Bexley Tigers Basketball Club has announced a new partnership with Specsavers Bexleyheath and Erith, a move set to open up fresh opportunities for children and families across the London Borough of Bexley.
The collaboration will see Specsavers provide funding for the club’s Hardship Fund, an initiative that ensures no young person is excluded from basketball due to financial pressures. The funding will help cover the costs of membership, training sessions, and competition fees for families who might otherwise struggle to access organised sport.
Supporting Inclusion and Opportunity
Since its inception, Bexley Tigers has established itself as a club rooted in the community, committed to making basketball accessible to young people of all backgrounds. The club’s mission is to create an environment where every child can develop confidence, build friendships, and learn essential life skills through sport.
As the cost of living continues to rise, more families are finding it difficult to afford extracurricular activities. At the same time, the importance of sport has never been clearer. Regular participation not only supports physical health but also helps children build resilience and stay connected to positive role models.
The Hardship Fund is one way Bexley Tigers ensures that financial barriers don’t stand in the way of participation. Thanks to Specsavers’ support, the club will be able to extend this vital safety net to more families than ever before.
About Specsavers Bexleyheath and Erith
Specsavers is a trusted provider of affordable eye care and hearing services in communities across the UK. The partnership with Bexley Tigers reflects Specsavers’ commitment to supporting young people’s health, confidence, and long-term wellbeing.
Services offered by Specsavers Bexleyheath and Erith include:
- NHS-funded sight tests and spectacles for children under 16 and students up to age 18 in full-time education.
- Second pairs of spectacles for under-16s from just £10, making it easier for families to have a spare set.
- Free UV coating on all children’s spectacles, protecting eyes from harmful ultraviolet light and helping prevent conditions like cataracts later in life.
- NHS-funded repairs and replacements, so that children aren’t left without glasses if they are lost or damaged.
- Prescription sports glasses and swimming goggles, supporting young athletes to perform at their best.
- Contact lenses, with free trials and discounted subscriptions—ideal for children and teenagers who prefer not to wear glasses while playing sport.
- MiYOSMART lenses and specialist contact lenses, which help to slow the progression of myopia (short-sightedness) in children aged 6–16. With ocular myopia increasing, particularly among children of African and Caribbean heritage, early intervention is essential.
- Private and NHS-funded hearing tests, hearing aids, and wax removal services for adults over 18.
Specsavers’ focus on proactive, affordable care ensures that children can thrive both on the court and in the classroom.
A Timely Partnership with a Shared Vision
The partnership comes at a crucial moment for families across Bexley. Rising living costs have made it harder to access extracurricular activities and essential health services, despite their proven benefits.
According to research, by the time a child turns 18, only 9% of their waking life is spent in a classroom. The remaining 91% is where confidence, aspiration, and lifelong habits are built.
As a Children’s University Learning Destination and a club recognised for its impact across the borough, Bexley Tigers is dedicated to making that time count—through high-quality coaching, mentoring, and programmes designed to inspire young people.
Specsavers shares this vision. Early intervention in eye health and hearing care gives children the best chance to succeed, whether they’re studying or stepping onto the court. Good vision isn’t just important for learning—it’s essential for basketball, where young players must track the ball, read the game, and build confidence in their abilities.
By supporting the Hardship Fund, Specsavers is helping remove financial barriers so that no child is excluded from the chance to learn, play, and grow.
Why This Matters for Our Community
Ocular myopia (short-sightedness) and other vision challenges have been rising, particularly among children of Black heritage and other ethnic backgrounds. Without early support, these issues can impact a child’s confidence, academic progress, and ability to fully participate in sport.
Together, Bexley Tigers and Specsavers are ensuring that children can see more clearly—and see what’s possible.
Contact and Further Information
Families interested in learning more about Specsavers’ services, including NHS-funded and private options, can contact their local branches:
- Specsavers Bexleyheath: 0208 298 9920
- Specsavers Erith: 01322 358900
Bexley Tigers extends sincere thanks to Specsavers for their support and shared belief that every child deserves the chance to thrive.
To find out more about the Hardship Fund or get involved with Bexley Tigers, please visit our website or contact us directly.
Together, we’re building a future where no child has to sit on the sidelines.
