22 Sep Grant awarded to Southend in Sight means boost in tech support for staff member
Southend Lions have donated £500 to local sight loss charity, Southend in Sight. The charity chose to purchase a new i-phone for a member of staff who is visually impaired. This exciting upgrade has provided a boost in tech confidence and a new monthly ‘tech’ drop-in day will take place for those living with sight loss every last Wednesday of the month.
The grant was awarded via the Sight Fund run by the Chichester Lions, raised through the Spectacle Recycling Project then given to charities in the UK who work with blind and sight impaired people. Southend in Sight has a used spectacle drop-off bin at their centre.
Southend Lions also collect used hearing aids, which can be dropped off at the Centre with used spectacles as well.
The charity decided to invest in a new i-phone for membership assistant, Anne Morris, who is visually impaired herself. Anne runs the charity’s bowling group and has already received training in how to use the i-phone from the Southend in Sight ‘Tech Team’.
Anne says “I can now send texts to update everyone and am feeling much more confident about using a smartphone”
Lucy Martin, CEO of Southend in Sight said “We are so grateful to the Southend Lions for their continued support of our charity. The £500 grant has made the world of difference to Anne”.
Steve Williamson, President of the Southend on Sea Lions: “We are delighted to be supporting Southend in Sight once again. It is great to be able to give something back to a local charity who work with people living with sight loss”.
Research shows that when those living with sight loss are given constructive training in how to use assistive technology, it gives them the confidence and skills to improve their day-to-day living. This may lead to job opportunities and better inclusion in the workplace, resulting in better mental health and wellbeing.
There is a new “tech” drop-in session on the last Wednesday of the month at our Centre (117 Hamlet Court Road) from 10.30am to 12.30pm. The first one takes place on Wednesday 28 September. Or you can book a one-to-one appointment for advice on smartphones, tablets and laptops with our “Tech Team” by calling our office on 01702 342131 or email info@southendinsight.org.uk.
