Farewell and best wishes to Susanette
Mary Reddick – Member:
I have been at Croydon Vision for 10 years and Susanette has done
such fabulous things. One thing I remember is the iconic 100 year
anniversary, it was a privilege to be present at the event. I also
remember Croydon Vision being awarded the Kings Award for the volunteers. During Covid-19, she adapted services and brought
Croydon Vision to us! I wish Susanette all the best for her journey and
thank her for her 7 years of hard work.
Sarah – Member Liaison Officer:
Your impact on Croydon Vision and the team has been truly inspiring.
Since starting at Croydon Vision, so much has changed. It is clear
that everything you have done has made a huge difference. I am
wishing you nothing but the best for the future. Good luck with
everything!
Sue Lawrence – Volunteer:
I have known Susanette for over 5 years and she is an inspirational
and natural leader. Susanette has steered Croydon Vision through
some difficult times i.e The Pandemic and the loss of funding from
Croydon Council. Thanks to her guidance and direction, Croydon
Vision has survived and hopefully will continue in the future.
Mohamed Madhi – Volunteer:
A great team always needs a great leader. Thank you Susanette for
successfully leading Croydon Vision.
Dr Peter Osei Bonsu – Volunteer:
Susanette, under your leadership, Croydon Vision has offered
individuals with sight loss a clearer vision for the future. Best wishes.
Board of Trustees:
Susanette, you’ve provided outstanding leadership to Croydon Vision.
Your strategic vision, dedication, unwavering service and commitment
has been instrumental in bringing about transformational change to
our charity. We wish you well for the future.
Stella – Advice and Advocacy Officer:
Despite not being at Croydon Vision as long as other members of
staff, you can see how much you care about what you do. A
difference has truly been made here at Croydon Vision and we are all
going to miss you. I am really excited to see what comes next for you.
Best of luck with everything.
David – Hall Hire Lead:
It is definitely going to be strange to not have you anymore at
Croydon Vision. I think many of us can say we have learnt a lot from
you and enjoyed working beside you. I already know that you are
going to excel at what you do in the future.
Olayinka Yemi-Tijanee – Member:
Susanette is a hard working lady, humble and a team player. She is
passionate about the work she is doing which I admire about her. I will
really miss her at Croydon Vision because every time I see her she
stops me to say ‘How are you Ola?’
Leona Dwyer – Member:
Thanks Susanette for bringing Croydon Vision to the 21st century.
We will all miss you and we hope you enjoy your new venture.
Thank you for the opportunity to Serve!
Susanette Mansour – Outgoing Chief Executive
As I sat down to write this note – my last as Chief Executive – I felt a
surge of emotions. There are no words to describe how deeply I’ve
been moved by cross-sector reactions to my leaving, the outpouring
of love and reminiscing on our transformative achievements.
Recently, I revisited my first newsletter, from February 2018: “It has
been great meeting many of you and hearing your thoughts, ideas
and the challenges within the organisation. Together with the team,
my aim is to build on the strengths and achievements of the past; and
to take the organisation to the next level.”
Over the last 7 years, that’s exactly what we’ve done, together. We’ve
developed and reshaped Croydon Vision to be effective through
ingenuity, commitment to excellence, and passion for serving our
communities. A few incredible accomplishments include:
- A co-production meeting that was key to our initial stabilisation plan.
- Rebranding for all ages and defining our values and culture.
- Co-creating our first strategic plan, and smashing targets, together.
- Covid-19 response, collective resilience and adaptability.
- Intro and embedding ‘Heart of a charity, mindset of a business.’
- Modernising our building, including installation of a lift.
- Gala celebration 2023; launching our build to sustain vision.
- A collaborative performance tool for impact – our 5 Step Model.
- Community Low Vision Clinic with Moorfields, reducing waiting times.
Although there are many achievements that have given me pride during
my tenure, I’ve also had some crucial learnings. Having the right people
is a superpower and through those necessary and meaningful
relationships, I’ve learnt to balance care with candour.
The co-creation of our recruitment model Commitment, Attitude and
Performance (CAP) became a game changer, managing expectations
from both sides.
We’ve had some tough conversations over the years, which is only
natural as an organisation evolves to become more efficient and
affordable. The path to a firmer foundation hasn’t always been pain-free,
but – despite the current macroeconomic and geopolitical environments –
I believe I am leaving this organisation well-positioned to meet
opportunities and challenges. Finally, I’d like to extend BIG thanks to
past and present team (volunteers and staff), members, board members,
and partners, for the privilege to serve you.
I have loved my time at Croydon Vision, and I’m glad to make way for
Nicola Newman, who will craft a new legacy of her own. I know that as a
community, you’ll maintain an unwavering dedication to transforming
more lives, from dependence to independence, whilst raising awareness
on preventable sight loss.
