12 months until the Croydon Vision Centenary…

As the Queen’s Jubilee recently demonstrated, celebrating landmark anniversaries is a great reason to get together. It gives us the perfect opportunity to reflect on the past and make plans for the type of future we want to build together.

Our own Centenary is coming up – just one year from now – which is an enormous watershed for Croydon Vision. Perhaps one of the biggest changes we’ve seen in 100 years is the way our members are now an empowered part of our vibrant community. Let’s build on that culture of empowerment as we ask:

Where do you see Croydon Vision in the next 3 years, the next decade, and the next 100 years?

And perhaps, more importantly, how can you be part of where we’re headed?

Our recent Away Day at Farleigh Golf Club cemented our resolve to remain impactful and continue to work together as a unified community to build the next 100 years. But alongside reflection, empowerment and ambition there’ll be celebration too! We’re planning a whole host of events and celebrations leading up to the centenary, including this summer’s Open Day & BBQ, an Autumn Dinner, a Start of 2023 Spectacular and a fundraising 100 Challenge!

Obviously it’s a case of the more the merrier for everything we do here, so please do book to join us for these events. But if you’d like to volunteer to help plan, assist at or even run an event please do speak up. We’re here to celebrate our community our way and you’re an integral part of that!

WHAT’S HAPPENING

AT BEDFORD HALL, AND BEYOND

Our Services and Activities

We are pleased to introduce Daisy Young as our new Art and Pottery Tutor and Ama Dozro as our Craft Tutor. Both start this July with a brand new project – We Can Create Too.

Lunch and transport are available from Monday to Thursday and can be booked via reception on 020 8688 2486

Activities you can book via reception:

• Activities for Children & Young People
• Essential Home Visits
• Befriending
• Croydon Vision’s Low Vision Clinic
• Chiropody (the next session is on Tuesday 5th of July)
• Advice & Advocacy and Personal Development sessions are available Monday to Thursday via appointment only

  Visual Awareness Workshops
  29 July 2-4.30pm,
  25 August 10-12.30pm,
  27 September 2-4.30pm,
  13 October 10-12.30pm for World Sight Day,
  21 October 2-4.30pm,
  24 November 10-12.30pm,
  8 December 10-12.30pm

  Living With Sight Loss Workshops
  Tuesday 12th of July 10.30-1pm
  Friday 9 September 2-4.30pm
  Tuesday 20 September 2-4.30pm
  Thursday 17 November 10.30-1pm
  Tuesday 22 November 10.30-1pm

More dates for your diary…

Our Gala Dinner in April was a roaring success; it certainly lived up to its theme of Big Bright and Bold! The newly accessible Croydon Vision was filled with a celebratory atmosphere and the lift was a very popular special guest! We were swamped with messages of thanks and praise for the event, so thank you to everyone who attended and made it so special. We can’t wait to get together again throughout the year…

15th July – Summer Open Day and BBQ, featuring a host of fun interactive stalls, presentations and of course delicious food! Tickets are £10 and available via reception. 5th August – 100 Challenge

23rd to 30th Sept – Eye Health Week

13th October – World Sight Day

14th October – AGM

18th November – Autumn Dinner

There will be more information about what we have planned for the above coming soon and more events to come throughout the year as we count down to our Centenary. Please do get in touch with Reception to find out more about – as well as be involved in – what’s coming up. We look forward to celebrating, reflecting and building the future of Croydon Vision with you!

Summer Excursions

In August normal activities will run on Mondays and Wednesdays but we have an exciting selection of excursions for you to sign up for on Tuesdays and Thursdays as we have both drivers on duty.

BOOKING: Please call the office on 0208 688 2486. We accept payment over the phone or you can pay at reception with either card or cash. Please remember to book by Thursday 28^th July.

FOOD: You can either bring a packed lunch or have lunch in the restaurants we visit.

TIMINGS: We will aim to leave by 9:30am and return by 4:30pm. Please note, home pickups/returns will only be provided to those who are unable to make their own way to and from Croydon Vision.

GUIDES: If you require a guide, please mention this when you book.

 

Tech and Vacancies Update

We have now recruited a Tech Trainer and are delighted to have

Joanne Omorodion on board. We’re now looking for a Member Liaison Officer, so please do spread the word if you know anyone who might be interested.

The Woldingham Wives Tea Party

Wednesday 13th July, 2.30-4pm

Woldingham Wives Fellowship are resuming their annual tea party for Croydon Vision members! It will be wonderful to reconnect after the pandemic and enjoy light refreshments as well as live entertainment. To book please call reception on 020 8688 2486.

Calling Croydon Vision – 020 8688 2486

Croydon Vision’s opening hours are Monday-Thursday,

08:30am-4pm and appointments only on Fridays. Our lines may be busy at times so if you are unable to get through and you’d like to make a booking, please leave a message and we’ll return your call. Remember, you’ll need to book lunch by 10am on the day you wish to reserve and allow 24 hours notice for transport booking.

OPTION 1 = Reception for transport, lunch bookings and general enquiries.

