Across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland, essential services for people living with sight loss and those who are deafblind are continuing, with BID Services stepping in to carry forward this important work. Alongside this, the community spaces where connection happens also remain, and with the right support, will continue to grow and thrive.

For many, something as simple as a meet up means far more than it might seem. Sitting down for a cup of tea, meeting with familiar friends, sharing conversation in a space where communication feels accessible and understood, without needing to explain yourself. These are the moments that create a sense of belonging which can be hard to find elsewhere. For someone navigating isolation, or a world that isn’t always designed with them in mind, it can be the difference between a quiet, lonely week and feeling part of something again. These spaces nurture relationships and remind people that they are not alone.

This sense of connection is just as vital for children and young people. Having access to the right support and community at an early stage can shape how they experience the world around them. It helps them grow in confidence, develop independence, and form meaningful relationships with others who understand and share similar experiences. With your support, more young people can grow up feeling included, confident, and able to find their place in the world.

Alongside the statutory services now secured, these community projects continue to offer vital spaces for connection. To ensure they remain available for the future, they rely on the support of the community and with your help, these meet-ups and youth services can continue to grow and thrive.

We believe these services are worth protecting and sustaining for the future.

We are asking for your help to keep these spaces open and accessible to those who need them most. Your donation will help ensure that people continue to have somewhere to go, someone to talk to, and a community that understands. And if you feel able to give monthly, your ongoing support will help protect these services for the future.

Header image: Collage with 6 images of children taking part in a variety of activities, such as arts and crafts, computer gaming, and rugby. The children are all smiling and appearing engaged. 

Image: Text reads Registered with Fundraising Regulator with FR in a circle to the left, all forming the Fundraising Regulator logo.