Isolated blind Londoners reconnect with their communities thanks to £5,000 grant from London Freemasons
Funding will recruit and train 50 volunteers to provide companionship, practical support and accompanied outings for up to 60 blind and partially sighted adults in Islington and Kensington and Chelsea.
BlindAid, London’s oldest charity supporting blind and partially sighted people, has received a £5,000 grant from London Freemasons to launch Share London Plus. The volunteer-led initiative will support 50–60 severely isolated adults in Islington and Kensington and Chelsea, helping them reconnect with their communities and manage everyday tasks at home.
The grant will fund the recruitment, DBS checks, training and supervision of 50 new volunteers. Through regular home visits, volunteers will offer companionship, welfare checks and help with light practical tasks. They will also accompany people who cannot go out alone on local trips to places such as parks, cafés and museums. These visits and outings will help participants stay active, build social connections and regain confidence and independence, while improving their emotional wellbeing, physical health and access to London.
Many of the people BlindAid supports are older adults living alone with sight loss and facing a combination of isolation, poverty and poor health. Losing the confidence or ability to leave home independently can lead to prolonged loneliness, inactivity, stress and depression, while everyday tasks become increasingly difficult.
More than 80% of the people supported by BlindAid receive no help from another charity. Transport barriers, inaccessible infrastructure and limited digital skills can leave them unable to access essential services, maintain social connections or participate fully in their local communities.
“For someone living alone with sight loss, a regular visit or a trip to a favourite café can be life-changing,” said Sue O’Hara, CEO of BlindAid. “This generous funding from London Freemasons will help us recruit 50 volunteers and reach up to 60 people who urgently need companionship and practical support. Share London Plus will help them rebuild confidence, reconnect with their communities and feel valued rather than forgotten.”
Will Clayton, London Freemasons said “BlindAid’s work shows how companionship and practical support can transform daily life for people living with sight loss. We are delighted to support Share London Plus, helping more Londoners regain confidence, independence and a stronger connection to their communities.”
