Southend in Sight

Southend in Sight Southend in Sight is an independent charity providing practical support and advice for local visually impaired people.

Do you like cake?  Do you like company?  Why not join us next Tuesday (23rd June) for our easy "cake in a mug" cookery s...
17/06/2026

Do you like cake? Do you like company? Why not join us next Tuesday (23rd June) for our easy "cake in a mug" cookery session.

Anyone living locally with sight loss can join us from 10:30am to 12:30pm at our Centre at SAVS. And yes, you do get to take your cake home or eat it before you leave us - the choice is yours!

The photo shows a chocolate cake in a turquoise mug with a portion ready to eat on a spoon, served on a white plate.

Earlier this week we held an afternoon tea to celebrate Volunteers' Week.  Over 40 volunteers joined us for tea, sandwic...
04/06/2026

Earlier this week we held an afternoon tea to celebrate Volunteers' Week. Over 40 volunteers joined us for tea, sandwiches and cake and a spot of dancing.

Our charity would not be able to provide all our services for local blind and partially sighted people without our volunteers. This was our opportunity to say thank you to them all and to show our appreciation for their ongoing support.

Thank you Southend in Sight volunteers - you really are the best!

The photo shows one of our long serving volunteers Jackie (left) with Sight Loss Advice Manager Coralie, both wearing glasses and smiling for the camera.

Past Mayor, Nigel Folkard, presented us with a cheque for £30,181 yesterday at our celebration for Volunteers’ Week.  Wi...
03/06/2026

Past Mayor, Nigel Folkard, presented us with a cheque for £30,181 yesterday at our celebration for Volunteers’ Week. With the support of his fundraising committee, Nigel was the driving force behind the incredible amount raised during his Mayoral year for his two chosen charities.

Chair of Trustees, Russell Cable said: “Our thanks to Nigel and all his committee for raising such a huge amount over the past year and for choosing to support Southend in Sight. We plan to use the donation to support local visually impaired children, young people and their families. We provide practical advice and guidance as well as social activities which offer young people an opportunity to come together and gain confidence”.

Nigel Folkard said: “I was determined to raise a significant amount to make a real difference to both of my charities. I am grateful to the people of Southend who have supported me in my endeavours and am very proud to hand over this cheque to a charity that I have supported for many years”.

The photo shows past Mayor Nigel Folkard (centre) holding a giant cheque with Russell Cable holding Christopher the Guide Dog, committee members and Southend in Sight staff and trustees.

Yesterday we held our first pottery session for children, run by experienced art teacher Judy Goring.  8 visually impair...
27/05/2026

Yesterday we held our first pottery session for children, run by experienced art teacher Judy Goring. 8 visually impaired children attended with their parents and carers, using clay to craft pieces to take home and paint.

Judy taught the children techniques to roll out the clay and how to score and scratch, as well as using water to ensure the clay doesn’t dry out. They started with simple handprints, then moved on to monsters with teeth, tongues and googly eyes – the uglier the better! As the clay needed time to dry out, each child was given their own paint set and brushes to complete their works of art at home.

Georgie Haynes, Community Engagement Officer said: “Judy has experience working with visually impaired children and made the session really engaging for them. You could tell the children really loved the feel of the clay”.

The photo shows some of the children sat around a table engrossed in their pottery making.

We will be supporting the Hamlet Court Road in Harmony Festival this Sunday (24th May), with our charity shop opening fr...
21/05/2026

We will be supporting the Hamlet Court Road in Harmony Festival this Sunday (24th May), with our charity shop opening from 11am to 4pm.

The sun should be shining (we hope!), so why not join us and enjoy food, music, arts and crafts throughout the day along Hamlet Court Road. You might even find a bargain or two in our lovely charity shop.

The photo shows a Hamlet Court Road in Harmony colourful poster with all the details of what to expect on the day.

