Supporting the blind in Essex

Aim

BASIS will provide support services for vision impaired people in South Essex facing the challenges of the cost of living crisis.

BASIS is a grassroots charity run by a team of 5 staff and 35 volunteers. We are all devoted to supporting vision impaired people in our community, helping them to live independently, build confidence and reduce their feelings of loneliness and social isolation. Through this project we will work together with our blind clients, helping them to manage their finances using assistive, talking computer technology,  helping them complete forms such as benefits claims and providing vital social activities to ensure that they can cope during the cost of living crisis. When faced with financial struggles, it is especially challenging for visually impaired people to access the help available due to the barriers of form filling and attending appointments, our volunteers will be there to offer sighted guiding and practical support throughout.

We have recently supported a gentleman who has lost his sight suddenly, resulting in having to leave a well paid profession. We have accompanied him for benefits assessments, completed forms, registered him at a local food bank and matched him with a sighted befriender who will build a close relationship with him to help him as he finds new ways of living independently.

"The staff and volunteers at BASIS have been the lifeline that I needed after losing my sight. I was frightened and anxious, not knowing if there was any hope of a future for me and my family. Having them by my side and knowing I could turn to them with any questions or fears was so reassuring and I now feel that I am able to  rebuild my life" George C.

This project successfully funded on 7th February 2023