I will be taking a short break with my family and then commence interim
and consultancy roles, working with businesses and charities on
organisational development, strategic engagement and culture change.
Hello from incoming Chief Executive,
Nicola Newman
Hello! I’m Nicola Newman and I am so excited to be joining the team
in January as CEO.
I am a life-long Croydon resident and have worked in the voluntary
sector for the last 19 years. I am currently Deputy Chief Executive of
Croydon Drop In, a fellow local charity, supporting children, young
people and their families.
Over the last four years I have supported the charity through a period
of growth, ensuring it had a strong infrastructure and financial integrity
to thrive. I work collaboratively and use a people first approach to
support the team and its beneficiaries.
In my spare time I love getting outside with my family. I belong to a
local amateur dramatics group and there is nothing I love more than a
night at the theatre!
I’d like to thank you for making me feel so welcome at your latest Let’s
Talk and Improve meeting. What it demonstrated so clearly to me,
was how much you care for each other and the charity. I could really
feel the heart and gained a deeper understanding as to why Croydon
Vision is described as a family!
I am looking forward to meeting more of you in the coming weeks and
learning more about the organisation. I am really interested to hear
what Croydon Vision means to you and how you feel the service
could evolve. I believe together we can continue to grow with purpose
and ensure Croydon Vision continues to thrive for the next 100 years!
WHAT’S HAPPENING
AT BEDFORD HALL, AND BEYOND
MONDAYS:
Advice & Advocacy (drop-in sessions, 15 mins slots) – 10am-1:30pm
Drama and Improvisation (fortnightly) – 10.30am-12.30pm Cost £5
Music Appreciation (fortnightly) – 10.30am-12.30pm Cost £5
Chair Yoga – 1.30pm-3pm Cost £5
Cooking Class – 12pm-2.30pm Cost £6
(includes tasters and takeaway meal)
Tech (drop-in sessions, 15 mins slots) – 10:30am-4:30pm
(please refer to tech price list at reception)
TUESDAYS:
Quiz Group – 10.30am-12.30pm Cost £5
Mental Aerobics – 1.30pm-3pm Cost £5
Tech (drop-in sessions, 15 mins slots) – 10:30am-4:30pm
(please refer to tech price list at reception)
WEDNESDAYS:
Keep Fit – 10.30am-12.30pm Cost £6
Art and Pottery – 1.30pm-3pm Cost £6
Working Age – 1:30-3pm Free
THURSDAYS:
Breakfast Club- 9.15am-10.15am Cost £5
Dancing – 10.30am-12.30pm Cost £5
Social Group – 10.30am-12.30pm Cost £5
Community Choir (fortnightly) – 1.30pm-2.30pm Cost £5
New Addington Social Group – 1.30pm-2.30pm Cost £5
Multi-buy discount – On Monday, Tuesday and Thursday you can participate in two social groups for £8. On Wednesday the cost for two activities is £10.
Outreach & Home Visits:
We provide home visit service four days a week, if you know someone in need, please do refer by calling reception on 020 8688 2486 or emailing info@croydonvision.org.uk
Lunch and transport are available Monday to Thursday and can be booked via reception on 020 8688 2486. Lunch price: £7 (£5 main course and £3 dessert). Transport price: £8 both ways (£4 one way).
Other services and activities you can book via reception:
- Activities for Children & Young People – weekly, half term and summer activities – day trips, workshops on social and life skills, development and wellbeing.
- Working Age group and one-to-one meetings (career development, CV writing, volunteering).
- Accessibility software training for Fusion and NVDA at CV (£10/hour).
- Accessibility Tech training home visits – please refer to the tech price list at reception.
- Shalini’s cooking class will take place on 8th January and 13th January. Then the classes will alternate weekly between Mondays and Wednesdays.
- Low Vision Clinic: (monthly) 23rd January, 20th February and 20th March. Book with reception for an appointment.
- Macular Support Group meeting: Every second Monday of the month, 1st session will be 10th February 2025.
- Glaucoma Support meeting: 3rd January 2-3:30pm at Bedford Hall. Meetings are scheduled every first Monday of every month.
- Living With Sight Loss workshop: 21st February at 10am.
- Chiropody: (monthly) Call reception to arrange an appointment.
- Counselling – every Thursday 9am-5pm *Cost £19/Request with Reception to join the waiting list.
Getting Together for Christmas
Our Croydon Vision Christmas Party will be on Thursday 19th December and tickets will be £20, with transport £25. Please ask at reception or call to book your place!
Calling Croydon Vision – 020 8688 2486
Croydon Vision’s opening hours are Monday-Thursday, 8:30am-4pm and appointments or excursions 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.
