Southend Blind Welfare Organisation

southend blind welfare organisation is an independent charity which provides practical help to visually impaired people in the southend-on-sea area and provides residential care if required. in the mid 1950’s a group of local people thought that there was the need for a local charity that would give help and support to the growing number of people in southend who were blind or partially sighted. with the backing of southend borough council, and several eye specialists the charity was formed. towards the end of the 1950’s , the opportunity arose to buy a large house in imperial avenue, and to open a residential home to offer specialist care . funds were raised, and the house was bought, with accommodation initially for 14 residents. at the same time, sbw started to offer social clubs to members who lived in the community, and also held an annual xmas party at the kursaal. local service clubs became involved and in particular southend round table provided transport ,and were for many yea