Bournemouth Blind Society

07/10/2026

Join us on Thursday 29th October at 6:15pm for a special Meta Glasses demonstration session hosted by Julian May Opticans

These innovative smart glasses are helping many blind and partially sighted people to access information, navigate everyday tasks and stay connected. If you've been wondering how they work and whether they could benefit you, this is a great opportunity to see them in action and ask questions.

Join us to find out more about how Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses can support people with sight loss.

Places are limited, so we encourage you to book early. If you're unable to secure a place this time, don't worry, we'll be holding another Meta Glasses session at our centre in the future.

Date: Thursday 29th October 2026
Time: 6.15pm to 7.15pm
Location: Julian May Opticians, 101 Southbourne Grove, Bournemouth BH6 3QY

To find out more or reserve your place, please get in touch:
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: 01202 546644

[Image description: A promotional graphic split into two sections. The upper section shows a close-up side profile of a person wearing black Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses and a blue jacket. The Ray-Ban and Meta logos appear prominently across the centre of the image, alongside the text: “OUR SLEEKEST FRAME YET” and “AI glasses, designed for prescription.” Decorative blue and yellow curved design elements appear in the top left corner.

The lower section has a light grey background with large blue text reading: “Curious about Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses?” Beneath this, black text reads “In partnership with” followed by the red Julian May Opticians logo.]

01/10/2026

In just one month, we'll be joining Befriending Week, a national campaign celebrating the power of human connection and raising awareness of the vital role befriending plays in tackling loneliness and social isolation.

A simple conversation, a shared activity, or knowing someone is there to listen can make a real difference. For many people living with sight loss, meaningful social connections help build confidence, improve wellbeing, and create a greater sense of belonging within the community.

At Bournemouth Blind Society, we see every day how friendships and social support can change lives. That's why we're proud to support Befriending Week and champion the importance of staying connected.

Let's celebrate the friendships that matter and the difference a little companionship can make.

Would you like to make a difference as a volunteer befriender, or find out how our befriending service could support you or someone you know? We'd love to hear from you. Get in touch to learn more about volunteering opportunities and the support available through Bournemouth Blind Society.

E: [email protected]
T: 01202 546 644

[Image description: A countdown graphic promoting Befriending Week. The design features a light grey background with two strings of colourful bunting draped across the top in orange, purple, green, turquoise, peach, and dark blue. In the centre is a large lavender number “1”, indicating one month remaining until the event. Below, bold dark purple text reads “MONTH TO GO”. At the bottom left, a purple and green banner displays the text “1-7 November Befriending Week”. The Befriending Networks logo appears in the bottom right, featuring a circular multicoloured symbol and the words “Befriending Networks” in dark purple.]

01/10/2026

Balls Eye Club Winners Announced!

A huge congratulations to our latest lucky winners:
No. 29 - Geraldine Bailey
No. 20 - Anonymous
No. 18 - Martin Beasley

Thank you to everyone who supports Bournemouth Blind Society through our Balls Eye Club. Every ticket helps us continue providing vital services, activities, and support for people living with sight loss across our community.

Want the chance to win while supporting a great cause?
New members are always welcome to join the Balls Eye Club! For a small monthly contribution, you'll be entered into our regular draws and help make a real difference to the lives of local blind and partially sighted people.

To find out more or sign up, contact us on 01202 546622 or email [email protected]

Good luck for next month's draw! 🍀



[ID - Promotional image featuring a person in a blue hoodie and white T-shirt holding a fan of banknotes in one hand and raising a clenched fist in the other. The background is bright yellow with a blue circular graphic in the top left corner. The image conveys the theme of winning a cash prize and is used to promote the Bournemouth Blind Society Balls Eye Club draw and membership sign-ups.]

30/09/2026

It's been just over a month since I joined Bournemouth Blind Society as Chief Executive, following the retirement of Philip after 17 years of dedicated service and the stepping down of our Chair, Madeleine.

As I continue to meet our members, service users, volunteers, staff and partners, I've been struck by the passion, commitment and impact that runs throughout the organisation. The strong foundations built by Philip, Madeleine and those who have supported the charity over many years are evident in everything we do.

While it's important to recognise and celebrate their significant contribution, it's also an exciting time to look ahead. I'm looking forward to working with our team and community to build on that legacy, strengthen independence and wellbeing for people living with sight loss, and ensure Bournemouth Blind Society continues to thrive for years to come.

Thank you to everyone who has made me feel so welcome over these first few weeks. I'm excited about what we can achieve together.

[Image description - A Bournemouth Blind Society branded graphic. On the left side of the image, blue text reads: "A month into a new chapter at Bournemouth Blind Society".

