At VisionAid Technologies, we’re passionate about supporting people with sight loss, so when we had the opportunity to be part of a DIY SOS build, it was truly a day to remember.

Our colleague, Jonathan, travelled to Grove Park in South London to join the team of tradespeople helping transform the home of a remarkable family. From the moment he arrived, the atmosphere was heartwarming — a cup of tea, friendly chats, and introductions to the amazing DIY SOS team, including the lovely Gabby.

Jonathan and the team gathered in a marquee to watch the family’s story on a big screen. The story was moving: eldest siblings Somer and Samuel had taken on the huge responsibility of caring for their younger siblings after the recent loss of their mother. The cramped three-bedroom house was struggling to accommodate the five children, and the youngest, Seth, who is both blind and autistic, needed a safe, supportive environment tailored to his needs.

As Nick Knowles revealed the newly transformed home, the hundreds of people that had made this happen walked together from the build site to the house. The atmosphere was incredible — full of community spirit, laughter, tears and a shared determination to make a difference. Jonathan even had the pleasure of chatting with the local vicar, who had baked cakes for everyone!

Our contribution was the donation of a 6 Dot Braille Label Maker for Seth, helping him gain independence and engage with the world in a way that’s tailored to his needs. Meeting the family, hearing their heartfelt thanks, and seeing the joy on their faces was an unforgettable experience. Jonathan also had the chance to speak with Nick and Billy from the DIY SOS team, who were genuinely interested in VisionAid’s work and the daily impact we have for people with vision loss.

We are so proud to have played a small part in this incredible project, supporting a family who has already faced so much. For us, it was a reminder of why our work matters — making life a little easier and brighter for people living with sight loss.

You can watch the episode on BBC One Fri 24 Oct 8pm - 9pm, Episode 4: Scott Siblings' New Chapter, and we’ll be sharing highlights on our social media pages - don't forget to give us a follow!