The Fab Lab is the digital manufacturing facility at Beacon Centre for the Blind, which was established in July 2018.

The Lab and its online Etsy shop, 'Made by Fab Lab', design and manufacture digitally crafted products ranging from personalised items like t-shirts to home décor, gifts and seasonal creations.

Marco Longhi, MP for Dudley North paid the facility a visit after their Clearance Centre was targeted by mindless burglars for a third time. Mr Longhi said:

“It was great to meet the team and explore the incredible services available at the centre. Loss of sight is life changing but seeing the work they do at the centre is so encouraging. Their work enables those impacted to adapt and make positive changes.

“I was fascinated to see the work being done at the Fab Lab where all profits are donated back to the Centre. This enables volunteers and members with sight loss and other conditions to gain valuable confidence and skills, meaning that many items are developed and crafted by people with sight loss whom the charity supports.

“I welcome this type of training as it is hands on and will help build people’s confidence as well as teaching them core skills, including the use of 3D printing equipment, how to use different materials, using design software as well as general work practices and behaviour such as health and safety.

“I look forward to returning in the not too distance future.”

You can find out more about Fab Lab, and about Beacon Centre for the Blind, online at beaconvision.org.