Open Sight Hampshire, a sight loss charity, is opening a new information and advice hub in Alton Library, aiding local blind and partially sighted individuals.

Open on the fourth Thursday of every month between 10am and 12pm, the hub—enabled through National Lottery Community Fund assistance—offers independent living services and technology support.

This hub is one of 11 across Hampshire, installed in local libraries to provide vital assistance without requiring long-distance travel.

An estimated 62,000 residents live with sight impairment in Hampshire, 9,000 of whom reside in north Hampshire with significant sight loss.

Jane Beesley, project manager at Open Sight Hampshire, said: “Living with a sight loss condition can be very isolating and daunting, especially for older people. The Information Hubs are places where people with sight loss can get practical help and learn to use technology to make the best use of the sight they have, which will make a massive difference to their mental wellbeing.

"Visitors to the hub can enter without an appointment for conversations and free impartial advice to optimize their residual sight for daily life independence or to get help with digital technology for family, friends, and global connection."

Further hub information can be found at www.opensight.org.uk or by calling 02380 641244.