Marking 103 Years of Supporting People with Sight Loss
From modest beginnings in 1922 to a trusted, evolving charity.
This year, we are proud to celebrate a remarkable milestone—103 years of providing support, connection and reassurance to people living with sight loss.
Our story began in 1922, originally established as the Shropshire County Association for the Blind, with the Earl of Powys serving as its first President. In 1962, we became known as the Shropshire Voluntary Association for the Blind. From these early and modest beginnings, we have grown into a trusted and evolving organisation—one that continues to make a meaningful and lasting difference in people’s lives.
Over the years, we have supported thousands of individuals and their families—offering guidance and practical services to help people adjust to life with sight loss and retain their independence and wellbeing. Whether through face-to-face or telephone support, advice on technology or local services, or peer support groups, our offer has developed in response to what people tell us they need.
In recent years, we’ve made significant strides in expanding and modernising our services—reflecting the changing landscape of sight loss and the increasing complexity of people’s needs. Our work today is shaped not only by the voices of people with lived experience but also through strong partnerships with local authorities, NHS teams, community organisations, and fellow charities. These collaborations have been vital in enabling us to reach more people and provide more holistic, person-centred support.
We are also immensely grateful for the continuing support of our stakeholders—including funders, commissioners, and community partners—whose belief in our mission has helped us build a resilient, forward-looking organisation and broaden our reach and impact.
Of course, and most importantly, none of this would be possible without the dedication of our volunteers, trustees, committee members, and staff, past and present. Their compassion, time, and hard work have powered our charity for more than a century and continue to be the foundation of everything we do.
As we mark our 103rd anniversary, we reflect on the journey so far with genuine appreciation—for those who have shaped our work, for the progress we’ve made together, and for the opportunity to continue evolving. We remain committed to ensuring that everyone affected by sight loss receives the support they need, now and in the future.
Thank you for being part of our journey. Here’s to the next chapter.
