It was a genuine pleasure to meet with Liberal Democrat councillor for Bassett, Richard Blackman, and talk about the work we do here at Southampton Sight.
First elected back in 2022, a committed local campaigner, Richard has a lifelong family connection to Southampton and a passion for championing local services being himself no stranger to the charity world. Having worked in both the voluntary sector and for a variety of environmental associations in the UK and Europe alike, Richard not only understands the difficulties and obstacles within our sector, but has the insight to understand the difference local, independent charities such as Southampton Sight have upon the wider community.
Speaking for around an hour, Richard was delighted and impressed by the range of services, support and partnerships we offer across the whole of Southampton. Unsurprisingly he was particularly interested to hear of our strong links with Southampton City Council through our close relationship with their Sensory Services team who co-locate from our premises, as well as our ongoing work with Southampton General hospital. With our joint Sight Loss Nurse Advisor initiative set to roll out across the hospital over the coming months thanks to our partners in the Patient Hub, Richard was very keen to support us in any way possible.
Beyond rehabilitation, peer support and our variety of social activities and groups, we also discussed what Southampton Sight needs moving forward, our ongoing fundraising efforts, essential for our services and independence, and the added value we bring not only in our own right, but through the support networks, signposting and referral partners we facilitate across all of Southampton and beyond.
It goes without saying that, as streamlined as we are, we know Southampton Sight punches well above its weight, but it is still gratifying when those in the know recognise our value. A resident of Bassett, Richard admitted he had often wondered what we did. With a commitment to championing us across the council, he was left in no doubt as to the strength and breadth of our commitment to empowering the sight loss community we so proudly serve.
It is all too easy to be cynical when talking politics, but Richard was very much a breath of fresh air. Thank you, councillor, for caring.
Photo description: Portrait photograph of Liberal Democrat councillor for Bassett, Richard Blackman.
