Sight Support (formerly Gwent Association for the Blind) is an independent local charity working in South East Wales. We were originally established in 1865, and are based in Pontypool.
Our main aims are to:
- help people who have lost or are losing their sight
- prevent unnecessary sight loss
- help local authorities and local health boards to provide good rehabilitation services
- train professionals, carers, service users, friends and family
Our team of 17 staff and, very importantly, over 100 volunteers, all of whom are dedicated and well trained to help blind and partially sighted people, provide our support services.
The services we provide include:
- rehabilitation & mobility (helping someone get on with their lives by adjusting how they do things after losing their sight)
- counselling
- information, advice and advocacy
- welfare rights assistance
- clubs and activities such as Gym Club
- aids, equipment and resources specially designed for independence training
Many people lose their sight gradually, so the number of people who are on what used to be called the ‘blind register’ is somewhat unreliable. There are over 3000 people in our area on registers held by the local authorities of Torfaen, Newport, Caerphilly, Blaenau Gwent and Monmouth shire, but we know that at least another 8000 would be eligible to register. Our worry is that these people do not get help they are entitled to, so if you know someone who is struggling with every day tasks such as seeing a clock face, or identifying a loved one by sight please encourage them to get in touch.
We need to raise in excess £150,000 each year to cover the cost of providing services in South East Wales.
Please visit our 'Support Us' page to find out how you can help.
Membership
In line with other charitable organisations we offer a membership scheme which is £15 per annum. Benefits of the scheme are:
- regular comprehensive newsletter - keeping you informed about issues that affect you
- invitation to a members seminar
If you would like to become a member of Sight Support please click here to complete our enquiry form.
You can also email us about membership at: postman@sightsupport.org.uk - if you do, please include 'Membership Enquiry' in the 'subject line'.