On the right side is a photograph framed within a large yellow circular border. The photograph shows the charity's Chief Executive standing indoors against a plain light-coloured wall, wearing glasses and a patterned dress.]

14/09/2026

Every month, our incredible regular givers help make a lasting difference to the lives of people living with sight loss across

Regular giving allows us to plan ahead, sustain vital services, and be there when local people need us most. Whether it's providing practical support, reducing isolation, or creating opportunities for connection and independence, your ongoing support helps make it possible.

To all our regular givers: thank you. Your generosity is changing lives, month after month.

If you'd like to join our community of supporters, there are three great ways to get involved:

1. Become a Friend of Bournemouth Blind Society
Give a minimum of £10 per month and receive an exclusive Friends pin badge as a thank you for your support.

2. Join our Balls Eye Club
Be part of our popular club and support local people while having a chance to win prizes.

3. Play the BH Coastal Lottery
A simple way to support Bournemouth Blind Society while being in with a chance of winning weekly cash prizes.

Together, we can continue creating a more inclusive and supportive community for people living with sight loss.

https://www.bournemouthblindsociety.uk/how-you-can-help/
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 01202 546644

[ID: The Bournemouth Blind Society logo appears in the top left corner. Large blue text reads “Regular Giving”, followed by the heading “Three ways you can help”.
A heart icon beside “Become a friend of Bournemouth Blind Society”
A pound sign icon beside “Join our Balls Eye Club”
A thumbs-up icon beside “Sign up for the BH Coastal Lottery”

On the right side, inside a large yellow-bordered circle, is a photograph of two people walking along a waterfront promenade. One person is holding a white cane.]

12/09/2026

Thank you for everything you’ve given to our community, our members and our team. You leave a legacy of compassion, humour and heart that will stay with us for years to come.

Wishing you all the happiness in your next chapter, Jo — you’ll always be part of the BBS family.

[ID: A celebratory Bournemouth Blind Society graphic featuring Jo standing outside a brick building with yellow flowers in the background. She’s smiling and holding a wooden plaque. The design uses blue and yellow curved shapes along the bottom. Text on the graphic reads: “Bournemouth Blind Society – Saturday Shoutout. Thank you, Jo — 20 years of dedication, kindness and heart. You’ll always be part of the BBS family.”]

08/09/2026

Bournemouth Blind Society has been supporting blind and partially sighted people across our community for over a century — offering practical help, emotional support, social connection, and a place where people feel truly seen.

We’re now entering an exciting new chapter for the charity, with fresh opportunities to grow, modernise, and reach even more people who need us.

It’s a bittersweet moment, as we have said goodbye to our CEO of 17 years, Philip, who has retired after nearly two decades of dedicated leadership. His impact, compassion, and commitment have shaped who we are today.

As we celebrate this new chapter, we’d love to hear from you. Share your favourite memories, moments, or highlights with Bournemouth Blind Society — your stories are a huge part of who we are.

If you’d like to get involved or connect with us, please contact us. We’d love to hear from you.

E: [email protected]
T: 01202 546644

[ID: The image shows the Bournemouth Blind Society logo. It features a circular eye‑like symbol in blue and black, surrounded by bright yellow sun rays. Beneath the graphic, the words “Bournemouth Blind Society” appear on two lines, with “Bournemouth” in light blue and “Blind Society” in black. The design is simple, bold, and visually clear, representing the organisation’s focus on supporting people with vision impairments.]

27/08/2026

Winners in this month's Balls Eye Club are: 1st Prize - Anonymous; 2nd Prize - D. Ellis; 3rd Prize - Anonymous.

For more information about this fundraising club and to find out how you can support our Charity more:

We invite you to join our Balls Eye Club. This is a great way for you to support us whilst having a bit of a flutter! For a cost of £2 per month, (payable as £24 for the year) you will have the opportunity of winning a 1st, 2nd or 3rd place CASH prize each month. (The size of prize will depend on ...

20/08/2026

Can you help us?

Volunteer Minibus Drivers or own Car Drivers URGENTLY required to take blind and partially sighted people to and from our Social Clubs in Moordown on Mondays and Thursdays.

Please call us for more information (01202 546644). Thank you!

30/07/2026

Winners in this month's Balls Eye Club draw are: 1st prize - J Ashley; 2nd prize - Anonymous; 3rd prize - J Nagle. Congratulations to all!
For more information on how to join this fundraising club:
https://www.bournemouthblindsociety.uk/.../balls-eye-club/
Thank you for your support!

We invite you to join our Balls Eye Club. This is a great way for you to support us whilst having a bit of a flutter! For a cost of £2 per month, (payable as £24 for the year) you will have the opportunity of winning a 1st, 2nd or 3rd place CASH prize each month. (The size of prize will depend on ...