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British Wireless for the Blind Fund @bwbf.bsky.social · 5d

Every smile tells a story.

This #WorldSmileDay we thought we would spread the joy we bring to people living with sight loss.

From unlocking learning, to providing companionship, to helping people follow their hobbies: we harness the power of technology to change lives.

And that's worth a smile! 😃

A boy, Ryder, smiles as he holds up the iPad we gave him. On the screen, text reads 'a great big thank you'.

A woman smiles as she holds the Relish radio we gave her in front of her.

Mother and son Jeanette and Riley smile with the Echo Dot Kids from BWBF on the shelf behind them.

Doreen smiles as she sits in her arm chair with her Echo dot by her side.

British Wireless for the Blind Fund @bwbf.bsky.social · 7d

Different doesn't mean less. 💜

When we gave Ryder a free iPad under our pilot scheme, he got much more than a cool new device.

We gave him was a way to unlock learning, and a chance to develop hobbies, participate with his friends and express himself.

Ryder's story:

blind.org.uk/about-us/sto...

Against a purple background orange text reads: "We want all our children to have the opportunity to develop interests and live a full life. Different does not mean less."

British Wireless for the Blind Fund @bwbf.bsky.social · 12d

How it started ➡️ How it's going

It's nearly a century since our first braille-dial radios started providing connection to people living with sight loss. Fast forward 100 years and what we do might look a bit different. But we still provide the technology to help people stay in touch with the world.

A black and white historical photo of a woman listening to a large wooden radio from BWBF.

A modern day photo of an elderly woman with her Alexa Echo Dot from BWBF on the shelf.

British Wireless for the Blind Fund @bwbf.bsky.social · 14d

It's #NationalEyeHealthWeek and a chance for us all to prioritise our eyes.

If something doesn’t look or feel right, book an eye test with an optician as soon as possible. There's a great little lowdown on symptoms to watch out for here:

www.sightresearchuk.org/how-you-can-...

#LoveYourEyes

Against a blue background white text reads #NationalEyeHealthWeek

British Wireless for the Blind Fund @bwbf.bsky.social · 19d

Without the generosity of people who have left us a gift in their Will, our small charity simply would not exist.

Leaving a legacy costs nothing today, comes after you look after your loved ones, and can be truly transformative.

Just ask Riley 👇

blind.org.uk/support-us/w...

A young boy, Riley, is sitting on the floor looking at his Echo Dot Kids from BWBF, which is on a shelf next to him. Overlaid text reads: "It has brought laughter and light into our world."

British Wireless for the Blind Fund @bwbf.bsky.social · 20d

Our team met in Sheffield for a brilliant day of brainstorming.

Powerful discussion and sharing insights from our research into the technological needs of people living with sight loss.

Shaping our future to ensure we continue to support and help thousands of people every year.

Team members of British Wireless for the Blind Fund discussing plans while on an away day

Steven Poole, Service Delivery Manager for British Wireless for the Blind Fund, with the range of devices the charity offers to people living with sight loss.

Sophie Jones, CEO of British Wireless for the Blind Fund, with Jenny Cameron, Head of Communications, Marketing and Income, seated watching a presentation during a charity away day

British Wireless for the Blind Fund team members together having dinner on a team away day.

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British Wireless for the Blind Fund @bwbf.bsky.social · 26d

Remembering BWBF in your Will is a special way to ensure we're here for future generations of people with sight loss.

People like Riley.

This #RememberACharityWeek, his mum has shared how we "brought laughter and light" and "helped keep Riley being Riley".

Learn more:

blind.org.uk/yourlegacy25

Jeanette and her son Riley sit smiling in front of a shelf. On the shelf is the Echo Dot Kids device BWBF gave him.

British Wireless for the Blind Fund @bwbf.bsky.social · 28d

Last year we helped more people than in any other year in the past decade.

We unlock entertainment. We keep people connected. We open up a world of learning. These might seem like simple things. But, for those we support, they can be transformative.

Read more of our story:

blind.org.uk/impact

A bar chart shows the number of audio devices given out by BWBF in 2022 (2,480), in 2023 (2,491), and 2024 (4,237).

