DUDLEY sight loss charity, the Beacon Centre for the Blind, is celebrating after being awarded £438,506 in National Lottery funding to help those facing sight loss.

The charity, which has been supporting blind and partially sighted people since 1875, will use the funding to develop its information, advice, and guidance service over the next five years.

The charity’s team of sight loss advisors deals with hundreds of referrals a year, using a collaborative, person-centred approach in partnership with local eye healthcare professionals.

The new funding from The National Lottery Community Fund, which distributes money raised by National Lottery players for good causes, will enable the charity to further develop the programme and reach new communities.

Staff from the organisation celebrated the funding success when the Mayor of Dudley, Councillor Andrea Goddard, visited along with Deputy Mayor, Councillor Peter Lee, and Sedgley councillor Michael Evans.

Lisa Cowley, Beacon Centre chief executive, said: “We’re delighted The National Lottery Community Fund has recognised our work in this way. Now, thanks to National Lottery players, we will be able to ensure no one living locally has to face sight loss alone, whatever stage of their journey they are at.

“There are approximately 40,000 blind and partially sighted people living in the Black Country, a figure that is set to grow by up to 13 per cent by 2032 so our information, advice, and guidance service, will be needed more than ever in the years ahead.”