Communities Fund has provided £255 of match funding
Helping our members manage money independently
Worthing, England, United Kingdom
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Aim
Helping people with sight loss in Worthing achieve financial independence through accessible technology, education and one-to-one support.
About us
Sight Support Worthing has been supporting people with sight loss since 1910. Based in the heart of Worthing, our fully accessible centre is home to a dedicated team of seven full-time and four part-time staff, one lived experience worker, and four registered sight-impaired or blind colleagues. We're supported by 39 volunteers and serve just under 700 members, ranging from birth to over 100 years old.
Who I am
I'm Jackie, Head of Fundraising and Benefits Advice at SSW. My role is to help members understand what financial support is available to them, and to guide them through applying for it, from Personal Independence Payments and Attendance Allowance to bus passes, Blue Badges and Access Cards. When these benefits come through, the difference they make is tangible: members can stay in their own homes, buy in the care support they need, and use local sighted-guide trained taxis to get to hospital appointments. Financial stress reduces, independence grows, and reliance on family and friends lessens.
Our vision
We believe that financial wellbeing and independence go hand in hand. Our goal is to ensure that every person with sight loss in Worthing has the knowledge, tools and confidence to manage their own money, without having to depend on others.
What your donation will fund
Our technology team runs a free weekly drop-in every Thursday, open to all 700+ members and advertised in our monthly newsletter. Sessions cover accessible banking apps, online shopping, email, and scam awareness. Members learn how to request large print or braille bank cards, set up accessible internet banking, and manage their money confidently and independently, without needing to ask for help every time.
Our scam awareness sessions deserve a special mention. They give members a safe space to share concerns, understand the warning signs, and know exactly what to do if they suspect they've been targeted. These sessions build resilience and protect some of our most vulnerable members.
Meanwhile, our benefits advice service offers bespoke one-to-one support by phone, at the centre, at our weekly drop-ins, or for members with mobility issues, in their own homes. We help people understand what they're entitled to, complete the paperwork, and navigate the system. Where debt advice is needed, we have a referral pathway to Citizens Advice.
All money raised will go directly towards keeping both services free for every member who needs them.
Why crowdfunding, and why Aviva?
Aviva has an office here in Worthing, so this campaign has real local resonance. Last year was our first time crowdfunding, and it was wonderful to see members, families and supporters come together around a shared goal. We posted weekly updates at our busy coffee mornings and watched the pot grow; it created a real sense of togetherness and achievement. We'd love to experience that again.
Communities Fund Employee Giving has provided £40 of match funding
Funding method
Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made by 11th September 2026 at 12:53pm