Our Origins
Promoting independence, providing support, preventing social isolation and maximising opportunities for people with sight loss in East Sussex, Brighton and Hove
East Sussex Vision Support (ESVS), formally The East Sussex Association of Blind and Partially Sighted People was established in 1921 when social inclusion was at the top of its agenda. This is still the case today and we remain dedicated to providing vital services to blind and partially sighted people who live within East Sussex, Brighton and Hove. Whilst aiming to increase the independence, confidence and well-being of blind and partially sighted people, we also work to promote the understanding of sight loss in local communities.
Queens Award for Voluntary Service
In 2019 we were very proud to be awarded the Queens Award for Voluntary Service. This prestigious award recognises the work and dedication of the 216 volunteers who carry out a variety of tasks for us.
We are Here to Help
Perhaps one of the worst times in a blind or partially sighted person’s life is when they are first diagnosed with sight impairment or when it changes or worsens. Such experiences normally take place at an eye clinic. We are there to help when someone has a new diagnosis or if a sight problem changes or worsens. The consultant can refer the patient directly to ESVS where we are able to provide advice, care, comfort, sign posting, support and ensure they have full advice and guidance at this very difficult time.
Services
We offer low vision support workers, mobility and orientation training, aids and equipment, along with skills/strategy for daily living courses. In Brighton and Hove we also offer a home visiting service which sends out a volunteer who provides general support and advice. We are very proud to be able to offer specialist services in conjunction with East Sussex County Council as well as Brighton & Hove City Council.
ESVS People
Mr Andrew Blackman, Lord Lieutenant of East Sussex – Patron
“I was delighted to be invited to become the new Patron for ESVS, taking over the role from Sir Peter Field. Sir Peter is a hard act to follow, and I know that he is rightly held in great affection by you all. But I was touched to be made so welcome by all those whom I met at our (much delayed!) Gala Dinner in February, at which we were finally able to celebrate the 100th birthday of East Sussex Vision Support.
What an extraordinary achievement a centenary is for any charity, and it is a great testament to your resilience, commitment, hard work and adaptability that you have reached that fabulous milestone. I very much look forward to learning more about the work of ESVS, to meeting many of you, and to working alongside you for years to come.”
Ian Fletcher-Price – Chairman
I am proud to be the Chairman of East Sussex Vision Support. I lead a team of trustees, professional staff and essential volunteers who are determined to enable blind and partially sighted people to lead better and more independent lives. As over fifty percent of our board are either registered blind or are partially sighted, they truly understand the challenges our members face.
Our aim is to provide services that meet the requirements and needs of our members. We work to enrich lives and to provide opportunities that would not be available without ESVS.
Every person with sight loss in East Sussex and Brighton & Hove should be given the opportunity to benefit from the services we offer. We offer our members the best options to meet the demands of the 21st century. We know that in the future expectations will be different, so we are venturing into IT support and diverse communications to enable members to find it easier to access ESVS and explore the opportunities we offer.
Daniel Brookbank – Chief Executive
We currently have over 1700 members but we know that across the county there are more than 6000 people who could benefit from what we do. We work on an ethos of ‘how can we help you?’ we ask the question, you tell us the answer and we do everything we can to fulfill the request.
ESVS is a society that is based around its people. It is user led and has over 216 volunteers who continually give of their time and energy to make it what it is. The front-line staff are dedicated, hardworking and committed to giving the best service to our members.
In this difficult financial climate it is absolutely crucial for the appeal to raise adequate funds in order to avoid cutting frontline services. Many people benefit from what we do and rely on our help and care. This appeal is of the utmost importance to ESVS. It will ensure that the current services and programmes are maintained and enable us to develop new projects to help our members.
Over the last 100 years ESVS has provided a full support programme for blind and partially sighted people in East Sussex, Brighton and Hove. We have developed some very successful working models and each year the demand for help and support seems to be greater than the previous years. The Trustees have decided to launch a special appeal so that we can maintain and develop our present services across the county.
All our programmes need urgent funding and in this challenging financial climate we must raise the much needed finance to help us secure ourselves into the future. I hope that you will feel it a worthy cause to support.