Celebrating Year 2 of Tech Together

September 14, 2026

Building Digital Confidence, Independence and Community

As we mark the second year of the Tech Together project, we are proud to celebrate not only another year of support for people with sight impairments across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland, but also the successful transfer of the service to BID Services.

This transition represented a challenge during a period of uncertainty, yet thanks to the unwavering commitment of our staff, volunteers, service users and The National Lottery Community Fund, support continued seamlessly. The team’s dedication ensured that our local community continued to receive the technology support, demonstrating the strength and resilience of the Tech Together community.

Funded by The National Lottery Community Fund, Tech Together exists to help people with sight impairments develop the skills, confidence and independence needed to thrive in an increasingly digital world. During Year Two of this project, we received 241 new referrals, delivered 166 home visits and tailored support sessions, and supported many individuals through personalised one-to-one support, peer groups and technology demonstrations.

Technology can be transformational. This year, 188 people developed new digital skills and confidence using smartphones, tablets, assistive technology and smart devices to access services, stay connected with family and friends, manage appointments, travel independently and increase their everyday independence. We also supported people of working age to develop workplace-relevant digital skills, helping to improve employability and career opportunities.

Our peer support groups continued to grow and evolve, welcoming almost 200 attendances across our All Things Apple, All Things Android and Tea and Tech Talk sessions. Led by staff, volunteers and people with lived experience of sight loss, these groups provide much more than technology advice. They create opportunities for friendship, shared learning and mutual support, helping to reduce isolation and strengthen community connections.

Year Two also saw us embrace emerging technology. Our Meta Smart Glasses demonstration events attracted 35 attendees and generated significant interest, leading to plans for a dedicated user group that will continue to explore the exciting possibilities of accessible technology.

Perhaps most importantly, Tech Together remains shaped by the people it serves. Feedback from service users has directly influenced new developments, including accessible “How To” guides (coming soon!), improved support pathways and plans for additional community-based drop-in sessions.

As we look ahead to Year Three, we would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to The National Lottery Community Fund for their continued support. We are equally grateful to our staff, volunteers, partners and service users whose passion, expertise and encouragement make Tech Together possible. Together, we are helping more people with sight loss gain confidence, independence and the opportunity to live life on their own terms.

“The technical support from the volunteer and within the group is exceptional because it comes directly from people who use these devices every day. Seeing peers successfully using technology bridges the gap where theory becomes practice. Group members speak from real personal experience, which cuts out a tremendous amount of frustration through their awareness of what does and doesn’t work and the specific techniques around visual impairment. These factors together create motivation to ‘have a go’ at new things that seem daunting.”