OPTION 2 = Referrals and Membership enquiries

OPTION 3 = Glen for Advice & Advocacy

OPTION 4 = Odette for Community Engagement

OPTION 5 = Elom for Volunteer Enquiries

OPTION 6 = Shailja for Project Management

OPTION 7 = Mickella for the Branding Department

OPTION 8 = Sharjeel for the Accounts Department

OPTION 9 = Natasha for Operations

For Hall Hire enquiries please email hallhire@croydonvision.org.uk

And finally a fond farewell to our valued member, Eddie Styles.

Eddie was full of life, and a real supporter of the work we do at

Croydon Vision. He embodied the concept of ‘What Can I Do for Croydon Vision?’ and we are so grateful to have known him. We hope to continue supporting Wendy, his wife during this time and in future.

Our thoughts and best wishes go out to his friends and family.

MEMBER VOICE:

Roger is full of plans… and pep!

At 83 Roger has just joined Croydon Vision through a referral from Moorfields and he’s keen to make the most of it.

“Glen, the Advice and Advocacy Officer, came to my house to help me apply for my Attendance Allowance and things. He’s a diamond, an absolute diamond. I enjoyed his company so much that we went for lunch with him at Bedford Hall. It was a really nice occasion, the atmosphere was very warm and I got to know some other members who were there. It’s a friendly place.”

“Being certified as visually impaired didn’t really get me down, I’m 83 so I’m retired and you gotta keep your pep up! I’d say it’s the pills but they don’t work! Instead I rely on keeping busy and socialising.

My lack of eyesight means I have zero balance, so it’s hard to keep active. The keep fit session Glen told me about, which can be done from a seated position, sounds ideal. I really fancy that and then staying for lunch afterwards! And music appreciation appeals too. I always prefer listening to music to audiobooks and I like the sound of other people sharing their favourite pieces. I may be 83 but I still want to broaden my horizons and try new things! Joining in and doing something active, it feeds the mind you see.”

“I’m a big believer that the more you get involved the lighter you feel. I always say ‘The world doesn’t owe you a living. The world is there for you to live in.’ I haven’t got a lot of years left – I’m in my twilight years – so I want to get the most out of them. And credit where it’s due, I’m so grateful that Croydon Vision is there to help me do that.”

VOLUNTEER VOICE:

Reflecting on our dynamic Away Day.

The Croydon Vision away day (Friday 27th May) focused on preparing for the next stage of Croydon Vision’s Strategic Plan. Members, volunteers, trustees, external partners and staff got together at Farleigh Golf Club, where we identified ways to improve our service as well as reflect over the past 3yrs work

Peter Temple reflected, “My overall experience of the Away Day was good. I found out a lot about outreach and some interesting points on where Croydon Vision is headed. It was well planned and I look forward to hearing how the plans we made will come to fruition.”

When we asked; ‘What are you most proud of about CV?’

Answers involving our culture included: “Sense of community”, “Our impact and purpose” and “Friendship and belonging”. And answers zeroing in on our values included “Teamwork”, “Thriving during pandemic”, “Our young, diverse board” and “Resilience”.

Five quick wins – Our members said; we did.

1. A weekly games group.
2. Cooking sessions
3. Understanding Advice & Advocacy (monthly My Money Matterssession)
4. Tips & Tricks for Eye Health Workshops (Moorfields Optom)
5. Let’s Talk Tech workshop.

Three actions that came out of our Away Day:

1. Co-Creation – using our broad and engaged community to pilot new devices and developments for tech companies.
2. Strengthening – cementing our heart of a charity and mind-set of a business model in everything we do.
3. Resilience – we want to remain impactful and will continue to work together as a unified community to build the next 100 years.

Next steps from the Away Day:

July & August – Collect feedback to develop further engagement with Members, Volunteers and External Partners.

September – Embark on the first draft of the Strategic Plan for 2023-26.

STAFF VOICE:

Meet some of the Lost 500 Project Team

As we look to reach and empower more visually impaired people across Croydon we’ve been able to expand our team…

Elom Etse – Volunteer Liaison: “My role is to recruit volunteers to support Croydon Vision, where we can offer a variety of flexible opportunities to individuals, organisations and those living with sight loss. I want to promote volunteering as a way of giving back, while developing new skills and enhancing independence and confidence.” Email: Elom.Etse@croydonvision.org.uk

Shailja Amin – Project Manager: “I’m here to develop and contribute to Bricks & Clicks projects and initiatives here, with the ultimate goal of sustainable growth for Croydon Vision. I focus on our strategic pillars for the benefit of our members and the organisation.” Email: shailja.Amin@croydonvision.org.uk

Joanne Omorodion – Tech Trainer: “The main purpose of my role is to empower and support members through hands-on tech training. Personal development is important to me and I believe that everyone is entitled to the opportunity to see what they are capable of in an environment that is accessible, safe and empowering.” Email: Joanne.Omorodion@croydonvision.org.uk

Sharjeel – Finance Lead: “As the Finance Lead, I maintain our accounting system and produce management accounts for review. I’m here to keep our finances robust and compliant with statutory regulations.” Email: sharjeel.ajaz@croydonvision.org.uk

PERSONAL GROWTH:

A Five Step Cycle for Transforming Lives

Our Lost 500 Project, aimed at reaching visually impaired people who’ve fallen between the gaps in the local referral system, is building momentum. As well as getting out into the community to reach people, we’ve developed a clear framework of how we hope each member will progress once they’re part of Croydon Vision.

