A 160-year-old sight-loss charity has transferred the last of its statutory services to another organisation after failing to raise £2m in a recent appeal.
East Midlands-based Vista warned earlier this year that it could be forced to close without urgent financial support.
After completing a strategic exit from providing residential care services at a loss last year, the charity needed £2m of short-term funding by the end of March to “keep Vista alive”.
After raising £25,600, Vista has now announced it will transfer the services it provided on behalf of councils of Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland to fellow charity BID Services.
Civil Society understands around a third of Vista’s 35 staff members are currently set to transfer across when the services are taken over by BID Services on 6 May.
‘Deeply saddened’
Vista recorded an income of £3.91m and expenditure of £5.77m in the year to March 2025, when it employed 157 people on average, but has shrunk since then after it exited residential care services.
Gail Penberthy, chief executive 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.”
Vista chair Jean Voller 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.”
Mohammed Dawood, assistant city mayor for adult social care, said: “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.”
