Community Sight Support Service

“Control of my own life was taken from me – both visually and physically. But BlindAid helped me to regain my independence”

The Community Sight Support Service is at the heart of our charity, because it offers a crucial way to build connections.

Since a visual impairment can render even the simplest tasks monumentally difficult, many people struggle to adjust and have difficulty maintaining their home environment or even leaving home independently. Visual impairment can also have a huge effect on self-confidence and as a result, many visually impaired people may lack or struggle to build and maintain social connections.

Consistent support

BlindAid relies on an exceptional team of friendly and understanding Sight Support Workers who make regular visits and calls to 1100+ Service Users each year,  providing emotional support and practical help where possible. In order to create consistently strong connections, our Sight Support Workers are paid members of staff who have undergone careful selection, DBS certification, rigorous training and receive continual supervision and feedback. We believe in investing in people at every step of the way.

We can visit particularly isolated service users in their own homes, in sheltered accommodation or in residential/nursing homes. The Community Sight Support service is free and not time limited – we aim to offer regular support for as long as there is an identified need for the service.

Click here to make a referral

If you would like to discuss the Sight Support service, or make a self referral, please call our Team Leader on 0207 403 6184

The Sight Support Service is currently available in the following boroughs:

Our approach

Using a holistic approach, our Sight Support Workers understand that what might be appropriate for one individual, may not be necessary for another. Aside from the invaluable emotional support of building a personal connection, Sight Support Workers can help with a variety of practical support. It is often through a regular friendly chat and warm company via calls and/or visits that users benefit the most and share additional needs.

Examples include:

  • Assisting and encouraging independence where appropriate

  • Information on and referrals to other organisations that support people with a visual impairment

  • Providing information on other local services and support that may be useful

  • Help with accessible technology

  • Checking food expiration dates

  • Providing information on local activities such as social clubs, outings and events, sports clubs, lunch clubs, etc.

“BlindAid has helped to bring me back to normal society”.