OpenSight

OpenSight We are dedicated to supporting individuals living with, or at risk of, visual impairment across Hampshire.

Based in Eastleigh, Open Sight has provided uninterrupted support to the blind and partially sighted community of Hampshire since 1922. Our Mission: to support people with sight impairment, or who are at risk of sight loss, to achieve their personal goals, remain independent and live a full life. Open Sight provides a diverse range of services to assist sight impaired people to adapt and manage th

eir lives. We work with you, your family, colleagues and friends in coping with both the practical and the emotional issues arising from your sight loss. The Team helps over 3000 sight impaired people across the whole of Hampshire – whether or not they are eligible for registration – with independent living advice, support and services.

goPhysio is an independent physiotherapy and wellbeing clinic based in Chandlers Ford, celebrating 25 years of helping p...
03/06/2026

goPhysio is an independent physiotherapy and wellbeing clinic based in Chandlers Ford, celebrating 25 years of helping people move better, recover from injury, stay active and live well.

Alongside physiotherapy, sports therapy and rehabilitations services, goPhysio also offers a wide range of Pilates and movement classes designed to support strength, mobility, confidence, and wellbeing for all ages and abilities.

As part of its 25th anniversary celebrations, goPhysio is hosting 25 hours of movement; 25 continuous hours of Pilates and movement sessions, to raise money for local community causes and wellbeing initiatives, including OpenSight.

To find out more or to get involved, visit https://buff.ly/So4n85g

[Image description: eight people smiling, standing in a line in front of a white sign with "25 years" printed on it. Each person is holding a blue cupcake, a lady in the middle holding a large cake saying "goPhysio"]

Shirley has been a volunteer with OpenSight for over three years now, and her presence continues to make a lasting impac...
03/06/2026

Shirley has been a volunteer with OpenSight for over three years now, and her presence continues to make a lasting impact on everyone she meets. She is always a joy to be around, creating a warm and welcoming environment.

Shirley says; “I just am really passionate about helping people through the fear and loss that sight loss can bring. Being sight impaired myself, I know it takes a lot of courage to get to grips with the challenges, and I feel really privileged to help people with that.”

Her support has been especially valuable during our Insights course, a two-day workshop designed to bring people together for in-person connection, shared lived experience, and practical guidance on living with sight loss.

We are incredibly grateful for everything Shirley brings to OpenSight. Her kindness, expertise, and genuine care make a real difference.

[Image description: a woman with a black bob laughing with a group of people sat round a table. The other people are facing away from the camera. There are coffee mugs on the table in front of each person]

Technology can open up new ways to stay in touch, shop online, get around, and enjoy your favourite activities. But if y...
02/06/2026

Technology can open up new ways to stay in touch, shop online, get around, and enjoy your favourite activities. But if you’re not sure where to start, OpenSight’s TechSpert service is here to help. Our TechSpert service supports people with sight loss or dual sensory loss to build confidence using digital devices. Our team offer friendly, one-to-one and group support. We’ll match you with someone based on your needs and their experience, so the support feels personal and practical.

Our team can support you with:
- Setting up and using smartphones, tablets or laptops
- Turning on and adjusting accessibility settings
- Learning how to use video calling to stay in touch with family and friends
- Downloading apps that help with navigation, reading or daily tasks
- Using electronic aids that can make everyday life easier
Whether you’re just getting started or want to build your digital skills further, we’ll take it at your pace.

Support doesn’t stop at sessions, we have a variety of guides available on our website, explore these clear, beginner-friendly guides any time.

To learn more about our TechSpert sessions, email [email protected] or call 02380 641 244.

[Image description: two women sat at a table in a cafe, they are both looking at an open laptop on the table. A yellow banner in the bottom left corner reads "OpenSight's TechSpert Service"]

Volunteer’s Week is an annual UK-wide campaign held from the first Monday in June to celebrate and recognise the contrib...
01/06/2026

Volunteer’s Week is an annual UK-wide campaign held from the first Monday in June to celebrate and recognise the contributions of volunteers.

