What we Do!

BSVI has large premises in Moordown from where we provide a wide range of services to visually impaired people living in Bournemouth and the surrounding area. BSVI is independently funded and conducted on non-political, non-sectarian principles. The Society continues to thrive with very little external funding or grants and relies heavily on legacies, donations and its own fundraising to continue its valuable work.

Membership is free to adults registered as blind or partially sighted living in the Borough of Bournemouth and individuals with significant sight impairment living in the surrounding areas are also welcomed.

BSVI Members' Services

All member activities and events are co-ordinated by our Centre Services Department with the help and support of our loyal volunteers. Members can take advantage of subsidised transport to and from the Centre and are encouraged to actively participate in the programme of social activities which include:

The Tuesday Group provides a Drop-In Cafe for BSVI's more active young at heart members. This Group has its own programme of events and has recently expanded into developing an Arts and Crafts Group from amongst its interested members.

BSVI has a modern 'Daily Living Kitchen' where, with the support of Social Services, visually impaired people can learn new skills enabling them to remain safe and independent within a kitchen environment.

Members are also eligable to receive BSVI's quarterly Newsletter - EyeSpy- which is available in large print, CD or tape format.

BSVI Community Services

BSVI has a well equipped Sight and Hearing Resource Centre which is open Monday - Thursday from 10am to 12 noon. The Resource Centre has fully trained experienced Staff and Volunteers who provide advice, guidance and support to anyone who has sight or hearing related issues. Sensory loss specific equipment is also available for demonstration, loan or purchase.

BSVI is also a local Agent for the distribution of radios from the British Wireless for the Blind Fund.

A professional Counselling Service is available for people of all ages who may be experiencing emotional, psychological or relationship difficulties arising from sight loss.

Supporting People 'Floating Support' is a Government funded programme for Bournemouth residents, designed to assist people with significant sight loss to remain living independently within the Community. BSVI has a dedicated Support Worker who visits individuals in their own homes to complete an assessment where needs and goals are set. Ongoing support is offered up to a maximum of two years.

BSVI also provides a Befriending Service for visually impaired people unable to visit the Centre. A BSVI Volunteer will make home visits to assist with reading, form filling, general everyday living and may occasionally accompany someone on a shopping trip if appropriate.

Other Services

BSVI offers a Transcription Service to any organisation or individual. This service transcribes text documents into Braille, large print or CD/Tape, as required.

BSVI has a Venue Hire service offering Rooper Hall at weekends for meetings, training or social events as well as The Weston Room for small meetings during the working week.

For further information do please Contact us

Bournemouth Society for the Visually Impaired 5 Victoria Park Road  Bournemouth  BH9 2RB Tel: 01202 546644/522184   Fax: 01202 519006 Charity No: 1114570    Company No: 5792657