BID Services to continue Vista’s legacy supporting those with visual impairments

BID Services to continue Vista’s legacy providing high quality, specialist support to those with sight impairments and those who are deafblind

Over the recent weeks, BID Services has been working with the councils of Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland to ensure individuals with sight impairments and those who are deafblind living across these three regions continue to receive the support they need. This move comes following the launch of Vista’s emergency appeal to save the charity.

Vista is an incredible organisation which has always put its clients at the heart of its services, creating a highly respected and valued organisation which has seen incredible support from the local community during its recent emergency appeal. However, despite these remarkable efforts, Vista has been unable to reach the funding required to secure the charity’s long-term future in its current form. BID Services will therefore be taking on responsibility for delivery of Vista’s statutory services.

Gail Penberthy, CEO of BID Services:

“We are deeply saddened by Vista’s news as they have long been a well-respected provider of specialist services for those with sight impairments and have given a great deal to their community. We have huge shoes to fill and are working closely with Vista’s staff team and the local councils to ensure we can continue their legacy and ensure that the people of Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland continue to receive the high-quality, specialist support they are used to.”

We know this is a concerning time for all those involved, from clients and family members to staff. BID Services therefore wishes to ensure everyone that we will be working closely with the Vista staff team and local authorities to ensure a seamless transition and that support is not affected.

Jean Voller, Chair of Trustees at Vista said:

“The support we’ve received during Vista’s emergency appeal has meant more than we can fully express, and I am incredibly grateful for everyone who has stood with us. Protecting services has been our number one priority and we are therefore delighted that our statutory services will be transferred over to BID Services, who we are confident will provide people living with sight loss in the region the best possible support they deserve.”

BID Services is a well-established charity which provides specialist services for those who are deaf, hard of hearing, sight impaired or deafblind across England alongside a breadth of community services and activities. Utilising this experience, we hope to follow in Vista’s footsteps and continue to provide the high-quality support that the local community have come to expect, ensuring services remain led by the community.

Cllr Mohammed Dawood, Asst City Mayor for adult social care said:

“When Vista told us it could no longer continue its vital work, our first priority was to make sure people relying on these services wouldn’t be left without support, and we worked quickly with our partners across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland to find the best way forward. I’m very pleased that BID has been appointed to take over the service.

I want to thank Vista for the service they have provided to local people since the charity first opened its doors on Leicester High Street in 1859, and for their cooperation during this transition. I’d also like to reassure people that essential support will continue without interruption as the new provider takes over in May.”

The transfer will take place on 6^th May 2026. Vista and BID Services will be in touch with all those affected by these changes with more information over the coming weeks.

If you would like any further information at this stage, please contact: marketing@bid.org.uk.