Thank you to Jeff from Luv-Leigh Cheesecakes  for visiting us yesterday and bringing some delicious samples to our "cake...
20/05/2026

Thank you to Jeff from Luv-Leigh Cheesecakes for visiting us yesterday and bringing some delicious samples to our "cake club" drop-in for all to taste. Needless to say, we had quite a crowd willing to try his vanilla, salted caramel and Sicilian lemon cheesecakes.
Jeff set up his own business in 2022 and has gone from strength to strength, not letting sight loss hold him back. He regularly sells out at local farmers markets, he supplies local shops, tearooms, takes orders for weddings and is always willing to try new flavours.
Well done on your success so far Jeff and we really hope you realise your dream of opening a shop one day.
For more details on Luv-Leigh Cheesecakes, please visit their website: www.luv-leighcheesecakes.co.uk or you can call Jeff on: 07836 431609
The photo shows left to right: Anne, Annette and Linda enjoying their cheesecakes, with Georgie and Lucy B making tea in the background.

Congratulations to all three teams who attended the British Blind Sport Bowling Finals in Sheffield last weekend.The Sou...
19/05/2026

Congratulations to all three teams who attended the British Blind Sport Bowling Finals in Sheffield last weekend.

The Southend VIPers (Ray, Russell, Gary and Claire) finished third, the Kinch Pins (Anne, Keith and Linda) came fifth, while Norf and South (Liam and Nicky) placed sixth.

Everyone who took part should be very proud of their achievement - we knew they could do it! Even Christopher the Guide Dog joined in with his own Southend VIPers blue bandana.

The photo shows left to right: Ray, Russell (with Christopher), Liam, Nicky, Gary, Keith and Linda. Crouching down in front are Anne and Clare.

Wishing the best of luck to the 3 teams attending the British Blind Sport Bowling Finals in Sheffield this weekend!Once ...
15/05/2026

Wishing the best of luck to the 3 teams attending the British Blind Sport Bowling Finals in Sheffield this weekend!

Once again, some of the bowlers who meet every week to play at CJs have entered into the British Blind Sport Bowling Trios competition. This is the first time 3 teams have competed and we are pleased to say that all 3 have qualified for the finals.

Liam and Nicky are a satellite team (called Norf and Souf) with 2 other players from “up north”. Clare, Russell, Gary and Ray (with Christopher the Guide Dog) are the Southend VIPers, with Keith, Anne, Linda and Jackie playing as the Kinch Pins.

Anne Morris, the bowling activity lead says: “It’s amazing that 3 teams from the top 16 are from Southend! There is such support and camaraderie between all our players, as well as some gentle teasing. I’m sure everyone will bowl their best and make Southend proud!”

Good luck to all 3 teams - no pressure, but we are expecting some silverware!
The photo shows left to right: Keith, Nicky, Jackie, Liam, Anne and Linda at a recent practice session at CJs bowling alley.

We have a "cake club" drop in session taking place next Tuesday (19th May) from 10:30am to 12:30pm at our centre in SAVS...
14/05/2026

We have a "cake club" drop in session taking place next Tuesday (19th May) from 10:30am to 12:30pm at our centre in SAVS.
We are very pleased to welcome a special guest - Jeff from Luv-Leigh cheesecakes
Jeff will be talking about living with sight loss and setting up his own company doing something he loves - making cheesecakes - and of course, he will be bringing some tasting samples along too.
Please join us next Tuesday if you fancy trying some delicious cheesecake!
The photo shows a white box with lemon, 2 types of chocolate and raspberry cheesecake slices.

A reminder about the Priority Services Register:If you are visually impaired or have health, communication, or safety ne...
13/05/2026

A reminder about the Priority Services Register:
If you are visually impaired or have health, communication, or safety needs, you could be eligible for free extra support from utility companies.
This includes energy suppliers and the electricity, gas and water networks.
To register, visit cadentgas.com/PSR or call our office on 01702 342131 and we can support you.

Address

SAVS, 29-31 Alexandra Street
Southend On Sea
SS11BW

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 9am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 9am - 4:30pm
Thursday 9am - 4:30pm
Friday 9am - 4:30pm
Saturday 9am - 4:30pm

Telephone

+441702342131

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