Devon in Sight was recently awarded  a ‘Special Initiative Award’ at the Visionary conference held for charities across the UK working to improve the lives of people with visual impairment.  Visionary, the new name for the National Association of Local Societies for Visually Impaired People (NALSVI) hosted the event at York University. The newly created category unexpectedly announced at the event was awarded to the Charity in recognition of the hard work we have undertaken to raise our profile and our services to visually impaired people in Devon.  This includes over the last year the name change from DCAB and the provision of additional services and longer opening hours at the newly refurbished Resource Centre. IIt also includes the series of popular events for visually impaired people to try out activities including bowls, computer courses and photography.  

The Charity was originally short listed for the award of ‘Innovation in Service Delivery’, however Visionary felt that the hard work everyone at the charity has put into the re-launch over the last 12 months warranted special recognition.  The ‘Special Initiative Award’ was presented to our newly appointed Resource Centre Manager Katherine Charman and Colin Hoskins a Resource Centre Advisor.

Katherine says “The award is a real acknowledgement of all the hard work done by so many people – staff, volunteers and trustees – to re-launch the charity.  I’m very much looking forward to working with the team at Devon in Sight to build on all that has already been achieved and to further develop and extend the services we provide to visually impaired people.“

Martin Pallett Director of Services says “We are absolutely delighted to receive this unexpected and very welcome award from a high profile charitable organisation.  The award represents strong national recognition of the work the charity has undertaken over the last year to re-launch and redevelop itself. The staff and volunteers have worked really hard to achieve what we have.”

Photo:
2006 ‘Apprentice’ finalist Ruth Badger presents the Charity with a ‘Special Initiative Award’ at the Visionary conference.   L –R:  Colin Hoskins / Ruth Badger/ Katherine Charman