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SVI members enjoy an even better 'Open' meeting
About 50 SVI members attended a happy social meeting at the Deaf Resource Centre in Dagger Lane, West Bromwich, on Wednesday 19 March 08. Another meeting format was tried and judging by the member reaction it's here to stay!
This time we had 2 light refreshment breaks of 30 mins each. The later one at 3.30pm allowed those wishing to leave to do so. The evident peer interaction with a more relaxed programme suggests this is the way forward. All seemed to be enjoying themselves.
Topics covered
Staying Safe
This dealt with the help available to vulnerable people who are subjected to anti-social behaviour. Mary our secretary has written an interesting digest of this talk.
Songs from the shows
Helen our assistant secretary has a rare talent; she is a member of a well know amateur operatic society and she entertained us with 3 great songs from 3 well known musicals. Here's more about songs from the shows by Helen.
Foundation Hospital Trust
The Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospital Trust have big plans to seek Foundation status, coinciding with the building of a new, relocated hospital in Grove Lane Smethwick. There was much lively debate on the presentation by Tim representing the NHS. Find out more on this website including the summary of the proposals.
Here to Help
Vision Services now have a slot at all our 'open' meetings. This allows for both SVI members and Vision Team staff to meet and share information on roles and experiences. Arthur the Sensory Impairment Manager spoke on the role of Polly a member of his team who had responsibility for information and counselling. Both could be contacted at Vision Services on 0121 558 5555. Arthur also spoke on the role of SVI in the recruitment of VS staff.
More News
Good news about the SVI Newsletter
The Sandwell Partnership have told us that they are so impressed with the success of our newsletter (we’ve attracted 200 new members in the last 12 months) that they are giving us another 12 months grant of £1,600. This will enable us to send the newsletter out in any requested format, to all 1,600 people registered with severe sight loss in Sandwell. This ensures another 4 issues and will cover 2008 and early 2009. It's great news; heartfelt thanks to the Sandwell Partnership for their generous support.
Action for Blind People comes to Sandwell
They brought a mobile information unit to Oldbury (between the Council House and Sava-Centre) on the 13 March 08. Advisors promoted the services they offered to people with sight loss on living aids and technological advances.
Ray, a new SVI committee member visited them. He spoke to Cormac, the manager for the West Midlands. He has filed a more in depth report which you can read on this website.
Recruitment to Vision Services
SVI have scored a first. Three committee members have undergone training to enable them to engage in the selection and interviewing of all new post holders in the Council's Vision Services. Other council departments have been impressed with our professional approach and they have asked us to help support their recruitment process.
Training for this role will be on-going and next time we will ensure we achieve a better gender balance. We certainly felt the loss of our better halves!
Pictured here with their certificates of competence are Saeed, our Website Manager; Graham, Chairperson; and Bernard, Membership Secretary.
Bowls for everyone
Stuart a SVI and SAIBA member is actively recruiting people with sight loss to join the fledgling bowls team which could grow to become a league winner! All ages and genders welcome. More about bowls for everyone here.