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)
Before joining SAVI in September 2007, I worked as a Special Needs/ Teaching Assistant in Primary Schools in Surrey for 6 years and then spent 4 years at RNIB college in Redhill as a support worker and tutor.
During this time I grew 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 believe I can 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 2008 – 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.
I have two wonderful children at university, (and a husband) - I love holidays, walking and anything that takes me outside.
E-mail: sblack@sa-vi.org.uk or telephone me on: 01372 377701 ext. 237
Katy Kirton - Community Liaison
I joined SAVI as our Community Liason person last year. My role includes organising Community Services promotional events, exhibitions and drop-in days, and producing the Newsletter Lines of Sight. I have a very varied role at SAVI, including administration for the busy Community Services Team too, and running a creative writing course this summer.
I have a background in administration, publishing and events organisation. I am married with a daughter, live locally and enjoy travel, reading, gardening, cooking and scuba diving.
E-mail: kkirton@sa-vi.org.uk or telephone me on: 01372 377701 ext. 249
Dennis Saunders - Volunteer Coordinator
This is my first full year as Volunteer Coordinator, which has been very varied and challenging, but 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.
I have changed and streamlined some aspects of the job and have introduced new volunteer training methods and updated the policies & procedures.
My overall 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 have worked in a few different areas but spent 30 years in the Civil Service, taking early retirement with the aim of changing my career. I originally joined SAVI as a Communicator Guide and after the appropriate training, qualified and was then offered the position as a supervisor to the Communicator Guides for a six month contract. When this expired I applied for the new position of the Home Visitor Supervisor, and shortly after that the Volunteer Coordinator.
In my spare time I enjoy going to the gym, playing golf and I serve my community as a magistrate.
E-mail: dsaunders@sa-vi.org.uk or telephone me on: 01372 377701 ext. 239
Katherine Bacon - Benefits Administrator
I 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.
E-mail: kbacon@sa-vi.org.uk or telephone me on 01372 377701 ext. 248
Alyson Bunn - Eye Clinic Liason Officer (ECLO)
As an Eye Clinic Liaison Officer my primary role is to assist those who have been identified with a visual impairment by the Hospital Eye Clinic to access the extensive range of services offered by SAVI. While the eye clinics offer excellent clinical care, SAVI is able to offer further emotional, social and functional support for those with visual impairment. It is my role to ensure all those with visual impairment have access to this support network.
An additional aspect of the role is to promote the services that SAVI offers to the ophthalmic consultants and nurses within the eye clinics of Surrey hospitals. I believe that a greater awareness of the extensive services offered by SAVI can significantly enhance the lives of those living with visual impairment.
I came to SAVI after many years spent working in the optical industry. I have in the past managed large teams in national high street opticians. I also have experience in domiciliary eye care which provided me with a solid background of working in the community.
E-mail: abunn@sa-vi.org.uk or telephone me on 07833 396852.
Nigel Flint - Transcription Officer
I joined SAVI in 2010 and my primary role is to transcribe documents into the clients preferred format such as large print, Braille or audio. The audio is recorded on to CD, tape, USB stick or to the SAVI website. My secondary role is to update the SAVI website.
I am however from a totally different background having served 10 years in the Fire Service (London and Surrey) and 18 years in the Metropolitan Police.
If you require advice or further information on transcription please contact me.
E-mail: nflint@sa-vi.org.uk or telephone me on 01372 377701 ext 240.
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