British Wireless for the Blind Fund

18/06/2026

We know people living with sight loss in the UK are significantly more likely to live alone and experience social isolation.

So this , we're continuing to highlight the need for accessible technology across our community, providing vital connection.

“My radio connects me to the outside world and to my interests," shares Krishna, who received an adapted radio player from us when he was losing his sight to retinitis pigmentosa.

"I interact with it throughout the day. It is companionship in my life."

Learn more about how we support people with sight loss here:
https://blind.org.uk/get-support/

Image description: a photograph of Krishna, a man in his 70s who lives with sight loss, sitting on the sofa at home with a mug of tea and his adapted radio player from BWBF on the table in front of him. A quote from Krishna is featured in the corner of the photograph, it reads: "It is companionship in my life."

15/06/2026

is a time to create new connections and inspire conversations.

People often tell us about how life with sight loss has left them feeling isolated - and how tech helped them reconnect with their world.

When Paul lost the last of his vision, the world suddenly felt small. "I went into hiding for a while," he remembers.

Breaking free from his isolation was a journey that Paul went on with tech and BWBF by his side. When Paul received his smart speaker from us, it quickly became more than a practical help. It reconnected him with his world and his love of music.

"It became a virtual assistant, offering companionship and connection too. It takes me out of loneliness. If I unplugged it, the house would feel empty.”

Today, you'll find Paul turning to his Alexa to search lyrics, rehearse songs and build his repertoire.

"I call it my virtual companion, my soundboard, and my audio encyclopaedia! I feel inspired again."

Read more about how tech kept Paul connected: https://blind.org.uk/support-us/ways-to-donate/pauls-story/

[Image description: A photograph of Paul sitting indoors at a table in his home, smiling warmly. He wears a white button-up shirt adorned with intricate silver embellishments across the front. A pair of sunglasses rests on top of his head. On the table in front of him is an album cover and a voice-assisted speaker device he received from BWBF. Overlaid text to the right of the image is a quote from Paul. It reads: "It takes me out of loneliness. If I unplugged it, the house would feel empty."]

11/06/2026

From Scotland to the South Coast and everywhere in between, our team and trustees came together in London yesterday for our AGM.

As we prepare for a new chapter, we’re building on what our community has told us matters most: practical support, accessible technology, and opportunities to live confidently with sight loss.

Thank you for being part of this journey and helping shape what comes next. We’re doing that work together. 💜

[Image description: BWBF staff and trustees sit around a large meeting table in a bright conference room during the charity's AGM in London. People smile towards the camera, with papers, laptops and drinks spread across the tables. In the foreground, a yellow Labrador guide dog stands beside a seated attendee. A presentation screen is visible at the front of the room.]

04/06/2026

This Volunteers' Week, we're celebrating all the people giving their time, skills and compassion to support delivery of our services.

Their impact goes far beyond the hours they give, whether it's packing boxes, answering the phone, or assisting people directly with access to technology.

All our volunteers are helping people feel more connected, more confident, and less alone.

And we love that they bring such energy and enthusiasm. Like Jean, who joined our volunteering team after a 50-year-long career in accountancy. She told us: "It's brilliant what you do and it gives us focus. We do something purposeful and we have fun."

Thank you to every one of our volunteers 💜

Interested in joining the team? Find out more 👇

blind.org.uk/support-us/volunteer/



[Image description: a photograph of BWBF volunteers and staff sharing a light-hearted moment inside a working cabin in Oban, Scotland. Volunteer Jean, wearing a bright pink top, stands smiling on the left. Volunteer Tricia is seated in the foreground with her back to the camera, while volunteer Beth, wearing a red and white top, stands at the centre of the room. On the right, Service Delivery Manager Steven Poole is seated and sharing in the laughter. The room contains tables, parcels and audio equipment used to prepare and distribute accessible devices to people living with sight loss across the UK. Below the photograph is a quote from volunteer Jean: “We do something purposeful, and we have fun.”]

02/06/2026

Happy Pride month! 🏳️‍🌈

This month we celebrate LGBTQ+ love, people and communities in all their beautiful diversity, and we keep pushing for safety, equality and lives free from prejudice.

[Image description: An image of the Progress Pride flag, with the text 'Happy Pride month!' displayed above it.]

25/05/2026

“We use them all the time, for learning, for laughter, for comfort, for independence.”

The voice-assisted speakers Joanna received through BWBF have become part of everyday family life - helping her, and children Mathilda and Charlie, learn, play and connect.

