OpenSight is delighted to be piloting Community Connections Basingstoke, a new local project designed to make it easier for people with sight loss to access timely, specialist support close to home.
From early January to April, OpenSight will be based at The Orchard, home of Basingstoke Voluntary Action, offering friendly, free support to vision-impaired residents across Basingstoke and Deane.
People living with sight loss will be able to book one-to-one appointments every Wednesday and Thursday, either:
- In person at The Orchard, or
- By phone, depending on individual preference and need.
Support may include:
- Advice following a recent sight loss diagnosis
- Help navigating local services and support options
- Guidance on daily living, independence, and wellbeing
- Support with technology, access, and confidence
- Signposting to local groups, activities, and peer support
Appointments are informal, welcoming, and tailored to each individual.
More than appointments: building stronger local connections
Alongside weekly access to support, the pilot will focus on:
- Building referral confidence with local health and community partners
- Engaging directly with local communities
- Spotlighting and connecting people to existing local groups and activities
- Testing new ways of working that may inform a future regional model across Hampshire
Key activities during the pilot
As the project develops, planned activity includes:
- A community launch event at the Apollo Hotel in early January
- Monthly Tech Club sessions, offering hands-on help with accessible technology and building digital confidence
- Insights Basingstoke in late February, featuring local lived-experience voices
- A KS1 family activity session during February half term
- Ongoing community engagement and partnership activity throughout the pilot
A local presence, shaped by local voices
Ian T. Morris, Head of Services at OpenSight, said:
“Being based directly in Basingstoke means we can listen better, connect better, and support more local people. This pilot is about amplifying access and enabling people with sight loss to live their best lives.”
Get involved
OpenSight welcomes:
- Self-referrals and professional referrals
- Partnership conversations
- Ideas and feedback to help shape and evolve the pilot during delivery
To book an appointment, make a referral, or find out more, please contact us on
02380 641 244
