Our impact
We are a small charity with big ambitions. By working together with our supporters, partners and people living with sight loss, we are determined to do more to unlock a world of audio content for blind and partially sighted people across the UK.
Last year the number of people we supported shot up by 65 per cent. That’s hundreds more people who’ve turned to us for free and new ways to access entertainment, news, and practical daily help.
Read our latest Impact Report
Read about our achievements in 2024, or listen to our audio Impact Report. Alternatively you can read more about the impact we make by scrolling down this page.
Impact Report 2024
Our Impact Report for 2024 explores how we have started to transform our services to meet the needs of more people living with sight loss. Read stories about our service users, find statistics about our reach and discover our achievements last year.
Impact Report 2024 - Impact Report 2024 (Audio)
Our audio devices
Our audio devices help people with sight loss feel independent, safe, connected, informed, and in touch with their pleasures and passions.
Driven by our new Alexa service, last year we gave out more audio devices than in any other year in the last decade. From speech-powered smart speakers to USB players designed for people with sight loss, and easy-to-use radios, our range of support suits different needs and tastes.
In 2024, we worked more closely than ever with other charities to target our support towards those that need it most. By pairing up with AbilityNet, we’ve been able to offer support to people adapting to new technology.
Our audio devices in numbers
The number of audio devices we gave out last year
The number of Alexa devices we gave out last year
The increase in the number of people we supported from 2023 to 2024
Doreen's story
With a little bit of help, it really is never too late to try out new technology. At nearly 95 years old, Doreen is one of hundreds who benefitted from our free Amazon Echo smart speaker scheme, launched last year. Today she embraces her new speaker and marvels at the practical help and entertainment it has unlocked
I often think, what would my grandmother make of it—me talking to a tennis ball on the shelf.
Doreen
Browse our audio devices
Explore our full range of audio devices, which includes Alexa smart speakers, USB players, radios and more. Find details of all our devices, user manuals and information about who can apply for a free device.
Explore devicesNew services for children and young people
The benefits of technology for a child with sight loss begin in the formative years. But meeting a child’s technological needs can be hard for families already facing the extra expenses that come with caring for a disabled child.
In 2024, we removed the lower age limit for people accessing our audio devices, unlocking a world of learning and entertainment for young people. We also teamed up with charities and schools to ensure our support reaches the broadest possible community of children and young people.
Reaching young people with VICTA
We work with VICTA to make sure our support reaches children and young people living with sight loss.
Unlocking audio at St Vincents School
We provide Alexa devices and iPads to the children at St Vincent's School, a specialist school for children with sensory impairments and other special needs.
Our young people's services in numbers
The number of children's devices we gave in the first three months of offering our new services in 2024
The number of Alexa devices provided for pupils at St Vincent's, a specialist school for young people with sensory impairments
The number of iPads we gave as part of a new pilot project for children and young people
Ryder's story
Nine-year-old Ryder was born with severe sight loss. The iPad he got under BWBF pilot project has helped him with schoolwork, reading, drawing and practical tasks.
With the cost of living today, everything for children with additional needs comes at a hefty price. That’s why BWBF’s support is so vital.
Kirsty, Ryder's mum
Our audio apps
Last year our Speech Radio app grew to offer its most diverse listening experience yet. Meanwhile our Speech Talking Newspaper app and Alexa skill unlocked audio versions of hundreds of local newspapers.
Read about our apps
Doreen's story
At 95 years old, Doreen embraces the Echo Dot speaker we gave her and marvels at the practical help and entertainment it has unlocked.
Ryder's story
The iPad Ryder received as part of our pilot project has helped with schoolwork, listening to books, drawing, photography, and practical tasks.
Janet's story
The Relish radio we gave Janet has helped her find entertainment and mental stimulation despite her progressive sight loss condition
Make a donation
- £
£5 - Every gift helps provide life-changing support
Donate now£10 - Our devices can come with a set of personal headphones
Donate now£20 - BWBF gives life-long support to people living with sight loss
Donate nowWhatever you choose to give, it will bring joy and connection
Donate now- £
£30 - Our volunteers give one-to-one support and advice
Donate now£75 - Devices like the Echo Show can give a vital sense of connection
Donate now£130 - BWBF offers a range of devices to suit those we support
Donate nowWhatever you choose to give, it will bring joy and connection
Donate now