Our Purpose
We exist to improve independence and wellbeing for people with visual impairments. We do this by providing accessible events and activities; assistive technology support; counselling; benefit support and general advice. We promote inclusion and help facilitate opportunities for our members wherever we can.
How It Started
Sight Support Worthing began as a small group of local Worthing residents in August 1910 who came together to form a committee called the ‘Society for Befriending the Blind’. The committee collected money to provide financial assistance for the welfare of the 14 known ‘blind poor people’ living in the town.
Over the following decades it grew to establish a social club and some premises in the town centre, later opening two residential care homes for blind people, which remained open until the charity’s move to its current location at 48 Rowlands Road.
The charity has evolved continuously over the years to meet the changing needs of the people who access it’s services. Take a look at the services to see what SSW do now!
How It’s Going
Our team comprises of 14 staff, 60 volunteers and 7 trustees. Many of our team have lived experience of vision impairment either themselves or via close family members. We are continuously listening and evolving to the changing needs of our members and adopt a person-centred approach. We are guided by the social model of disability. Our funding is mostly from past legacies of former members and kind donations. More recently we have been fortunate to receive some grants which help us continue our services. We don’t receive any money or VAT relief from the Government.
Our organisation is membership based and is free to join. Most of our services cost our members nothing or a small donation. Some of our members also volunteer for us and run clubs, but you can participate as much or as little as you like! If you’d like to learn more, please check our most recent Impact Report as well as our Latest page for information about what we’ve been up to.
Our Memberships
