About Action for Blind People
Action for Blind People provides practical support to blind and partially sighted people in four main areas; work, housing, leisure and support.
- Work - The charity believes that work is the key to independence, self-esteem and a full and happy life
It runs three factories which employ blind and partially sighted people giving them independence and new skills. It also manages four Employment Development Centres in London and the North West which equip blind and partially sighted people with skills enabling them to find paid work.
Action for Blind People also works closely with employers educating them about the benefits of employing visually impaired people and dispelling many of the myths which abound.
- Housing - Having a safe, secure and happy home is important to everyone
Action for Blind People manages four residential centres, two of which provide intensive support for elderly blind and partially sighted people.
Bradbury Oak, in Dulwich, is a state of the art residential centre, designed from scratch with the needs of visually impaired people foremost. It provides independent living accommodation in a supported environment.
Swail House, in Epsom, also provides independent living but has 24-hour support should it be needed.
- Leisure - The charity believes that visually impaired people should have the same access to leisure opportunities as those of us who are sighted
It manages four specially adapted hotels for blind and partially sighted people in Bognor Regis, Weston-Super-Mare, Cliffden and Lake Windermere. People can enjoy a holiday and a break from their routine in a totally supportive and specially adapted environment.
- Support - Only 1 in 5 blind and partially sighted people have received expert advice on benefit entitlement
Action for Blind People provides a wide range of support, particularly through the provision of a national independent and impartial information and advice service. It helps many people claim benefits to which they are entitled, provide support at the point of diagnosis, and two mobile information buses tour the country, attracting almost 7,000 visitors a year, showcasing the latest technology and aids as well as providing information on welfare rights and benefits. The charity also runs a sports development function.
Our history
Action for Blind People was founded in 1857 and originally known as the London Association for the Blind.
During the last ten years it has became a national charity, with services throughout the UK. It has recently undertaken a strategic review, which will see the charity continuing to remain focused on its four areas of expertise: work, leisure, housing and support. It also wants to extend its reach and provide services to more blind and partially sighted people. ABP currently supports around 25,000 people each year.