We believe in supporting the communities we serve, not just through the water we supply, but by helping people live healthier, more connected, and more independent lives. One way we do this is through our partnership with the Hertfordshire Community Foundation, who manage a charitable fund on our behalf. This fund supports local organisations making a real difference, especially for those who may face daily challenges that many of us rarely consider.
One such organisation is Herts Vision Loss (HVL), a wonderful charity dedicated to improving the lives of people across Hertfordshire who are blind or visually impaired. Their mission is simple but powerful: to support and empower individuals with sight loss so they can live full, confident, and independent lives.
Living with visual impairment brings a range of challenges, from navigating public spaces and using technology, to staying socially connected or accessing vital information. That’s where HVL steps in. They provide a wide range of life-enhancing services, including:
- Information and advice for individuals and their families
- Counselling and advocacy support
- Assistive technology training
- Home visits and befriending services
- Support groups and social events
- Guidance at hospital eye clinics and low vision centres
Through the charitable fund we financially support, HVL is now expanding its work through the Visionary Tech Hub, an initiative designed to bring the latest assistive technology directly into the hands of those who need it most.
Technology can be life-changing for someone with sight loss. From iPads with accessibility features to OrCam glasses that can read text aloud, these tools help people gain confidence and autonomy. Our funding is helping HVL deliver weekly interactive workshops, where participants can explore devices like high-tech readers, voice controlled apps, bumpons (tactile markers for household items), and much more.
These sessions don’t just teach skills — they build independence. Participants learn how to use these tools to read, write, stay in touch with loved ones, navigate their surroundings, and access online services. It opens the door to greater opportunities in education, employment, and social inclusion.
Perhaps most importantly, these workshops provide a space where individuals can connect with others who share similar experiences. That sense of community and mutual support is just as valuable as the technology itself.
Our partnership with HVL is helping to build a more inclusive, understanding society — one where people with visual impairments aren’t just supported, but celebrated for their resilience, skills, and contribution.
This collaboration also helps us at Affinity Water better understand our own customers’ diverse needs. Through projects like this, we’re learning how to tailor our services and provide meaningful, personal support — because everyone deserves to feel seen, valued, and included.
We offer a Priority Services Register (PSR) that is a service for customers who require a little extra help who might be visually impaired, have hearing difficulties, medical conditions or simply would like a password scheme. This is free to join.
Together, we’re creating a future where no one is left behind.