Accessible technology provides practical support and so much more. It can bring confidence, comfort and independence too 💜

[Image description: a photograph of Joanna sitting closely with her two children either side of her, on the sofa at home, all smiling at the camera. Above them is a quote in large purple text on a pale background reading: “We use them all the time, for learning, for laughter, for comfort, for independence.” The image is framed with a purple border.]

22/05/2026

We're looking for a Treasurer to join our Board of Trustees.

For nearly 100 years, we’ve unlocked the power of tech to help people with sight loss stay connected, informed and independent.

Now is a genuinely exciting moment as we are transforming our services for people with sight loss. And we're in the middle of an ambitious rebrand to match.

We’re looking for a Treasurer with a sharp financial mind to help us navigate the road ahead: someone who can build the foundations for our evolving services and for long-term sustainability.

In particular, we’d love to hear from anyone who has:

- Experience in financial planning, strategy, or management, at senior level in the charity sector
- The ability to translate complex financial information clearly for a non-finance audience
- A hands-on, collaborative approach
- A strong personal commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion
- Enthusiasm for our vision and mission

If you’re unsure whether it’s for you, please be in touch. What you offer might be more valuable than you think, and we don’t know what we’re missing until we see it! 💜

Interested? Got questions?

Get in touch or apply: https://blind.org.uk/about-us/careers/trustees/

[Image description: Purple background with two text bubbles. One bubble contains black text on a yellow background and reads: "Create a better future for people living with sight loss." A yellow arrow points from that text downwards to a second bubble which contains purple text on a white background and reads: "Join us as Treasurer."]

21/05/2026

It's Global Accessibility Awareness Day, spotlighting the need to make technology accessible and inclusive to everyone.

We hear daily from our sight loss community how having access to technology is a game-changer for wellbeing and independence.

We'd love to hear what digital tools or simple tech features make a real difference in your life.
Share your comments below 💬

[Image One: Purple background with large yellow text reading: “For many people living with sight loss, accessible technology makes everyday life possible.”
Image Two: Light purple background with large yellow text reading: “What does accessibility and technology mean to you?”
Image Three: Light grey background with large black text reading: “Is there a piece of technology, or a simple feature that has made a real difference to your life?”
Image Four: Dark purple background with large yellow text reading "Share in comments", underneath a yellow arrow pointing downward.]

19/05/2026

We were inspired and moved hearing journalist Gary O'Donoghue on Sunday's BBC Desert Island Discs.

Gary, the Chief North America Correspondent for BBC News News was the first disabled person to be posted as a BBC foreign news correspondent.

Gary was born in London and brought up in Essex. When he was eight he lost his sight and attended specialist schools for blind and partially sighted children.

In BBC Radio 4's Desert Island Discs interview, he shares openly and movingly memories of what he - and his family - faced, particularly in his early years and the taboo around his disability.

Today, he says the landscape is different for people living with sight loss, but while technology is a game-changer, there are still challenges with access and keeping up.

Catch up here:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m002wjj9

Gary O'Donoghue, journalist, shares the soundtrack of his life with Lauren Laverne.

14/05/2026

Welcoming three new Trustees to our Board!

Every year, thousands of people across the UK volunteer their time as charity Trustees. Our Board of Trustees plays a key role in guiding and steering what we do, ensuring we deliver the best for our community and make our supporters proud.

So we feel incredibly fortunate to announce that this June we’ll be welcoming not one, but three new Trustees to BWBF’s Board.

Our new Trustees Alex Froom, Alicia Coghlan and John Biggs come with bags of experience in marketing, tech, and leadership. Plus, they share an incredible connection to our cause, and passion for what we do.

Over the coming months we will launch new, richer, people-led services, and a brand that truly conveys the magic of what we do. We are so grateful to Alex, Alicia and John and all our existing Trustees for their guidance and expertise as we go on this incredible journey of transformation.

Find out more about our newest Trustees:
https://ow.ly/ByoK50YZ1Lb

[Image 1: Text reads, meet our new Trustees, with an arrow underneath inviting people to scroll through the images of our new Trustees.
Image 2: A photo of new Trustee Alicia Coghlan smiling in an office environment. Overlaid is a quote from Alicia that says, "I've seen how powerful technology can be, not just in practical terms, but in building confidence, independence and connection."
Image 3: A photo of new Trustee Alex Froom in a purple shirt and glasses. Overlaid is a quote from Alex that says, "For someone with sight loss, technology should not be an additional barrier but an invisible enabler."
Image 4: A photo of new Trustee John Biggs smiling in an office. Overlaid is a quote from John that says, "The fact that BWBF is going through a transformation is very exciting.”]