For Hall Hire enquiries email hallhire@croydonvision.org.uk
Accessible documents: Our members are at the heart of our community and so we want you to be able to access our latest strategy documents, including our latest Annual Review 2024, which is now available in audio format on our website: croydonvision.org.uk/downloads/
MEMBER VOICE: Murugen coming out of his shell
Murugen joined Croydon Vision in January of this year, prior to that he says “I was like a hermit. Coming here has helped me come out of my shell a bit.” This active member of our Working Age group was kind enough to share his story.
I’ve had Retinal dystrophies since I was small, and never really thought much of it because obviously when you’re born with it you don’t feel different from anyone else. Fast-forward to 2013, when I managed to go to Moorfields and got my Certificate of Visual Impairment (CVI). My mental health stopped me doing much with my CVI, until I came to Croydon Vision, which has really helped me a lot.
I’d heard about Croydon Vision from work coaches, who gave me a basic overview. But then Orlene, who I met through the jobcentre, gave me a more in-depth explanation and that’s when I became interested. And then from there I met Ancella and everyone else.
At the start I didn’t really know what Croydon Vision was all about. I didn’t know about the Working Age Group, or the outings, but since becoming more regular – it is really good, it’s been extremely helpful even within the first six months.
Mostly I come to Croydon Vision for the Working Age Group, but I also like the outings, like going to Sight Loss Village in London. Stuff like that I really do enjoy because prior to that, I was like a hermit. I was living by myself with my depression, anxiety and PTSD. Coming here has helped me come out of my shell a bit.
I’d encourage other people with sight loss to come to Croydon Vision. It’s a very good place to come because they help you out with paperwork and give you advice, they have counselling sessions, they have all kinds of different activities on certain days and you do not have to be by yourself.
People underestimate those with sight loss. If you look at the Winter Olympics, you have people with visual impairments but they can do the ‘Downhill slalom’ and they are going 120 miles an hour! You wouldn’t catch me doing that, but I have worked in nightclubs and bars and I’ve juggled bottles around and made cocktails. When I tell people I am visually impaired, they say “How can you do that, you’re visually impaired?” and I say “Well it takes practice but I can still do it”. Just because you are visually impaired doesn’t mean you can’t do things.
If you are struggling with sight loss, you do not have to deal with it by yourself. Prior to coming in, I didn’t know anyone that had my type of sight loss and my former friends would embarrass me in front of people because I couldn’t see. Coming here means you get to meet people who are in the same boat as you. It means freedom to be able to do the things that you are able to do. You get the help that you need and I believe you deserve. You don’t have to struggle by yourself as there is a sense of community here.
VOLUNTEER VOICE: Meet Ines, Volunteer Officer
I’ve dedicated my life to improving healthcare and social justice. Before joining Croydon Vision, I had the immense fortune to enjoy a career in private healthcare with a focus on global operations, research, and strategic leadership across a wide range of therapies.
I have a genuine passion for understanding the interesting complexities offered by ophthalmology, sight loss and visual impairment. This personal journey took me to Croydon Vision, a precious gem at the heart of Croydon, which has been part of my life since 2020.
My goal now is to build upon my previous roles as a Croydon Vision Member and Volunteer, while I nurture my commitment to community engagement, empowerment, and healthcare equity. I sincerely hope that the learnings, joy, and growth I’ve acquired from my various volunteering roles (health and wellbeing, criminal justice, arts and culture) will help others appreciate the real benefits of ‘giving back’.
I am so grateful for the opportunity to address unmet needs and improve the quality of life for people who are blind and visually impaired. As Croydon Vision enters a new century, since its foundation in 1923, we will strengthen our current volunteer base, create new roles and respond to the evolving needs of our growing community. Personally, I am excited to raise awareness and dial up the prevention message. Also, I would love to set up a research centre as we continue to lead and innovate. Croydon Vision has taught me that everything is possible, so watch this space!
STAFF VOICES:
Celebration and connection at this year’s AGM
Our AGM is always an opportunity to connect and celebrate together. Following this year’s AGM in October, we asked three members of the staff team to reflect on how it went…
Clara – Marketing & Engagement Officer:
I really enjoyed the AGM; it was truly inspiring. This was my first Croydon Vision AGM and it was great to see the progress we’ve made over the past year and plans for the future. I believe it was the perfect mix of celebration and connection. Everyone present engaged with the talks and speeches led by members of staff, volunteers, members and trustees – and enjoyed the food too!
Daniel – Tech Officer:
The AGM was a success. All the conversations and talks from everyone were very inspiring and it definitely shows the passion Croydon Vision has for its community. This wasn’t like any other AGM, it was a lively event with food, and karaoke to add a bit of fun. It’s important to us that our members have a good time at Croydon Vision, which was so evident at our AGM!