Launched in 1984, this initiative has been running for over 40 years, providing organisations and communities a platform to thank current and past volunteers for their invaluable efforts.

The campaign highlights the diversity and unity of volunteer work across the UK. In its 40th year, the campaign underwent a rebrand, introducing a vibrant identity to inspire continued engagement.

At OpenSight, we are proud to be supported by an incredible team of volunteers who give their time, energy and expertise to help us make a difference in the lives of people living with sight loss. From supporting events and fundraising activities to providing practical assistance and companionship, our volunteers play a vital role in everything we do.

OpenSight would not be able to deliver the breadth of support we provide without the dedication and commitment of our volunteers. During Volunteer’s Week, we would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to each and every volunteer who helps our charity thrive. Keep an eye out for more posts this week!

[Image description: six young women lined up facing away from the camera with purple OpenSight t-shirts on. The t-shirts read "Volunteer OpenSight"]

Happy Monday! Here's what's on at OpenSight in the first couple of weeks of June: Monday 1st - Eastleigh Early Year's Gr...
01/06/2026

Happy Monday!

Here's what's on at OpenSight in the first couple of weeks of June:

Monday 1st - Eastleigh Early Year's Group, Havant Active Age Group, and Locks Heath Social Club
Tuesday 2nd - CYP Insights (online), and Basingstoke Community Connections Drop-In
Wednesday 3rd - CYP Insights (Online), and Basingstoke Community Connections Drop-In
Friday 5th - Volunteer Celebration Event, and Book Group

Monday 8th - Totton Social Club
Tuesday 9th - Andover Social Club, Eastleigh Social Club, and Eastleigh Active Age Group
Wednesday 10th - Basingstoke Community Connections Drop-In
Thursday 11th - Basingstoke Social Club, and Basingstoke Community Connections Drop-In
Friday 12th - Apple Tech Support

For more information on the CYP Insights, email [email protected] or call 02380 641 244.
For information about anything else, email [email protected] or call 02380 641 244.

[Image description: A close up of a woman standing on a pavement holding a white cane in front of her. A yellow banner reads "What's On At OpenSight"]

Over the course of two days, we will be holding our online children and young person’s insights course. Day 1 – Early y...
29/05/2026

Over the course of two days, we will be holding our online children and young person’s insights course.

Day 1 – Early years to end of primary school.
Tuesday 2nd June 9:30 – 14:30.

These friendly workshops support parents of children with a vision impairment. You’ll receive information, advice and guidance, and have time to ask questions.

What the day will cover:
- Understanding your child’s needs
- Support from STAS and other professionals
- Reasonable adjustments in school
- Early development, play and learning
- CFVI, EHCPs, and SEN reforms
- Hearing from other parents

Day 2 – Secondary age and up to 18+
Wednesday 3rd June 9:30 – 15:15

These friendly workshops support parents of secondary-aged children and young people with a vision impairment. You’ll receive clear information, practical guidance and time to ask questions about education, employment and preparing for adulthood.

What the day will cover:
- Building independence and life skills
- Education and employment pathways
- Technology and assistance tools
- Hearing from a young person and their experience

To book or to find out more, email [email protected] or call 02380 641 244.

[Image description: a classroom setting with two tables, the table at the front has four adults sat around it, the table in the background has a group of children sat round it and three adults stood over them interacting. A yellow banner in the top right corner reads "OpenSight's CYP Insight's", below a purple box with text that says "2nd June - early years to end of primary school.
3rd June - secondary age and up to 18+"]

We’re looking for an experienced and strategic Head of Income Generation and Communications to join the OpenSight leader...
28/05/2026

We’re looking for an experienced and strategic Head of Income Generation and Communications to join the OpenSight leadership team.

If you’re an experienced fundraising or income generation leader looking to broaden your impact across communications and organisational strategy, we’d love to hear from you.

Location:
Bishopstoke, Eastleigh at our Head Office, and other base locations across Hampshire with some home working.

