Local organisations and groups

• Care at home search - for finding some help at home including shopping, gardening, cleaning, meals on wheels and much more.

• e.VOLve directory listing - disability clubs and support groups
• Open Sight (Previously known as Hampshire Association for the Care of the Blind (HACB))
  Open Sight is Hampshire's largest organisation working with people with sight loss. Open Sight provides a wide range of services for visually impaired people living in the County within core values promoting independence and quality of life, through advice and information services, home visiting, low vision equipment assessments and providing equipment, training and a network of clubs and groups suited to all needs.
  Tel: (023)80 641 244
• Portsmouth Association for the Blind (PAB) raising awareness of the disadvantages faced by people who have experienced sight loss.
  Tel: 023 9266 1717
• Southampton Society for the Blind providing providing support to people who are blind or partially sighted.
  Tel 02392 769882

National organisations

• Action for Blind People
  Action for Blind People is an expert national organisation, ensuring blind and partially sighted people receive practical support in all aspects of their lives. Last year we introduced 24,000 people to our services.
  Tel: 0800 915 4666
• British Retinitis Pigmentosa Society
  Homepage of RP Fighting Blindness (The British Retinitis Pigmentosa Society) a UK charity dedicated to finding a treatment or cure for retinitis pigmentosa, we also pride ourselves on providing quality information about RP and a telephone helpline
  Tel: 0845 123 2354.  
• British Wireless for the Blind
  The official website of the British Wireless for the Blind Fund. BWBF aims to provide Blind People with specialised audio equipment to enrich their lives
  Tel: 01622 754757
• Diabetes UK
  Diabetes UK is the largest organisation in the UK working for people with diabetes, funding research, campaigning and helping people live with the condition.
  Tel: 0845 120 2960  - Careline Counsellors are available Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm.
• Guide Dogs for the Blind Association - as well as providing guide dogs, the organisation also offers training in living skills and long cane training.
  Tel: 0845 372 7428
• International Glaucoma Association.
  The IGA is a registered charity which offers advice and support to glaucoma sufferers, campaigns for improved glaucoma services for glaucoma patients and aims to increase public awareness of glaucoma. We also fund considerable clinical research into the nature and treatment of the condition.
  Tel: 0870 609 1870 - SightLine
• Macular Disease Society
  The Macular Disease Society is a self-help society for those diagnosed with any of the eye conditions encompassed by the overall name of Macular Disease. The Society is dedicated to providing information and practical support so that those with the condition may make the most of their remaining vision.
  Tel: 0845 241 2041 or (01264 350559)
• Nystagmus Network
  Nystagmus Network is a UK charity that provides support, information and fosters research for those with nystagmus, parents and teachers.
  Tel: 01636 627 004
• Royal National Institute for the Blind (RNIB)
  Offers information, support and advice to over two million people with sight loss
  Tel: 0303 123 9999
• Thomas Pocklington Trust
  Housing and support for people with sight loss
  Tel: 0208 995 0880
• Travel Eyes (holidays for visually impaired people)
  Traveleyes is a travel company with a difference aiming to provide holidays for both blind/visually impaired and sighted travellers, journeying together in a spirit of mutual independence.
  Tel: 08448 040 221

Benefits information

There are a number of financial benefits that people with disabilities can apply for. The main benefits specific to disability are Disability Living Allowance and Attendance Allowance. It is important to note that these benefits are related to a person’s needs and not the type of health condition/disability.  

You do not need to have a carer/paid helper already in place – these benefits are designed to offer people financial assistance in getting the help they require.

For more information

• Citizens Advice Bureau
• Direct Gov website
• Finance and funding

Please note that these benefits are not automatic - you need to apply for them. If you require support in completing the application form contact

• Action for Blind People