British Wireless for the Blind Fund @bwbf.bsky.social · Sep 5

Today is #InternationalDayOfCharity

Since we were founded in 1928, our mission has been to provide people living with sight loss access to audio technology that transforms their lives.

This mission has continued thanks to generosity and kindness.

Thank you.

blind.org.uk

A sepia historical photo showing young men unloading boxes, labelled British Wireless for the Blind Fund, off a vintage truck.

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British Wireless for the Blind Fund @bwbf.bsky.social · Sep 2

This is Doreen 💜

With her new Alexa device, she’s discovering a world of benefits every day, from music and information to reminders and practical help.

Together, we can unlock the power of audio for more people living with sight loss.

blind.org.uk

Doreen smiles as she uses the Alexa device that she received from BWBF. She is standing in her front room. The device is positioned on the bookshelf. Text overlaid on the image reads: “Unlock the joy of audio for people living with sight loss.”

British Wireless for the Blind Fund @bwbf.bsky.social · Aug 28

Sharing this fantastic opportunity from @extantltd.bsky.social, recruiting their first ever Thinker-In-Residence.

Applications for this paid role open to imaginative, dynamic people living with sight loss who are keen to enter the world of the performing arts.

More here: bsky.app/profile/exta...

Extant @extantltd.bsky.social · Jul 21

We are hiring a visually impaired Thinker-In-Residence as part of @pocklington.bsky.social Get Set Progress scheme!🎉
This is a full time, 9 month internship at £13.85 per hour.
Applications close on Wednesday 10th September, 10am.
Apply here: extant.org.uk/thinker-in-r...

Thinker-In-Residence (Internship) - EXTANT

We are hiring for a Thinker In Residence (internship) as part of the Thomas Pocklington Get Set Progress internship programme.

extant.org.uk

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British Wireless for the Blind Fund @bwbf.bsky.social · Aug 26

Today is National Dog Day.

An extra special thank you from BWBF to all the dogs providing invaluable support, assistance and companionship for people living with sight loss.

Six-year-old Riley, a recipient of an audio device from BWBF, playing on his guitar accompanied by his Buddy Dog Byrce.

British Wireless for the Blind Fund @bwbf.bsky.social · Aug 21

Janet has a rare hereditary eye condition that has over the years reduced her sight.

"With so many things no longer available to me, radio is my entertainment and company."

Janet loves her Relish radio from BWBF.

"It’s perfect. One station, one volume, one on/off button. That’s all I need."

A photo of Janet sitting at a table, smiling, and cuddling her Relish radio from BWBF.

British Wireless for the Blind Fund @bwbf.bsky.social · Aug 18

A daughter told us what a difference it has made since her Dad received a radio from us.

“It has absolutely made a big difference, he has gone from not having the radio on at all, to having the radio on nearly all the time, it has really reduced the loneliness he was feeling.”

A quote in a white speech bubble against a light purple background reads "It has absolutely made a big difference to his life, it has really reduced the loneliness he was feeling." There is a purple heart underneath the text.

British Wireless for the Blind Fund @bwbf.bsky.social · Aug 14

For these two students, who live with sight loss, technology opens doors.

Thanks to your support, we gave their school, a specialist school for children with sensory impairments, audio devices that support learning, independence, and connection.

Two teen students, who live with sight loss, sit together at a school desk, smiling and talking. In front of them is an Echo Show device, which they use for learning, entertainment, and staying connected.

British Wireless for the Blind Fund @bwbf.bsky.social · Aug 12

"Radio is so important to me, but I can only imagine how crucial it must be for someone living with sight loss."

Words shared by a supporter, capturing exactly why we do what we do.

For someone living with sight loss, a radio can be a lifeline: bringing news, companionship and joy every day.

A quote in white text and in yellow text on a purple background reads "Radio is so important to me, but I can only imagine how crucial it must be for someone living with sight loss."

British Wireless for the Blind Fund @bwbf.bsky.social · Aug 1

Happy #WorldWideWebDay!

We recently re-designed our website to meet internationally-recognised accessibility standards.

But the true measure of how inclusive we are is in our users' experience.

