Greater London Fund for the Blind

Children and young people | Children | Families | Health and social care | Healthy living | Mental health | Physical health | People and communities | Disability | Older people

Organisation aims / mission / values

  • The Greater London Fund for the Blind believes every blind and partially sighted Londoner should be able to realise their potential.
  • Our mission is to make London the best city in the world for blind and partially sighted people to live.
  • We work across the capital supporting a network of partners that empower blind and partially sighted people to live full and independent lives; whether it’s a young person heading to their first graduate job, or an older person making friends at their local lunch club.
Wellington boots lined up outside a front door along with a symbol cane.

Wellington boots lined up outside a front door along with a symbol cane.

How we deliver these aims

We fund community organisations run by dedicated experts who work tirelessly to make a difference to people’s lives. We look for those that have the most impact, and that would otherwise struggle to raise funds. Here are some examples of the work our member organisations do: Lunch clubs – isolation is a big problem for visually impaired people, our members run social clubs where people have a chance to catch up with friends over lunch, or perhaps a game of bowls. Recreation activities for children – fun, confidence-building activities such as ice-skating or cricket, that are often out of bounds for families with a visually impaired child. Help with applying for statutory benefits – sometimes a little financial support can make all the difference. Employment and training – if you have a job, you have more self-respect and financial independence.

Who benefits from our work

There are more than 39,000 registered blind and partially sighted people living in London. But the true figure of people with a visual impairment is believed to be much higher. For many of these individuals, blindness brings isolation, vulnerability and lack of independence. Just venturing outside can be a traumatic experience. Activities that improve our quality of life – sport, the arts, keeping fit or just being able to visit friends and family – are often denied to them. And the sad fact is that unemployment among visually impaired adults of working age is more than 70 per cent, even though many have useful skills they are willing and able to contribute to society. We believe it doesn’t have to be this way and we are working with our member charities to change it.