We are both thrilled and delighted to share some wonderful news with our Southampton Sight community. Thanks to the generous support of the Hospital Saturday Fund (HSF), we have been awarded a grant that will allow us to continue our impactful ‘Welfare Wise’ program.
Begun in earnest this past spring, ‘Welfare Wise’ aims to provide a lifeline for those navigating the often confusing and overwhelming benefits system. Everyone deserves access to the support they need to live full, independent and empowered lives. ‘Welfare Wise’ offers bespoke, in-person impartial benefit advice, guidance, and the practical support necessary for those living with sight loss in Southampton to complete applications.
One of our most impactful programs, in the past year alone, we have supported individuals and families alike. Andreea, 44, a self-employed mother of two, came to us in late March living with sudden and severe sight loss. Unable to keep working, Andreea’s situation was desperate and weighted heavily on her mind.
We immediately sprang into action, helping support Andreea and her family in the short term, whilst guiding and assisting her through applications for both Personal Independence Payments (PIP) and Universal Credit (UC). Although frustrating at times, we guided her through the labyrinth of forms and assessments, helping secure the benefits necessary for Andreea and her children to meet the essentials of life, and the extra daily living costs sight loss brings. Now financially secure and having attended our Visually Impaired Emotional Wellbeing (V.I.E.W.) course aimed at providing the necessary tools to move forward, Andreea is now looking to re-train and find her place in society once again.
With such testaments in mind, it was a genuine pleasure to welcome John and Leon from the HSF who presented us with the award and got to see first-hand what we offer in our wholly accessible centre. They were truly impressed by the range of services we provide, not to mention the variety of biscuits on offer. Thank you both for braving the rainy summer weather to deliver the good news in-person – this generous grant means we can continue our work throughout the remainder of 2025 and, hopefully with their continued support, beyond.
And, of course, we extend our deepest thanks to the HSF as a whole for recognising the importance of ‘Welfare Wise’ and investing in our mission. Their support is not just financial; it’s a vote of confidence in the work we do and the lives we touch.
If you or someone you know could benefit from the ‘Welfare Wise’ program, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. You can contact us at support@southamptonsight.org.uk, or call us on 023 8076 9882.
