We’ve achieved a huge amount since 2003, when we were set up by a small group of determined visually impaired people with big ambitions.
Our main achievements
Premises – when we started we had no office. Since then we have moved twice. We are very proud of our base in West Bromwich. It’s a central, accessible location. We have clear, easy-see and Braille signage and tactile paving. Our bright yellow handrails indicate the way to our entrance from Lodge Road. We have an assistance dog spending area too. With a shared common room and access to meeting rooms in the Town Hall, we’ve been able to organise lots more activities.
Staff – at first we had no paid staff. Now we have four part-time workers. Find out more about our office team and what they do.
Legal structure – from community group to Registered Charity to Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO). These changes in structure have enabled us to grow. As a CIO we are a ‘corporate body’. This gives us the legal capacity to:
- employ paid staff
- deliver charitable services under contractual agreements
- enter into commercial contracts in our own name
- own freehold or leasehold land or other property
Increased grant funding – we’ve had grants from a wide variety of organisations and initiatives, local and national. From Sandwell Council to charitable trusts, find out more about our funders.
And best of all
All this means…
More services for people with sight loss – all of the above mean that we’ve been able to offer more services to meet needs. These help overcome isolation, improve mental and physical health and empower people who might otherwise feel marginalised. Check out our news and events pages to find out what’s going on.
Take a look at our annual reports to find out more about what we’ve achieved over the years.
How we started
Find out more about our history here.
