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A group of SVI members stand around a lily pond listening to the head gardener describing the plants in and around it.

SVI members, staff and volunteers visit Winterbourne Gardens

About us

For 22 years, Sandwell Visually Impaired, a user-led charity, has supported blind and visually impaired people across Sandwell. Today, its very existence is under threat.

Read an Open Letter from our Chair.

Help save SVI

SVI is managed and run by blind and visually impaired (VI) people. We give information and support to anyone in Sandwell with an interest in visual impairment. Our services enable VI people to be as independent as possible and help overcome the challenges of sight loss. We make sure that the needs and concerns of VI people in Sandwell are embedded in local service planning and delivery.

Learn more about us

Latest News

Secondment staff arrangement will end on 31 March 2028

  I am writing to update SVI members, supporters, partners and elected representatives following July’s 2025 announcement from Sandwell Council to remove our seconded staff arrangement. In July 2025, we were informed that council funding would taper and that, while core running costs …

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Baggies surprise us at Showdown

On Tuesday, 18 August we had a wonderful surprise at our weekly Showdown session at Portway Lifestyle Centre, Oldbury. We were playing Showdown when four players from West Bromwich Albion joined us. The players were Connor Townsend, Max O’Leary, Matt Ingram and Jimmy J. Morgan. They were really …

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Save SVI – Write to Your Local Councillor Session

SVI Members Make Their Voices Heard! Following a busy tea and toast session, Sarah-Ann Cromwell met with SVI members individually for an Save SVI – Write to Your Local Councillor session. Members recited their thoughts and experiences and Sarah-Ann transcribed them into a template e email. …

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