…

https://t.co/YCq08UmY6B

@RNIB @scope @berkshirevision @Vision_Fdn @BBCNews @BBCBerkshire @itvmeridian @SkyNews

[Chris Owen @blind_backpack]

Last week I chatted with other VIPs about the challenges we face looking for work. Workshops like these are vital to give people the tools they need when looking for work. But it’s not enough and employers must make their recruitment processes more accessible for disabled people

[Berkshire Vision @berkshirevision]

Last week, our employability workshop covered legal rights & disclosure, access to work, CV writing & job searches & applications.

We were also joined by Chris Owen (@blind_backpack), who shared his experiences of working with a visual impairment and Access to Work.

[Roman Kemp @romankemp]

This video from @NorwichCityFC is the best bit of Mental Health Awareness I’ve ever seen… watch until the end.

[Berkshire Vision @berkshirevision]

Incredible! 👨🏼‍🦯🌟
@blind_backpack & Dom are nearing the end of their 250km walk, having battled the elements & tricky #Pembrokeshire coastal path.

Chris is smashing stereotypes of what a #Blind person can do!

#donate/retweet & get them to their target! https://t.co/HQRDBHojFT

[Chris Owen @blind_backpack]

Day 1 done - Cardigan to Newport Sands. Time to rest up ready for tomorrow and a yellow weather warning

Please keep supporting at https://t.co/9XSFdW7lwk for @berkshirevision

[Chris Owen @blind_backpack]

And we’re off!

You can support at https://t.co/9XSFdW7lwk

Video shows Chris talking to the camera wearing his Blind man with a backpack walks the Pembrokeshire coastline for @berkshirevision t-shirt