Salary:
Up to £47,000, depending on skills and experience.

Hours:
37 hours per week (minimum 30 hours – part-time applications considered).

Contract type:
Permanent.

Benefits:
- 25 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays and a 3-day Christmas closure.
- Life and Progress Employee Assistance Platform with GP access.
- Generous employer pension contribution.
- Lifestyle Card employee discounts.

If this role is of interest, please send your CV and a covering letter (maximum two pages) outlining your suitability and interest in the role to [email protected].

For an informal conversation prior to applying, please contact [email protected] or [email protected].

To find out more about this position, visit out website: https://buff.ly/684lHg5

Closing date for applications is midnight, Sunday 14th June 2026.

[Image description: three women smiling at the camera with the entrance to a church in the background. A yellow banner in the top right corner reads "We Are Hiring!", below a light purple banner reads "Head of Income Generation and Communication"]

Navigating the world of benefits, concessions and financial support can feel overwhelming, especially if you don’t know ...
28/05/2026

Navigating the world of benefits, concessions and financial support can feel overwhelming, especially if you don’t know where to begin.

Many blind and vision impaired people are missing our on life-changing support simply because they’re unaware that it exists.

On the OpenSight website, we have a page dedicated to explain government benefits and leisure concessions, who is eligible, what each scheme offers, and how to apply. Whether you’re looking for help with daily living costs, travel support, health-related expenses or practical assistance, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

For more information, visit the benefits and concessions page on our website, email [email protected], or call 02380 641 244.

[Image description: a man and a woman walking over a zebra crossing. The man is on the left with sunglasses and a white cane in his left hand. The woman is holding his arm guiding him. The background shows a path lined by trees. A yellow banner in the left corner reads "OpenSight Offers Benefits and Concession Guidance"]

The "Jenny Robinson Award for Outstanding Voluntary Contributions" was created in 2016 in memory of Jenny, a former volu...
27/05/2026

The "Jenny Robinson Award for Outstanding Voluntary Contributions" was created in 2016 in memory of Jenny, a former volunteer and Chairman of Trustees. Since the award was launched, it has been presented to OpenSight volunteers who have gone above the already exceedingly high bar in which all the charity's volunteers achieve year in, year out.

In 2025, the award was deservingly awarded to Margaret McKenzie for her generous contribution to volunteering over many years with OpenSight's Eastleigh Social Club.

The nominations for this year's award are now open; the award will be presented during the Volunteer Celebration Event on June 5th.

The nominations are open to volunteers past and present, so if you feel that there is a fellow volunteer/s who continuously goes above the call of duty, is always putting our services users first and foremost then please fill out the survey to nominate them for this year's award: https://buff.ly/m4P3lxB

[Image description: an image of a smiling woman on a purple background. To the right of the image is a yellow banner that reads "OpenSight's Jenny Robinson Award", below is white text that reads "Nominate an OpenSight volunteer you feel has gone above and beyond"]

Did you enter the London Marathon 2027 ballot?While we wait for the ballot results to be announced in July, we’d love yo...
21/05/2026

Did you enter the London Marathon 2027 ballot?

While we wait for the ballot results to be announced in July, we’d love you to consider running for OpenSight if you secure a place.

If you get your own ballot place, there’s no charity fundraising target attached - any fundraising you choose to do is completely up to you!

So, if you’re hoping to take on the incredible challenge of the London Marathon in 2027, why not make your miles matter and support a local charity along the way.

We’d absolutely love to have you on Team OpenSight!

Get in touch with [email protected] or call 02380 641 244.

[Image description: Big Ben in the background against a blue sky. In the foreground are people running on the road. In the centre of the image is a woman running away from the camera, towards Big Ben, wearing an OpenSight running top. A yellow banner at the top of the screen reads "you can still run the London Marathon for charity!"]

Address

25 Church Road
Bishopstoke
SO506BL

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Friday 8:30am - 4pm

Telephone

+442380641244

Website

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