What is Torch?

Torch is Christian

- committed to sharing in both words and actions the love of God shown in Jesus. Torch seeks to operate in accordance with the principles taught by the Holy Bible. All that Torch does is open to those of all faiths and none.

see Torch's Basis of Faith

Torch is Fellowship

- Christian fellowship where blind and sighted people meet on equal terms. Some 110 Torch Fellowship Groups meet informally on a monthly basis across the UK, with many more overseas.

Go to Torch Fellowship Groups for more information

Torch is Holidays

- that are designed especially for visually impaired people and offer more opportunity for fellowship. Torch's Holiday and Retreat Centre offers a varied programme of holidays to suit young and old. Torch also runs houseparties at Christian conventions - and holidays abroad too.

Go to Holidays and Retreats for more information

Torch is Something to Read

- in braille, giant print, audio and electronic media. Torch publishes six magazines, produces Bibles, hymn books, Scripture text calendars, tactile greeting cards, books and booklets, and operates a large free postal library of Christian books in accessible media.

Go to Literature for more information

Torch is Caring

- responding to the practical needs of visually impaired people, especially in the poorer countries of the world.

Torch is Worldwide

- with literature going to 100 countries across the globe. Torch is at work in other countries through mutually supportive partnerships with local organisations and individuals. Torch publishes a Directory of Christian Services for Blind and Partially Sighted People Worldwide. Torch has a longstanding involvement in Africa and produces accessible Bibles in African languages at its International base in Malawi.

The International Directory can be downloaded from the Downloads page.

Torch is Non-Denominational

- and seeks to help churches of all types to fully include visually impaired people.

Torch is Supported

- by donation and by prayer. Torch does not run fund raising programmes but relies on faith in God to provide and invites others to pray with us.

Go to Support Torch for more information

Torch

has a staff of around 40 people in the UK. One fifth of the staff are blind or partially sighted people, as are half of the Trustees. The main office and production centre is located in Leicestershire. Torch operates a Holiday and Retreat Centre in the scenic Sussex countryside and has a staff member based in in Northern Ireland. Around 1000 volunteers from across the UK contribute their time to transcription work, the running of Fellowship Groups and much else.

Torch International

is based near Blantyre in Malawi, one of Africa's poorest countries. Here a team of five African staff operate a braille unit producing Bibles and other books in African languages. Around 60 Torch Fellowship Groups meet in villages across the country and through Torch's AID AFRICA programme much is done to help in practical ways.

More information on Torch International

Torch is a Voluntary Organisation

- a registered charity and a charitable company limited by guarantee. Torch relies heavily on the help of many committed and dedicated volunteers. Contact us if you feel you could help.

The formal details ...

The Torch Trust for the Blind, registered charity no. 1095904. A company limited by guarantee no. 4616526 with a registered office of Torch House, Torch Way, Market Harborough, Leicestershire LE16 9HL, England.