PAVIS FOUNDATION for visually impaired people, as its name suggests, works with those who have limited or no sight. Although most of those who use its services live in the Basildon District, there is no actual boundary and any person with, or wishing to know about sight loss, is welcome to call to find out more.

From its base in Basildon, PAVIS runs a resource centre, which houses specialised equipment, holds weekly creative hobby sessions, has lessons in computing and Braille. Outside of Basildon it runs outreach groups in Wickford and Billericay and an Information Desk at the Low Vision Clinic held monthly at Orsett Hospital.

PAVIS-in-Billericay meets in the Reading Rooms, 73 High Street, on Tuesdays at 10.00am for an hours exercise with a qualified instructor. Then at 11.00am there is time to sit round and chat over a hot drink, swapping information and talking in general.

Since its inception in 1998, PAVIS has continued to develop to meet the needs of visually impaired people. It is always looking for new ways in which to encourage people with sight loss to take an active part in society, including becoming a volunteer to work in the centre or as  a befriender with our befriending scheme.

PAVIS runs on a Big Lottery Fund grant but, as with other registered charities, raises its own income through grants and donations. To help with this we are holding a Spring Fayre in the Reading Rooms on Saturday 21 April, from 10.00am to 12.00 noon. Along with the usual stalls there will be a display of information about some eye conditions that lead to sight loss. Entrance is free and everyone is welcome. For more information contact Jane or Kate on 01268 522817.