We help people with sight loss live the life they want

Since 1879, we've been a place where people can find understanding, practical help, and a warm community. Our mission is simple: make life with sight loss easier, fuller, and more connected.

145+

years supporting people with sight loss

145+

years supporting people with sight loss

2.6K+

home visits made to clients each year

2.6K+

home visits made to clients each year

100+

supporters contributing to our mission

100+

supporters contributing to our mission

since 1879

since 1879

Over 145 years of local support. Still going strong.

In 1879, John Galt recognised people with visual impairments in Dundee were living isolated lives. He couldn't look away—so he founded what became Sight Support & Social Hub.

Over the years, we've taught people to read through Moon and Braille, supported them in their homes, and created opportunities for work and connection.

Much has changed since then, but our purpose hasn't: helping people across Dundee, Angus, Perthshire, and North East Fife live well with sight loss.

We're proud to be one of Dundee's oldest charities—and we're still here because of people like you.

What we do

Helping people live confidently and stay connected

Helping people live confidently and stay connected

We offer practical support, social activities, and a friendly community where everyone belongs.

Weekly Activities

Boccia, line dancing, choir, armchair aerobics, games, and more—plus our famous two-course lunches made fresh on site.

Weekly Activities

Boccia, line dancing, choir, armchair aerobics, games, and more—plus our famous two-course lunches made fresh on site.

Advice & Advocacy

Expert guidance on benefits, equipment, navigating services, and whatever else you need to live well with sight loss.

Advice & Advocacy

Expert guidance on benefits, equipment, navigating services, and whatever else you need to live well with sight loss.

Befriending & Home Visits

We match members with befrienders for company, conversation, and companionship—whether at home or out and about.

Befriending & Home Visits

We match members with befrienders for company, conversation, and companionship—whether at home or out and about.

Audio Library

Hundreds of talking books you can borrow for free, by post or in person.

Audio Library

Hundreds of talking books you can borrow for free, by post or in person.

Equipment Room

Try before you buy—magnifiers, talking clocks, kitchen aids, and more.

Equipment Room

Try before you buy—magnifiers, talking clocks, kitchen aids, and more.

Transport Support

Accessible transport to and from our activities, so everyone can take part.

Transport Support

Accessible transport to and from our activities, so everyone can take part.

Meet the team

A small team making a big difference

Our staff combine experience, empathy, and dedication to make sure everyone who walks through our doors feels supported and welcomed.

They're joined by volunteers and partners who help bring our services and activities to life—from driving members to activities, to running clubs, to organizing our audio library.

"We take pride in helping people and making them happier. We want people to feel comfortable and happy to use our services. We go out of our way to help people enhance their quality of life. We want people to feel able to cope with their visual impairment."

— Staff team

Laura Lindsay

Service Manager

Ainslay Swindells

Deputy Manager

Helen McEnhill

Administrator

a group of men sitting on a bench
Nichola Cecil

Cook

Our Board of Trustees

Guiding our mission with care and responsibility.

Our Board oversees the charity's governance, finances, and long-term strategy. Each trustee brings unique skills from the fields of health, community work, finance, and public service.

Their role ensures we continue to offer high-quality support and remain a trusted resource for the local community.

a group of men sitting on a bench
Keith Thomson

President

Mary Robertson

Vice President

Billy Williamson

Director

Robyn Lee

Director

Catherine Peters

Director

Dave Clark

Director

a group of men sitting on a bench
Alan Russell

Director

a group of men sitting on a bench
Kenneth Uka

Director

Elizabeth McGillivray

Director

Our impact

What we've achieved together

What we've achieved together

    • 200+ members supported across Dundee, Angus, Perthshire, and North East Fife

    • Weekly activities bringing people together for friendship, movement, and fun

    • Thousands of home visits providing advice and companionship

    • Hundreds of talking books borrowed from our free audio library

We need to raise £100,000 every year to maintain our building, run our vehicles, pay our staff team, and support the volunteers who make everything happen.

Every donation—whether it's £5 or £500—helps someone in Tayside live and feel less alone.

Why we're different

Independent, local, and trusted

We're not RNIB or Guide Dogs

We're a completely independent charity. Every penny you donate or pay in membership stays right here in Tayside, supporting people in your community.

We've been here since 1879

We're one of Dundee's oldest charities—and we've been supporting people with sight loss longer than almost anyone.

We know the area

From Dundee to Angus to Perthshire to North East Fife—we understand the challenges people face locally, and we're here to help.

We're member-led

Everything we do is shaped by what our members need and want. This isn't a faceless organization—it's your community.

Gallery

Stories of community, connection, and everyday joy.

Our gallery highlights moments from our clubs, events, celebrations, and workshops.

It captures the spirit of our members and the friendships that make the Hub feel like home.

a group of men sitting on a bench
a group of men sitting on a bench
a group of men sitting on a bench
a group of men sitting on a bench
a group of men sitting on a bench
a group of men sitting on a bench
a group of men sitting on a bench
a group of men sitting on a bench
a group of men sitting on a bench
a group of men sitting on a bench
a group of men sitting on a bench
a group of men sitting on a bench
a group of men sitting on a bench
a group of men sitting on a bench
a group of men sitting on a bench
a group of men sitting on a bench
a group of men sitting on a bench
a group of men sitting on a bench
a group of men sitting on a bench
a group of men sitting on a bench
a group of men sitting on a bench
a group of men sitting on a bench
a group of men sitting on a bench
a group of men sitting on a bench

Meeting rooms & office space

Accessible spaces for local groups, charities, and organisations

We have meeting rooms available for hire and office space to rent for charities and small organizations.

Renting with us means supporting local sight-loss services while accessing shared facilities and a supportive community.

We offer affordable meeting rooms and office space for community groups, charities, and small organisations.

Every booking helps fund our services for people with sight loss.

Annual reports & accounts

Transparency and trust are central to our work.

Each year we publish our Annual Report to share updates on:

    • Our achievements

    • Services and activities delivered

    • Member and volunteer impact

    • Financial statements and funding

    • Future goals

Large-print copies are available upon request.

FAQs

Answers to your most common questions

When are you open?

We are open Monday to Friday 9 AM – 4 PM, although the office may be unmanned on occasions. If you are planning to visit, please call us on 227101 to ensure there will be a member of staff available to assist you. Our Resource Room is currently available by appointment only, please contact us on 01382 227101 if you wish to make an appointment. Our phone line is manned from 9 AM – 4 PM, Monday to Friday.

Is there a charge for your services?

Membership costs £10 per year and that gives you access to our advice & advocacy service, all social activities and our resource room. There is a daily charge of £10 per day which includes activities, 2 course lunch and tea/coffee & biscuits.

Could you teach me Braille?

No, we are sorry but we cannot offer this service at this time.

What are Talking Books?

Talking Books are audio versions of books, and we have a large library here which is free to use for Members. Please call us for more information.

Are you connected to RNIB or Guide Dogs?

These are separate charities altogether, although we have links with both organisations through our Members and their needs.

Are you connected to NESS (North East Sensory Services)?

No, we are not connected to NESS, but we do collaborate to provide joined up services to our Members

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