Abbie Sanda – Office Manager:
The AGM was a memorable experience for me. Both me and the volunteer officer, Ines, had the opportunity to speak on stage and share our journeys and experiences at Croydon Vision. It felt good to contribute to the event in a meaningful way. Of course, the food was definitely a bonus! At Croydon Vision, we believe in ‘Eat, Live and Age Well’, which was reinforced at the AGM!
BUILDING OUR COMMUNITY
Learnings from our Open Day
On Friday 27th September, Croydon Vision hosted an Open Day to bring together members, team and external guests.
It was a great opportunity for guests to learn about our programs, explore our services and engage in workshops that demonstrated how we are building a more inclusive community for those with visual impairments. Workshops covered health and wellbeing, eye health and chair yoga!
What were the objectives of our Open Day?
- To promote awareness of our mission and initiatives.
- To engage our vibrant community with workshops and foster intergenerational connections.
- To recruit volunteers and friends of Croydon Vision.
How was the atmosphere? It was lively and welcoming, with a strong sense of togetherness. Guests, Members and Team shared smiles, stories and new ideas which created an energising environment. Engaging conversations made the day a success
What were the results? The open day strengthened connections within our community and attracted new members, volunteers and partners, who are excited to contribute to the future of Croydon Vision. Guests gained a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by people with visual impairments and left inspired to support our work. The feedback we received highlighted the value of such events in building awareness and we’re thrilled to have grown our network of support. Watch this space for more information, on plans for our Open Day 2025.
ONE THING YOU ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO, 2025
Voice of our community:
- We want more engagement by members, to increase footfall.
- Team expansion and seeing the new building
- To galvanise and reach more people as a team
- More members taking on lead roles as volunteers
- Get a promotion or a raise
- The new building project – it is exciting!
- More integration of adult and young people services
- More funding for the Working age group.
- Working age members commitment, getting into employment.
- Doing more outreach to grow the Working age group.
- To build on the model, heart of a charity, mindset of a business
- To see the team grow, more than one person in each role
- To help Croydon Vision develop links with universities/academic institutions.
- A Croydon Vision Research Centre/Hub
- More promotion, engagement and partnerships to create stronger relationships in the community.
- More members coming to Croydon Vision
- Members take on even bigger roles in their community, offering their strengths.
- More varied workshops to CV
- Continue to harness our community, people truly care for us,
we collaborate and feel empowered.
CROYDON VISION CHRISTMAS QUIZ
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
- What does Advent mean?
- What is the name of Kevin McCallister’s neighbor in “Home Alone”?
- In Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, what was Scrooge’s first name?
- Which one of Santa’s reindeer has the same name as another holiday mascot?
- How many gifts in total were given in “The Twelve Days of Christmas” song?
- In which town was Jesus born?
- What was the first company that used Santa Claus in their advertising?
- In the nativity, who were Baby Jesus’ first visitors?
- True or false? Mince pies used to contain real minced beef.
- What vegetables do children leave out for reindeer to eat on Christmas Eve?
- “Coming” or “Arrival” (from the Latin “adventus”)
2. Old Man Marley 3. Ebenezer 4. Cupid 5. 364
6. Bethlehem 7. Coca Cola 8. Shepherds
9. True 10. Carrots
FUNDRAISING, THANKS & CONTACT
Our fundraising initiatives 2024-25:
£780 – Counselling sessions for 12 weeks (per person)
£1,050 – Taking 12 young people with sight loss on an excursion
£2,820 – Tactile ground lights for our courtyard
£3,200 (each) – Three accessible electronic notice boards with audio
£3,265 – Route to employment programme for sight loss
Why not share our wish list with friends, family and local businesses.
If you’d like to donate, you can call reception on 020 8688 2486 or visit: www.justgiving.com/campaign/croydonvision
We would like to extend a huge thank you to everyone who has made donations to Croydon Vision in the last few months including Christine Rose, Rosemary Houghton, Yehudi Webster, Kai Burton, Albany Lodge Nursing Home, Hiwot Hale, Bellasis Trust, Sue Lawrence,
Mr & Mrs Smith, Rotary Sanderstead & Selsdon, In Memory of Edward Crawley, Paul Harper, The Diana Edgson Wright Charitable Trust and other members who wish to remain anonymous.
Fancy being in Our Voice? Email us with stories, experiences, tips and tricks and reviews, so we can share them with the rest of our community! Please submit via: info@croydonvision.org.uk
Fond farewells…
We’d like to send our sympathy and best wishes to the families of
Ann Luton, Vino Eliatamby and Elsie Best. We’re glad to have them as members of our community. They both will be dearly missed.
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.