National Lottery grant enables Sight Loss MOT

June 16, 2021

Local independent sight loss charity Southend in Sight is celebrating after it was awarded a grant from the National Lottery Community Fund. This helps secure the charity’s work for the next three years and allows it to offer a Sight Loss MOT to those seeking help with their visual impairment.

Southend in Sight’s new project Working Through Sight Loss Together is headed up by the charity’s CEO, Lucy Martin and aims to ensure the relevance and sustainability of the charity for years to come. The project introduces an assessment for anyone coming to the charity for help and advice with any sight loss issues, whether newly diagnosed or having existing conditions. This assessment, the Sight Loss MOT, will enable the charity to plan an individual, tailored pathway for each person and offer a joined-up service with other local charities and groups which can also provide help and support for those living with sight loss.

Lucy Martin, Southend in Sight’s CEO said “The grant from the National Lottery has given us and the local community reassurance that for anyone who experiences sight loss issues, we will be there to help navigate their journey together and offer support and advice.”

Southend in Sight has remained connected to its members all through lockdown with its Talk and Support service which has seen volunteers and staff contacting local residents who belong to the charity’s various groups, by phone on a regular basis to check on their health and wellbeing. The charity’s base at 117 Hamlet Court Road is now open for pre-booked appointments and it is able to make some deliveries of essential equipment and even offer advice on the doorstep if the need arose. The charity’s shop is also open again at the Hamlet Court Road site and welcoming shoppers keen to grab a bargain.

Southend in Sight can provide training for businesses and organisations to enable staff to assist customers and service users and provide the most appropriate help and advice for them. For information about this and all the services and assistance available through Southend in Sight, please call on 01702 342131 or go to www.southendinsight.org.uk.