Sensory Services by Sight for Surrey chosen as Charity of the Year for 2026
We are delighted to reveal Sensory Services by Sight for Surrey as our Charity of the Year for 2026, following a fantastic show of support from customers and the local community, who voted in their hundreds.
Sensory Services by Sight for Surrey provides specialist support for people who are blind or partially sighted, Deaf, hard of hearing and deafblind, helping individuals of all ages to live independently, stay connected and thrive within their communities. The charity delivers practical advice, wellbeing services, assistive technology guidance and social opportunities that reduce isolation and empower people to live full and active lives.
As part of the Charity of the Year partnership, Guildford Spectrum will support the charity through a series of fundraising initiatives, awareness campaigns and donated activities throughout the year. The charity will benefit from activity tickets that give individuals and families access to Spectrum’s extensive range of leisure facilities, including swimming, ice skating, bowling and gym activities for all ages. These experiences are made possible through the generosity of customers who donate their Active Card loyalty points, which are transformed into memorable days out and opportunities to stay active, social and connected.
The partnership will enable the people they support, volunteers and families to access inclusive leisure opportunities that promote physical activity, confidence and social connection, while also helping the charity reduce costs and redirect funds into frontline services.
Guildford Spectrum teams will also work closely with the charity throughout the year to raise awareness of their work, host fundraising events and encourage the local community to get involved and show their support.
Melanie Main, General Manager at Guildford Spectrum, said:
“We’re absolutely delighted to announce that Sensory Services by Sight for Surrey has been chosen by the local community as our Charity of the Year. We are excited to be working together in partnership to create opportunities to raise awareness throughout the year. At Freedom Leisure, we’re proud to support our community and make a positive difference to continue to improve lives through leisure.”
Lisa Fletcher, Head of Fundraising and Engagement at the charity said:
“We’re thrilled to be partnering with Guildford Spectrum this year. From their accessible and inclusive sports and activities to initiatives like joining the Chatty Café scheme that help combat loneliness, their impact on the Guildford community is fantastic. Our Children’s team is also proud to host its annual family ice-skating event at the Spectrum. We’re excited by what promises to be a successful partnership.”
Freedom Leisure prides itself on supporting the communities it serves, and the Charity of the Year programme is a key part of that commitment. Each year, customers play an important role by voting for their chosen charity and donating loyalty points, helping make a meaningful difference locally.
To find out more about Sensory Services by Sight for Surrey, visit: www.sightforsurrey.org.uk