To celebrate this day, why not nip over, have a look, and tell us how we're doing:

www.blind.org.uk

Against a blue background, white text depicts the words #WorldWideWebDay

British Wireless for the Blind Fund @bwbf.bsky.social · Jul 30

Our free audio devices for people with sight loss might seem like a simple gesture.

But every day people tell us about the life-changing difference that gesture makes to their lives.

We can only do what we do with our generous supporters and donors.

Thank you to each and every one of you. 💜

White text against a purple background reads: “My message to anyone living with sight loss is that they should have the courage to live on. And once they have the courage to live on, there are a lot of things available to make their life better. And one of those things is probably a simple radio."

British Wireless for the Blind Fund @bwbf.bsky.social · Jul 23

As a child, John Beesley heard of BWBF through a radio appeal on forces radio.
Decades later - after a distinguished career in broadcasting - he’s joined us as a Trustee.
With lived experience of sight loss and a lifelong love of audio, we’re thrilled he's on board.
blind.org.uk/about-us/new...

John Beesley, British Wireless for the Blind Fund Trustee, smiling. He is standing in front of a plain beige wall.

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British Wireless for the Blind Fund @bwbf.bsky.social · Jul 22

Last year we gave out more audio devices than in any other year in the past decade.

We provide a lifeline to news, entertainment, talking books & treasured music collections. These might seem like simple pleasures, but they amount to so much more for a person’s quality of life.

blind.org.uk/impact

Text reads - "Last year we supported 65% more people than the year before"

ext reads - "We gave out 4,237 audio devices to people with sight loss"

Text reads - "We gave out more than 100 children's devices in our first three months of offering them"

British Wireless for the Blind Fund @bwbf.bsky.social · Jul 17

When Janet's central vision deteriorated with Best disease, her life changed.

But there were also unexpected joys, including a renewed appreciation for the sounds of nature - and a love of radio.

Find out how we helped Janet and thousands of others find joy in sound last year: blind.org.uk/impact

A photo of Janet smiling at a table with her Relish radio from BWBF. Overlaid text reads: "I'm grateful for nature. Birdsong is beautiful. I think a lot of people miss these things because they spend so much time looking at screens."

British Wireless for the Blind Fund @bwbf.bsky.social · Jul 14

Oh... and, if you're living with sight loss, the green line in the disability pride flag is for you and the millions of others living with sensory disabilities.

British Wireless for the Blind Fund @bwbf.bsky.social · Jul 14

Happy Disability Pride Month!

This month is a chance to have conversations, challenge stereotypes, celebrate achievements & embrace diversity.

It's a month for people who are disabled, but also for anyone who wants to be an ally to the 1 in 4 of us living with a disability.

#DisabilityPrideMonth

A depiction of the colours of the disability pride flag. Each colour represents a different category of disabilities. At the top is green, which represents sensory disabilities. Overlaid text reads: Celebrating #DisabilityPrideMonth.

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British Wireless for the Blind Fund @bwbf.bsky.social · Jul 10

Since getting her Alexa device from BWBF at the age of 95, Doreen has come to rely on it for everything from setting medication reminders to listening to the radio.

Read our Impact Report to find out more about Doreen's inspiring story & discover how we unlock a world of audio:

blind.org.uk/impact

Doreen sits on an armchair smiling, with her Echo Pop smart speaker on the table next to her. Overlaid text reads: “I often think, what would my grandmother make of it—me talking to a tennis ball on the shelf. It’s amazing!"

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British Wireless for the Blind Fund @bwbf.bsky.social · Jul 8

Fantastic atmosphere at Sight Village Central over the last two days!

It was great to show everyone our free audio devices and talk to people living with sight loss and colleagues from the sight loss sector about making our support even better in the future.

Have a great trip home everyone!

BWBF team member Sarah stands behind BWBF's stall, where a range of audio devices and literature are on display.

BWBF team member Sarah talks to two women at BWBF's Sight Village stall. One of them is looking at a dictaphone - one of the devices on display on BWBF's stall.

BWBF team members Sarah and Jenny pose in front of a banner advertising BWBF's stall.

BWBF team member Sarah talking to a man who is visiting BWBF's stall

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