Surrey Association for Visual Impairment. Making a visible difference in Surrey.
Community Services Staff
Jason Spinney - Head of Community Services
I had been the Volunteer Co-ordinator for SAVI since December 2004 and was promoted to Head of Community Services in 2008. Both roles are extremely diverse and no two days are the same.
The role as Head of Community Services is a highly challenging and rewarding one. Looking after so many vital projects that reach out into the community is a fantastic opportunity to provide much needed services to our clients. We have volunteer opportunities, offer computer training, sport and recreation for children, provide benefits support, outreach and low vision projects, provide information services, transcription and we offer external training on visual impairment and deaf blind awareness. So, as you can see, they keep me busy!
In general my motivation is to raise awareness of the issues faced by visually impaired people and offer as many different opportunities to them as we can. We also have the task of becoming more business like and will be tackling head on, the demanding issues facing us on the future of service provision and delivery.
My work history before SAVI is unrelated - stints in financial services and special effects flying for theatre and T.V. I started volunteering for SAVI as a Home Visitor and I haven't looked back.
When not working, and they would keep me here ALL the time if I wasn't careful, I enjoy spending time with my daughter, training for and competing in triathlons, mountain biking, drumming and music.
Email me: jspinney@sa-vi.org.uk or telephone me on 01372 377701 ext. 250
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Stella Black - Deputy Head of Community Services
(Children's Recreation and Training)
I have worked as a Special Needs/Teaching Assistant in Primary Schools in Surrey for 6 years, and for the last 4 years I have worked at RNIB college in Redhill as a support worker and Tutor.
During this time I have grown increasingly aware of the huge impact that sport, leisure and recreational activities can have on the development of individuals, both young and old. Participating in a sport, being part of a team, using energy, learning and achieving, can give you a sense of belonging and can make you feel good!
I am passionate about helping children and young people with VI, to have opportunities, to support them and to make them feel good. As the Children's Recreation Worker with SAVI I will be able to make a difference. Here is a list of our upcoming events - do check regularly for updates!
Having completed my Cert. Ed. whilst at RNIB Redhill, I was pleased to take up the role of Training Manager for SAVI in 2007 – to be able to continue teaching and to be delivering Visual and Disability Awareness - a perfect combination.
Nearly everyone providing a service in the community will at some time in their working lives be required to deal with a blind or visually impaired client/ customer. Our training provides an insight into what it is like to have sight impairment and provides tools and information to help and support VIPs (Visually Impaired People). Turn to our Training Page to find out more and to arrange a date.
Email me: sblack@sa-vi.org.uk or telephone me on: 01372 377701 ext. 237
Katy Kirton - Community Liaison
Katy joined SAVI as our Community Liasion person last year. Her role includes organising Community Services promotional events, exhibitions and drop-in days, and producing the Newsletter Lines of Sight. She has a very varied role at SAVI, including administration for the busy Community Services Team too, and is running a creative writing course this summer.
Katy has a background in administration, publishing and events organisation. She is married with a daughter, lives locally and enjoys travel, reading, gardening, cooking and scuba diving.
Email me: kkirton@sa-vi.org.uk or telephone me on: 01372 377701 ext. 249
Dennis Saunders - Volunteer Coordinator
Last year I took over the role of Volunteer Co-ordinator, previously held by Jason Spinney (Head of Community Services). Prior to that I was the Home Visitor Supervisor from September 2007. This role is very varied, can be demanding, but is also extremely rewarding. Matching a volunteer with a client and seeing them develop a relationship is incredibly worthwhile. I aim to keep the lines of communication open between SAVI, the client and the volunteer so everyone is informed and up to date.
My goal is to get volunteers to help us in more diverse ways, to raise the profile of SAVI volunteers in Surrey and make us really proud of our work, our volunteers and our clients.
I spent 30 years in the civil service, taking early retirement with the aim of changing my career.
I initially took on a six month contract with SAVI as a Supervisor for Communicator Guides, then moved into my current post and hopefully I’m here to stay.
In my spare time I enjoy going to the gym, playing golf and serve my community as a magistrate.
Email me: dsaunders@sa-vi.org.uk or telephone me on: 01372 377701 ext. 239
Katherine Bacon - Benefits Administrator
Katherine joined SAVI as the Benefits Administrator last year having undertaken a temporary position covering Reception earlier in the summer
My background is not previously in benefits but I have hit the ground running and am enjoying the direct contact I have with our clients and supporters. With welfare rights and benefits being a complex issue it is satisfying to know that in my new role I can help make a difference to an individual and their financial situation. If you have any questions or would like information please do give me a call. I shall endeavour to assist you as best I can and where I am unable to help I will be able to signpost you to someone who can.
Email me: kbacon@sa-vi.org.uk or telephone me on 01372 377701 ext. 248
Brenda Aldred - Transcription Service
Brenda Aldred has been with SAVI for 5 years and set up the Transcription Service which had been part of the volunteers' work. She reads, edits and records letters, documents and newsletters for SAVI, private and commercial clients. She also prepares them as Large Print and Braille assisted by Jeff Vincent. Her hobbies include painting and gardening.
Email me: baldred@sa-vi.org.uk
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The Difference Made Visible
Hear the stories of Alan, Elizabeth and Ray
Sight Loss
Learn about the most common eye conditions that can cause visual impairment.
Macular Disease
Cataract
Diabetic Retinopathy
Glaucoma
