Who we are
Enabling independent lives
St Dunstan’s is a national charity providing crucial assistance to blind ex-Service men and women and their families. We help St Dunstaners regain their independence and make the most of the opportunities available to them through rehabilitation, training, support and advice.
Changing attitudes
Sir Arthur Pearson, a newspaper proprietor who owned the Evening Standard and founded the Daily Express, established St Dunstan’s in 1915. Pearson, who lost his own sight through glaucoma, was shocked at society’s attitude to blindness. He decided to help those who had lost their vision in the recent First World War by giving them the care and rehabilitation they needed to lead constructive, self-sufficient lives.
Nearly a century later, St Dunstan’s still cares for those blinded in action, but also supports blind and visually impaired ex-Service men and women who have lost their sight through accident, illness, or old age. We also help those who have served in the Emergency Services.
Quality of life, for life
By providing lifelong welfare support, rehabilitation, training, long-term nursing/ residential and respite care, we seek to enrich and enhance the lives of our beneficiaries.
Our centres
Our centre in Ovingdean, near Brighton holds introductory training and rehabilitation weeks as well as offering respite care, holidays and a range of recreational and social activities.
St Dunstaners in the North of the country can take advantage of our residential centre in Sheffield which offers introductory weeks, computer and rehabilitation courses. Our new Llandudno centre is due to open once design and refurbishment has been completed, offering excellent facilities to help meet the needs of ever-increasing numbers of St Dunstaners.