But this journey doesn’t have to be reserved for new members only. We’ve included the framework below so you can ask yourself where you fit and what we can do to help you progress? Because at the end of the day whether you’re a member, volunteer or member of staff we all have room to grow…

1. Rebuilding:

We provide advice and advocacy, creating personalised plans of action, incorporating talking therapy, peer buddying and active wellbeing sessions – encouraging you to be part of our vibrant community.

2. Re-direction:

We encourage soul-searching using the tried and tested Golden Circle approach Why > How > What. We then walk alongside each person on their journey to work out current and future aspirations.

3. Upskilling:

We’re here to improve social mobility through tech and living aids training, formal education, coaching and mentorship.

4. Applying knowledge:

We empower those with the skills to volunteer at Croydon Vision or other community organisations. Working with businesses to promote inclusion, undertake mock interviews and arrange apprenticeships.

5. From Surviving to Thriving:

Once our members have secured employment or entrepreneurship, we’ll empower them as agents of change, as ambassadors for sight loss and mentors. Opportunities include providing awareness workshops to health and business professionals and making Croydon more accessible for people with sight loss, as well as generating income.

If any of the above feel like something you’d like to know more about please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Our team is here to help you progress and activate your potential.

Please call reception to let us know which of our services could help you on your journey and we’ll do our best to connect you with the person you need 020 8688 2486

LIFESTYLE AND COMMUNITY

Overheard at Bedford Hall

“I am so pleased and grateful for the support I received from Croydon Vision with my application for Attendance Allowance, I can now afford a cleaner & window cleaner!”

Pauline Tate showing her appreciation for Glen, our People’s Champion. If you need assistance with Advice & Advocacy you can contact Glen on 07458301453 ext.3 or by emailing glen.brazier@croydonvision.org.uk. He is in the office Tuesdays and Thursdays and out visiting members on Wednesdays and Fridays.

“The Queen’s Speech in May had some interesting stuff for visually impaired people. Apparently changes will be made to the highway code to incorporate self-driving and automated vehicles, which could provide a transformational experience for blind and partially sighted people. It’s exciting!”

Odette, chatting with Mickella about the future of accessible vehicles!

Try something different…

Have a computer to hand and 20 minutes to spare? Then take a listen to a fascinating discussion between Sustrans and Croydon Vision members. As part of a project funded by Transport for London’s Healthy Streets Programme, this podcast explores whether our streets are designed to meet the needs of disabled people:

www.shorturl.at/gtG16

CROYDON VISION’S 100 QUIZ

1. What’s the word that describes 100 years?
2. What substance has a boiling point of 100 degrees Celsius?
3. Who was the fairytale character who slept for 100 years after being pricked by a spindle?
4. Which athlete currently holds the world-record for the 100 metres print?
5. Which famous bear lives in the One Hundred Acre Woods?
6. Which board game is played with exactly 100 letter tiles?
7. Which American president is displayed on the American $100 bill?
8. Which roman numeral represents the number 100?
9. Can you complete the name of the epic Colombian novel by Gabriel Garcia Marquez: “One Hundred Years of _______”?
10. Which hip-swinging rock and roll icon is the only artist to have had more than 100 singles in the top 40 of the billboard Hot 100?

Thanks to members and volunteers who have helped create quizzes for Our Voice. If you’d like to contribute, please email your questions to newsletter@croydonvision.org.uk

FUNDRAISING, THANKS & CONTACT

We’re excited to improve our renovated lobby, with an audio TV that can read out notices (£1,680 target). Long term we are also looking to invest in a Braille Embosser, to enable our community to access Braille (£12,000 target).

One-off donations, standing orders and legacy donations are what keep us running. If you’d like to donate you can call reception on 020 8688 2486 (we accept cash, card and cheques) or visit: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/croydon-vision

In the meantime, we would like to extend a huge thank you to everyone who has made donations to Croydon Vision over the last couple of months, including S. Shah, Jim Smith, Christine Rose, E. Vino, Claire White, R.A. Flin, Teresa Schenk, Pauline Tart, Sue Ardley, Marie Shield, Mary J, M.J. Barbour and Selsdon Baptists Church. Plus Valerie Smith – Legacy Giving.

Fancy being in Our Voice? We’d love for you to email us with stories, experiences, tips and tricks and reviews, so we can share then with the rest of our community! Please submit via: info@croydonvision.org.uk

Croydon Vision – Charity Number: 1165086

Bedford Hall, 72-74 Wellesley Road, Croydon CR0 2AR info@croydonvision.org.uk 020 8688 2486

Monday- Thursday: 8.30am–4pm Friday: Appointments only.