Your News Letter
Issue 16 June 2015
Warwickshire Vision Support
New Vision Support Community Team
Warwickshire Vision Support has a new look Community Team.
Imke Carruthers, Sue Morris and Wendy Knott are now responsible for all theVision Support
Centres, Hospital Eye Clinic advice services, Clubs, My Guide and the Home Visiting services,
not forgetting the hundreds of dedicated Volunteers who helprun these vital services.
The team can be contacted on the main office line 01926 411331 or on their individual emails
on on
on
Imke Carruthers Vision Support Officer
I am really excited to have been taken on as the new Vision Support Officer at Warwickshire Vision Support. Ever since I started as a Volunteer last October I have really enjoyed getting out and meeting new people every day; it really is an interesting and rewarding place to work.
I am currently in my first year at Birmingham City University studying for a foundation degree in Rehabilitation for Visual Impairment, with the eventual aim of becoming a Rehabilitation Officer.
I live in Solihull with my 7yr old daughter Daisy. I am a quarter Dutch which is where my rather different sounding name comes from! However I have lived all my life in the West Midlands apart from a couple of years I spent travelling and working in Australia and New Zealand.
In my spare time I enjoy lots of different sports and I like to take part in mud runs and muddy obstacle courses which I sometimes do for charity. I’m not an athlete by any means but can’t resist a challenge!
I look forward to meeting those of you I have not already met over the coming months.
Imogen Edwards Trainee Administration Assistant
I studied my A-Levels at Coventry City College, and during this time I had my first job which was during the two month summer break. This was a full-time admin based role at a Solicitors. I really enjoyed it and it helped me gain some useful experience.
I then began working part time in retail at WHSmith when I went back to college. The subjects I studied were Psychology, Sociology, AS Biology and AS English. Psychology was definitely my favourite and the subject I found most interesting!
After I had passed my exams, working at WHSmith became my full time job until I came to Warwickshire Vision Support. This is my third full time job and I am enjoying it a lot so far.
I live in Coventry with my Mum and two older brothers. One of my main interests is fitness and I spend a lot of time either at the gym or doing boxacise classes in Warwick. I enjoy baking though I am now trying to learn to cook more different kinds of food! The rest of my time outside of work is usually spent shopping, babysitting, watching films and seeing my friends and family. I also sell Avon cosmetics which keeps me busy!
Issue16 June 2015
Kelly Sowter Rehabilitation Officer
Living the Dream
My name is Kelly Sowter and I am the new Rehabilitation officer for Warwickshire Vision.
In my previous job I worked with children and adults with physical and learning disabilities. Various roles included supporting people to live in the community, taking people on holidays - always good fun - and supporting people to be advocates for their peers for example on the Warwickshire Learning Disability Partnership Board.
My most recent job was in Coventry City Council, working for the visual and hearing impairment team, supporting people with both visual and hearing impairments to retain their independence. I love working as a Rehabilitation Officer. It is a constantly challenging area of work, as you try to find solutions to a variety of issues and help people to help themselves to a more independent life.
On a more personal level I have a few chosen hobbies. I have two dogs and like to do lots of walks. In particular I love going to the seaside, one of my favourite places Is Pembrokeshire – South west Wales, beautiful beaches and friendly people too. I also have an allotment and try to grow a variety of fruit and veg. I like to try new things and this year I am going to try growing Electric Daisies, and supposedly they taste a bit like sherbet.
I look forward to meeting the many members of Warwickshire Vision and travelling around this lovely County.
Emergency Contact
We are currently in the process of sending out a newcontact form to all our Volunteers to complete. This is ‘just in case’ anyone is taken ill or has an accident whilst they are volunteering for us, we will then have an emergency contact number so we can let someone know what has happened.It will also allow us to update our records. Could we ask you all to complete the form and return it at your earliest convenience?
Thank you.
Volunteer Vacancies in the South:
We currently have the following vacancies to fill, if you can help or know someone who would be interested, please contact us.
Rota Co-ordinater for the Leamington Reader/Visitor Service, this can be done from home.
Home visitors in Alcester, Stratford and Leamington.
Drivers in Leamington, Warwick and Southam.
Volunteer Vacancies in the North:
Home Visitor Service:Home Visitors required in Rugby, Nuneaton and Bedworth areas of the county. Helping a person to maintain their independence.
Clubs and Groups: A Treasurer required for our Rugby VIP’s club in the Bilton area of Rugby.
Club Organiser for our Nuneaton Club at Reg Haddon Court.
Drivers: required in the Atherstone and surrounding area for our Atherstone VIP Club. Once a fortnight on a Wednesday.
My Guide: Volunteers required in all areas of the county and Coventry, to act as sighted guides, full training will be provided.
Features and /or Deputy Editor for the Warwickshire Vision Magazine
Stop PressAtherstone Club and Atherstone Vision Support Centre will be combining from July. Further details regarding dates to follow.
Don’t forget to check out our Website for news updates
We can’t do it without you!