We support and enable children and adults in Surrey who are Deaf, hard of hearing, blind, partially sighted and deafblind to lead full and independent lives.

We were founded in 1922 when we first started assisting blind and partially sighted soldiers returning from war and we have continued to help people in Surrey who are Deaf, or have a sight or hearing impairment. People are at the heart of everything we do. We champion independence, where people thrive in their communities and achieve their aspirations. We offer expert support, services, and advice across Surrey, delivering our services to over 8,500 people in homes, communities, and from our main office hub.

People who are Deaf, or have a sight or hearing impairment, can unfortunately become incredibly isolated but our specialist teams of qualified and skilled professionals support each individual by arming them with the knowledge, equipment, and confidence to live and work fulfilling and independent lives.

sightforsurrey.org.uk

We believe everyone is different, but everyone has potential and our support workers have seen people learn to cook, improve their communication, get a work placement, paid work or even move into independent living in the community.

We have three main strands to our work:

1. Housing for people with disabilities. We provide safe accommodation for 82 people. Some of the people we support are very independent, living in flats either on the Grange site or in our housing in Bookham, Leatherhead and Epsom. Some are part of Group Living which provides higher levels of support services.

2. Supporting people in their daily lives. Our Support team will help people with everyday tasks such as shopping, cooking and cleaning their flats, and also help them to get out and about, take part in sports and social activities according to their interests.

3. Skills for life provides opportunities for people to learn skills that can help them earn money, get a job or just live their lives to the full. Activities include horticulture, growing vegetables and flowers and selling them through our little shop; woodworking; creative arts including pottery, art and design; embroidery and catering. The people we support learn how to work in retail, through our shop in Bookham and can learn hospitality in our Courtyard Cafe and other catering ventures. Our people produce a wide range of items that are sold through our website and shop, from beautiful birthday cards to hand-made candles and bird nesting boxes, and from fudge to cushions and personalised mugs. We have approximately 125 people participating in our Skills sessions each week.

www.grangecentre.org.uk

Home-Start Guildford is available for parents with children under five who are finding life extra tough. Our trained volunteers visit weekly, offering practical help and emotional support for around 9–12 months. Whether parents are coping with isolation, health issues, multiple births, or parenting alone, we’re by their side. We also run friendly Family Groups, giving parents a chance to overcome isolation, share experiences, and get advice and guidance from professionals. Parents often describe their volunteer as "a lifesaver".

https://hsguildford.org.uk